Samarkand, Uzbekistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Samarkand, Uzbekistan? If you're planning to go to Samarkand, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Samarkand
- Important essentials for Samarkand
- Activities for Samarkand
- Samarkand in January: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in February: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in March: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in April: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in May: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in June: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in July: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in August: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in September: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in October: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in November: weather and what to pack
- Samarkand in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Based on the climate and weather in Samarkand, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Samarkand, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Samarkand, Uzbekistan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Samarkand is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Samarkand, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
February
If you are traveling to Samarkand in February, you will notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Samarkand, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
March
In March, Samarkand is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s 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:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
April
In April, Samarkand is mild 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:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
May
Traveling to Samarkand in May, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
June
June for Samarkand can be very hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
July
Traveling to Samarkand in July, you will notice that it is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
August
August in Samarkand is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
September
September for Samarkand is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
October
If you visit Samarkand during October, you will probably notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
November
Traveling to Samarkand in November, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
December
If you are traveling to Samarkand in December, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain regularly and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Samarkand, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to check out the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Samarkand tourism authority.
Activities for Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Samarkand.
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.