When you visit Samarkand in the fall, you step into a season of steady change. Days cool off after the summer heat, and nights bring a crisp chill that hints at winter.
Average autumn temperatures in Samarkand range from warm days around 22°C (72°F) in September to near-freezing nights by November.
Rainfall changes as well, with drier September days giving way to more frequent showers by late autumn. You’ll probably notice the skies clouding up more often, and daylight hours shrinking, which really shifts the city’s daily rhythm.
This transition makes fall a pretty interesting time to explore Samarkand. You get comfortable daytime weather, fewer crowds, and the city’s historic spots look especially nice in that softer, cooler light.
Overview of Fall Weather in Samarkand
Autumn in Samarkand brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and humidity that rises after the dry summer. Rainfall picks up, and the move from hot to mild conditions creates a comfortable season for getting outside.
Typical Autumn Climate Patterns
From September to November, Samarkand’s temperatures steadily drop. Early September often stays warm, with daytime highs around 22–23°C (72–73°F).
By November, daily highs usually hit about 8–9°C (47–48°F), and nights can get close to freezing.
Rainfall picks up in autumn compared to the dry summer. September stays mostly dry, but October and November bring more rain, usually light showers. Humidity goes up too, hitting about 50–55% by late autumn.
Daylight drops from about 12.5 hours in September to less than 10 hours in November. This, mixed with cooler air, signals winter’s approach. Expect crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and cool evenings all season.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Fall
The change from summer to fall in Samarkand feels pretty dramatic, especially with temperature and moisture. In August, average highs often reach 28–30°C (82–86°F), but by September you’ll feel the drop. The air doesn’t feel as dry, since humidity creeps up.
Rainfall shifts too. Summer is super dry, with just a few millimeters of rain in July and August. By October, showers return and help the soil recover after the dry spell.
Winds stay moderate, but the cooler air makes them feel stronger than the calm summer breezes. This shift brings a more balanced climate, so fall becomes one of the best times to be outdoors in Uzbekistan.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, autumn in Samarkand feels cooler, wetter, and just less intense. You won’t deal with the extreme dryness and high heat of July and August. Instead, you get a more moderate range of 10–23°C (50–73°F), depending on the month.
Winter is much colder. Temperatures often dip below 0°C (32°F) with snow in January and February. In autumn, you’ll only get the occasional chilly night, and snow is rare until late November.
Spring is different—wetter and more unpredictable. Rainfall peaks in April, while autumn brings steady but moderate showers. If you like stable, mild weather, fall is a nice middle ground between summer’s heat and winter’s cold.
Average Temperatures in Fall
In Samarkand, fall brings a steady temperature drop as the season moves from warm early days to cool late nights. You’ll notice big differences between September, October, and November, with daytime highs falling quickly and nights getting much colder.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
September brings daytime highs around 30 °C (86 °F), and nights cool to about 16 °C (61 °F). The afternoons still feel pretty warm.
October changes things up. Highs reach about 20 °C (68 °F), and lows drop to near 8 °C (46 °F). You’ll want layers if you’re outside in the evenings or mornings.
November is much colder. Highs average near 10 °C (50 °F), and nighttime lows hover around 1 °C (34 °F). Frost becomes common, and some nights dip below freezing.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 30 °C / 86 °F | 16 °C / 61 °F |
| October | 20 °C / 68 °F | 8 °C / 46 °F |
| November | 10 °C / 50 °F | 1 °C / 34 °F |
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
You’ll feel a big difference between day and night temps in Samarkand during fall. September afternoons can still feel hot, but nights cool down a lot. The swing can hit 10–14 °C (18–25 °F) in a single day.
In October, the difference sticks around but isn’t quite as stark. Afternoons are mild, but nights get chilly, so a jacket or sweater comes in handy.
By November, both days and nights lean cold, and frost shows up often. Even if daytime highs reach double digits in Celsius, the city feels much colder overall.
Temperature Trends from September to November
From early September to late November, Samarkand’s average highs drop by about 20 °C (36 °F). The season starts off warm and ends nearly in winter mode.
September still feels like late summer. October brings crisp air, and November is basically the gateway to winter.
Nighttime lows fall even faster, dropping about 15 °C (27 °F) over the season. What starts as comfortable evenings in September turns into cold nights by November, with frost and the occasional freeze.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
During autumn in Samarkand, rainfall stands out more than in the dry summer. You’ll see a gradual increase in precipitation, more cloudy days, and humidity rising as winter gets closer.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall in Samarkand during autumn climbs steadily from September to November. September stays pretty dry, averaging about 10–15 mm of rain. October bumps up to 25–30 mm, and by November, precipitation can reach 35–40 mm.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep this in mind. Early autumn is mostly dry and comfortable, but late autumn brings regular rain and the occasional wet day. The extra moisture is one of the first signs that winter’s on the way.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 10–15 |
| October | 25–30 |
| November | 35–40 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days pick up as autumn goes on. In September, you might only see 1–2 rainy days all month. October usually doubles that, averaging 3–4 days. November brings the most, with 5–6 rainy days, often with overcast skies and cooler temps.
Rain isn’t usually heavy or long-lasting, but showers can be steady enough to change your plans. Carrying a light rain jacket is smart in October, and you’ll probably need it by November. Autumn brings more variety in the weather, so flexibility is key.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Samarkand rises slowly through autumn. September still feels fairly dry, with average relative humidity near 40–45%. By October, it hits around 50%, and in November, it can reach 55–60%.
If you’re used to the dry summer, you’ll notice this change. The extra moisture makes evenings feel colder, especially as temperatures fall. Humidity never gets extreme, but you’ll definitely feel the difference between early and late autumn.
These changes affect how comfortable outdoor sightseeing feels. September is pleasant and dry, while November feels damper and brisk.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
During fall in Samarkand, sunshine, daylight, and sun intensity all shift as the season moves from warm September into chilly November. You’ll see shorter days, fewer hours of direct sun, and a gradual drop in UV strength, which can change how you plan your time outside.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In early fall, you get long stretches of sunshine. September often has 10–11 hours of bright sun per day, so there’s plenty of light for exploring. By October, sunshine averages around 9–10 hours daily, and November drops to about 7–8 hours.
This steady decline makes October and November feel less intense than summer, but Samarkand still stays sunnier than many places at the same latitude.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| September | 10–11 hours |
| October | 9–10 hours |
| November | 7–8 hours |
Even late in fall, you get enough sun for outdoor activities, though mornings and evenings are dimmer.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight itself, not just sunshine, also drops with each month. In September, you get about 12–13 hours of daylight. By October, it’s down to around 11 hours, and by November, daylight shrinks to 10 hours or less.
This change affects your plans. In September, you can explore into the evening, but by November, earlier sunsets and longer nights mean you need to start your days earlier.
The reduction in daylight is gradual but obvious. The biggest shift happens between late October and early November, right as the weather cools and heavier clothes come out.
UV Index Trends in Fall
The UV Index in Samarkand drops clearly through fall. September still has a high UV level (around 7–8), so you’ll want sun protection during midday. By October, the index falls to about 6—still high, but less intense than summer.
In November, the UV Index drops to 3–4, which is the moderate range. Sunburn risk is lower, but fair-skinned folks may still need protection if they’re outside for a while.
To make it simple:
- September: High risk, SPF 30+ is best.
- October: Still high, SPF 15–30 is fine.
- November: Moderate risk, light protection is probably enough.
This drop in UV makes fall more comfortable for outdoor exploring, especially compared to the harsh summer sun.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In fall, Samarkand’s weather stays mild with light winds and steady pressure. Breezes are gentle, and the air feels calm compared to spring, which brings stronger gusts. Pressure levels stay stable, making daily conditions pretty predictable and comfortable.
Typical Wind Speeds
During autumn, average wind speeds in Samarkand are low, around 2 miles per hour. That’s much weaker than in spring months like March and April, when winds can hit 4–5 mph.
Most days feel calm, and strong gusts rarely mess with your plans. Light breezes usually come from the west or northwest, bringing in cooler air as winter approaches.
Calm winds also mean less dust in the air than during the dry summer. So, fall is a great time to walk the city or visit open-air sites without any hassle.
For comparison:
- March–April average: 4.5 mph
- Autumn average: 2 mph
- July average: 4.5 mph
So, fall really is one of the calmest times of the year for wind in Samarkand.
Air Pressure Patterns
During fall, air pressure in Samarkand usually holds steady, averaging about 700 inHg. That number might look odd if you’re used to international standards, but what really matters here is how stable it stays.
You probably won’t notice any sharp changes that trigger headaches or sudden weather twists. Stable pressure helps keep Samarkand’s autumn climate mild.
Most days, skies look clear, and you’ll see less rain than in winter. Thanks to this, planning outdoor activities gets a lot easier, since storms rarely sneak up on you.
As September’s mild days shift into November’s cooler nights, the pressure changes slowly. This gradual transition makes fall feel pretty balanced, without wild swings in weather.
Expect comfortable air, predictable skies, and reliable conditions for wandering around the city or heading out to nearby spots.
Travel Tips for Visiting Samarkand in Autumn
Autumn in Samarkand feels just right for exploring. Mild temperatures and smaller crowds make everything more relaxed.
You can check out outdoor sites without sweating through summer heat. Plus, seasonal colors and cultural events give you a real taste of Uzbek daily life.
Best Activities for Fall
You’ll want to spend hours wandering Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The cooler air makes walking around historic madrassas and mosques much more pleasant.
Autumn really brings out the best in parks and gardens. Trees in Amir Timur Park and along the old city’s boulevards show off their colors and add a certain charm.
Markets like Siyob Bazaar buzz with life this time of year. You’ll find fresh pomegranates, grapes, and melons everywhere, and it’s the perfect season for tasting local snacks or picking up handmade goods.
If you’re up for a day trip, fall weather makes it easy to visit places like Shahrisabz or the ancient observatory of Ulugh Beg. Travel feels manageable, and you skip the harshness of summer or winter.
Packing Recommendations for the Season
September can still get hot, with highs around 30°C (86°F), but by November, mornings and nights might dip to 5°C (41°F). Pack clothes that help you adjust as temperatures swing.
Bring light layers—think cotton shirts and long sleeves for the warmer parts of the day. Toss in a medium jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings. A scarf can save you when temperatures drop unexpectedly.
You’ll do a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. The old city’s streets can be uneven, so sturdy soles will serve you better than flimsy sandals.
Rain doesn’t hit often, but a small umbrella or a light rain jacket could come in handy for quick showers. Sunglasses and sunscreen? Still useful, since autumn days stay pretty sunny.
Travel Considerations and Local Events
Autumn brings a rush of travelers to Uzbekistan, so you’ll want to book hotels and train tickets ahead of time. In Samarkand, spots near the main sights fill up fast, especially this time of year.
By late October, daylight fades earlier, so it’s smart to start sightseeing in the morning if you want to catch the best light. Evenings can get chilly in a hurry, so try to finish outdoor plans before the sun goes down.
Autumn is festival season here, with harvest parties and music events popping up all over. If you go, you’ll get a real taste of Uzbek culture, and honestly, the seasonal food is worth it alone.
Public transportation and taxis usually run smoothly, but traffic can get heavy when festivals are on. Give yourself some extra time if you’re heading to an event or traveling between cities.