Samarkand, Uzbekistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Samarkand, Uzbekistan? If you're planning to go to Samarkand, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Based on the climate and weather in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Samarkand, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Samarkand, Uzbekistan by month

January

If you are traveling to Samarkand in January, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

February

In February, Samarkand can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Samarkand, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

March

If you visit Samarkand during March, you might see that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

April

In April, Samarkand is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Samarkand, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

May

If you go to Samarkand in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

June

If you are traveling to Samarkand in June, you will notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

July

July in Samarkand is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

August

If you are traveling to Samarkand in August, you will notice that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

September

Traveling to Samarkand in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

October

October in Samarkand is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

November

November is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

December

If you vacation in Samarkand during December, you may notice that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uzbekistan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Samarkand. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.

What to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, located in Uzbekistan is known as the "crossroads of cultures" due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. This city has been a center of trade, culture, and learning since ancient times, and still today, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in the Islamic world. Samarkand is a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by art, architecture, and ancient history. Here are the top tourist attractions that every visitor should explore during their trip to Samarkand.

Registan Square

Registan Square is the heart of Samarkand's historical downtown, and it is one of the most remarkable architectural complexes in Central Asia. Comprising a huge rectangular courtyard, the complex houses three magnificent madrasas – the Ulugbek, Tillya-Kari, and Sher-Dor madrasas. The grand scale of Registan Square and its intricate tilework and mosaics will leave you utterly impressed.

Shah-i-Zinda

Shah-i-Zinda is a grand necropolis that is home to some of the most exquisite tomb structures and mausoleums in Central Asia. The sprawling complex contains over 50 tombs and monuments, which belong to different noble families, Sufi scholars, and rulers from various periods. The delicacy and complexity of the tile work in each of the structures are sure to astound visitors.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The Gur-e-Amir is a spectacular example of Timurid architecture and design. It is the final resting place of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, and his family, including his grandson, Ulugbek. The intricate patterns, brightly colored tiles and vivid mosaics of Gur-e-Amir are a sight to behold.

Ulugbek Observatory

Ulugbek Observatory is an ancient observatory built by the eponymous prince, Ulugbek, which became a center of astronomical studies in the 15th century. The observatory's ruins demonstrate the advanced science and technology of that era. It is a great site for those with an interest in the history and science of the Islamic world.

Bibi Khanum Mosque

Bibi Khanum Mosque was built by the wife of Timur, Bibi Khanum in the late 14th century. According to legend, Bibi Khanum supervised its construction while Timur was off fighting wars. The massive size and scale of the mosque, with its majestic blue dome, guilded mosaics, and intricate tile work, make it a truly impressive sight.

Samarkand is an engaging and impressive city that offers a unique journey into the history and culture of Central Asia. With so many breathtaking attractions to choose from, Samarkand will leave an impression on visitors that will last a lifetime.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Delémont, Switzerland, Bewdley, England, United Kingdom, Akaa, Finland, Somers, New York, United States of America, Ortley Beach, New Jersey, United States of America, Katappattoor, India, Henry W. Coe State Park, California, United States of America, Pound Ridge, New York, United States of America, Eiheiji, Japan, Eastchester, New York, United States of America, and New River and Greenbrier Valleys, West Virginia, United States of America.