December in Uzbekistan is a month of frosty mornings, twinkling lights and quiet streets dusted with snow. The weather in Uzbekistan in December is decidedly wintry, with daytime highs of between 35 and 45°F (2 and 7°C) and freezing nights across much of the country. On average, 52mm of rain falls in December, some of it snow. However, the air is crisp, the cities are calm and there’s a festive sparkle as New Year approaches. While it’s not the month for hiking in the mountains (although Uzbekistan’s ski resorts may open if the snow arrives), or enjoying the desert heat, December offers its own magic thanks to snow-covered monuments, steaming cups of tea in traditional chaikhanas and the chance to explore iconic sites like Registan or the Ark of Bukhara without the crowds. If you don’t mind bundling up, you’ll find Uzbekistan in December to be quiet, affordable and quietly beautiful.
The weather in Uzbekistan in December brings the full force of winter to Uzbekistan, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate or travel somewhere else.
If you enjoy winter travel and quieter experiences, December can be a wonderful time to visit Uzbekistan. It’s cold, no doubt, but the payoff is fewer tourists, budget-friendly prices, and a chance to see the country in a whole new light.
Samarkand and Tashkent stay around 28°F to 46°F (-2°C to 8°C), while desert areas and higher altitudes can get much colder. The historic cities look especially atmospheric under a light blanket of snow, and indoor attractions — from mosques and museums to bathhouses and bazaars — take center stage.
For those looking to hit the slopes, ski resorts in Chimgan and Amirsoy open their elevators for the season, offering a different kind of adventure. And as New Year approaches, cities come alive with markets, lights, and seasonal celebrations.
December might not be the obvious choice, but for travelers who like a slower pace, wintry vibes, and a bit of off-season charm, it offers a fresh perspective — and rounds out some of the more underrated reasons to visit Uzbekistan.
December is one of Uzbekistan’s coldest months, with full-on winter conditions across most of the country.
In Tashkent, you can expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows around 32°F (0°C). Samarkand and Bukhara are slightly colder, with highs near 43°F (6°C) and nights down to 28°F (-2°C).
The Fergana Valley is a touch milder, reaching 48°F (9°C) during the day and cooling to 34°F (1°C) overnight.
Desert regions like Khiva and the Kyzylkum can get very cold with highs around 39°F (4°C) and lows near 23°F (-5°C), especially at dawn and after sunset.
In the mountains, things are properly wintry. Chimgan and high-altitude areas hover around 30°F (-1°C) during the day and dip to 14°F (-10°C) at night. Snowfall is common, and ski season gets underway.
Despite the chill, the dry air and sunshine help make the cold manageable. Just come prepared with warm clothing and layered outfits for changing conditions.
Mosque in Uzbekistan
December is the low season in Uzbekistan, which means fewer tourists and lower prices. Popular cities like Samarkand and Bukhara are peaceful, and you’ll often have major sites nearly to yourself.
Accommodation is budget-friendly, and tour prices tend to dip as demand drops. Flights are also cheaper, except in the final week of the month when New Year celebrations cause a slight spike in travel activity.
If you're after a quieter, more relaxed visit, or looking to stretch your budget, December is a great time to go. You’ll trade sunshine for snow, but gain a tranquil, local feel that’s hard to find at other times of year.
Cold weather? Yes. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on things to do. December offers snowy sights, warming traditions and festive surprises.
Tashkent’s main square feels almost regal in winter, with fountains frozen in place and snow outlining the monuments. Early mornings are especially quiet and serene.
Nothing beats a cozy tearoom or chaikana in winter. Find a spot with heated platforms and tuck into a teapot of green tea with dried apricots, walnuts and warm Uzbek pastries.
From mid-December, vacation markets spring up in city squares with fairy lights, sweet treats and handmade ornaments. It’s a cheerful and colorful way to get into the festive spirit.
Tashkent
In winter, this vast lake becomes hauntingly beautiful. The frozen surface and silence of the steppe make it ideal for reflection, solitude or wintry photography.
Uzbekistan’s top ski resort opens in December, with modern elevators, rental gear and trails for all levels. Just a short drive from Tashkent, it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend escape.
While quieter overall, December still brings its share of celebration and seasonal spirit. Highlights include:
