The climate of Samarkand
Samarkand experiences a Mediterranean, hot summer climate known as Csa in the Köppen climate classification. This climatic condition characterizes the beauty of Samarkand, located in the heart of
Uzbekistan. Common factors that define Samarkand’s climate are the scorching summers, bountiful sunshine duration, and a quite dry period for most of the year.
Throughout the year, the average temperatures in Samarkand range from a low of -4.8°C (23.4°F) during winter nights in
January to a high of 28.8°C (83.8°F) on hot summer days in
July. Consequently, it results in a noticeable fluctuation in temperatures from the colder months to the warmer months.
The total annual rainfall in Samarkand contributes to a total of 211mm (8.31"), with precipitation events distributed unevenly throughout the year. The driest period is from
May to
September, with rainfall dropping to only 4mm (0.16") in July and
August. On the contrary, the highest amount of rainfall is expected in
April, with an average of 53mm (2.09").
Adding more to Samarkand’s uniqueness is the snowfall between
December and
March, which peaks in
February at 61mm (2.4"). This phenomenon is accompanied by more snowfall days during these months, reaching 4.9 days in February. Moreover, a discernible pattern of cloud coverage demonstrates a lower percentage during summer months, reaching as low as 4% in August and escalating up to 34% in February.
The best time to visit Samarkand
For those planning a trip to this historical capital, the best time to visit
Samarkand is from
May to
September. During this period, the weather conditions are generally favorable with the average maximum temperature ranging between 21.6°C (70.9°F) in May and 28.8°C (83.8°F) in
July. Moreover, the amount of rainfall is at its lowest, falling as low as 4mm (0.16") in July and
August. Additionally, tourists can benefit from extended daylight hours, reaching up to 14.9 hours a day in
June, and a lower relative humidity of between 28% to 34%.
The worst time to visit Samarkand
The unfavorable climatic conditions in
Samarkand occur mainly in the coldest months of the year, particularly between
December and
February. These months experience freezing temperatures that can drop to -4.8°C (23.4°F) in
January. This period also results in considerable snowfall, reaching a peak of 61mm (2.4") in February. Furthermore, daylight hours are at their shortest, averaging 9.7 hours in January, limiting outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities.
Spring weather in Samarkand
Springtime in
Samarkand, from
March to
May, witnesses a rapid increase in temperatures. March signals the onset of Spring with average temperatures ranging between -4.3°C (24.3°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F), which steadily rise to the range of 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F) by May. The length of daylight also increases noticeably, reaching 14.4 hours by May. However, Spring experiences relatively higher rainfall, peaking to 53mm (2.09") in
April.
Summer weather in Samarkand
Summers in
Samarkand, which extend from
June to
August, are characterized by high temperatures, reaching an average maximum of 28.8°C (83.8°F) in
July. These months are also the driest, with rainfall dropping to a meager 4mm (0.16") in July and August. Additionally, relative humidity reaches its lowest, between 28% to 29%, creating warm and dry conditions. The ample daylight, reaching a high of 14.9 hours in June, ensures long days for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Samarkand
Autumn, from
September to
November, brings a reduction in temperatures, ranging between 11.4°C (52.5°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F) in September and further dropping to between 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F) by November. Despite the decrease in daylight hours, September still offers a generous 12.5 hours of daylight. Relative humidity starts to increase again during this period, reaching 54% by November.
Winter weather in Samarkand
Winter months, from
December to
February, are the coldest in
Samarkand. The temperature plummets to as low as -4.8°C (23.4°F) in
January. While the amount of rainfall decreases, Samarkand experiences a sharp rise in snowfall, peaking at 61mm (2.4") in February. The scarce sunlight during this period results in fewer daylight hours, averaging 9.4 hours in December. Winter thus marks a quiet period in the city with less outdoor activities due to the cold weather conditions.
Weather in January
Samarkand,
Uzbekistan sees the start of the year with a relatively firm grip of winter. Temperature fluctuations in
January register from a frosty -4.8°C (23.4°F) to a less harsh 3.1°C (37.6°F). The city's weather canvas is mostly depicted by snowfall, accompanied by a moderate humidity level.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Trailing its preceding month,
February in
Samarkand ushers a sustained chill factor, albeit with a slightly lower intensity. The city still adorns a snowy mantle, but the weather conditions mark a transition from
January with a noticeable uptick in temperature, daylight hours, and a higher level of relative humidity recorded at 68%.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals early signs of spring, marking a considerable climb in temperature, thus offering a break from the relentless winter chill. Increased daylight hours extend opportunities to explore this ancient city's awe-inspiring monuments.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April illuminates
Samarkand with burgeoning spring warmth. Marking a noteworthy escalation from
March to a balmy average high of 15.4°C (59.7°F), the city bids a definitive goodbye to the harsh winter vestiges. While April showers are more frequent compared to the preceding months, they bring about a vibrant blossoming of city flora.
Weather in April »Weather in May
By the time
May arrives, the city of
Samarkand is well into spring with noticeably milder weather. The mercury continues its upward march, reaching sways of 21.6°C (70.9°F), highlighting the transformation the city undergoes from the freezing winter to nearly peak summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the promise of the long-awaited summer to
Samarkand. Corresponding to the rise in temperature, there's a reduction in the occurrence of rain, making the days primarily hot and dry. The extended daylight hours not only paint the cityscape with a radiant, sun-soaked hue but also allow more time for sight-seeing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Samarkand presents the apex of summer marked with the highest average temperatures recorded at 28.8°C (83.8°F). The city, soaked in the comforting warmth of the summer sun, is home to clear skies and limited precipitation.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following
July,
August moderates the high summer fervor ever so slightly. While the mercury continues to register numbers consistent with summer, the transition towards the end of summer is visible. The city retains the elements of a classic Uzbek summer - moderate winds, clear skies, and minimal rain.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Come
September, and
Samarkand ushers in Autumn with a marked drop in temperature and the promise of crisp, pleasant days. While the remnants of summer linger, the declining intensity is evident in the change from summer's scorching heat to a more manageable range.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterised by further dropping temperatures as
Samarkand heads towards winter. However, the decrease is gradual, maintaining the agreeable conditions ideal for outdoor exploration. While the city does experience rainfall, it is not substantial and the skies mostly remain clear.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Samarkand transitions further into late autumn, temperatures fall close to 0°C (32°F). The change in weather conditions is marked by the return of the first snowfall after a break of 4 months. The cloudy, grey sky casts its pallor over the city, broken intermittently by periodic sunshine.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the final calendar month, plunges
Samarkand into the throes of winter once again. Sub-zero temperatures become a staple as the highest temperature recorded dips to 4.5°C (40.1°F). Characterised by persistent snowfall and limited daylight hours, the weather conditions during the day see reduced visibility.
Weather in December » [Resources]