Fall in Khiva hits a sweet spot after the wild swings of summer and winter. You’ll see daytime temperatures between 5°C (41°F) and 29°C (84°F), so autumn really does feel like one of the best times to check out the city.
The air stays dry, skies are usually clear, and those cooler evenings make a nice break from the warmer afternoons.
As fall moves along, September’s heat fades and November brings that crisp, almost wintry air. Sunshine sticks around, usually giving you 6 to 10 hours a day, so there’s plenty of daylight for wandering around without the brutal summer sun.
Rain barely shows up, so you can plan to be outside without worrying much about the weather turning on you.
This steady, reliable weather makes fall a smart time to visit. You can wander Khiva’s old streets, soak up the open-air vibe, and trust that the climate won’t throw too many curveballs your way.
Overview of Fall Weather in Khiva
Fall cools things down after Khiva’s intense summer. You get temperatures that finally feel good for being outdoors.
The season brings dry air, big swings between day and night temps, and clear skies that show off the city’s desert climate.
Typical Climate Conditions
Daytime temperatures in Khiva during fall usually run from 29°C (84°F) in September down to 10–13°C (50–55°F) in November. Nights drop fast, often landing near 5°C (41°F) by late fall.
This big gap between day and night is just part of life in Uzbekistan’s deserts.
Rain barely makes an appearance. On average, Khiva gets less than 20 mm of rain in any fall month, and some years it hardly rains at all.
The air keeps its dry bite, and humidity doesn’t ever feel heavy, so even when it’s cooler, it’s a crisp cool, not a damp one.
Sunshine is pretty generous. Most days are clear, with only a few cloudy stretches here and there.
Winds usually stay light or moderate, though you’ll get the odd gust, especially out on the steppe. No need to worry about storms or heavy rain messing up your plans.
What Defines Fall in Khiva
Khiva’s fall stands out as a bridge from blazing summer to cold winter. September still feels a bit like summer, but by October the air cools off and feels just right.
By November, you’ll notice that winter’s not far off, especially at night.
The steady temperature drop makes this season one of the easiest for exploring. You skip the harsh July sun and the biting January cold.
Instead, you get warm days and cool, comfortable evenings.
Dry weather is another thing that really defines fall here. While other places get rainy autumns, Khiva’s desert climate keeps the skies open and blue.
That means you can plan your days without constantly checking the forecast.
Most travelers end up loving fall here because you can sightsee or head outside for hours without sweating or freezing.
The moderate temps and almost no rain make it simple to wander Khiva’s old streets as long as you want.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Temperatures in Khiva drop off quickly as fall goes on, starting out warm in September and heading toward winter chill by late November.
You’ll notice shorter days, which adds to the cool-down.
Monthly Temperature Trends
In September, average highs hit around 31°C (87°F), while nights cool to about 15°C (59°F).
It’s still pretty hot during the day, but evenings feel much nicer.
October brings a real shift. Highs dip to about 20°C (68°F), and lows reach 7°C (45°F).
This is when walking around Khiva’s old streets feels the most pleasant.
November delivers that first real taste of winter. Highs hover at 6–10°C (43–50°F), and nights can drop below freezing—sometimes as low as -3°C (27°F).
That’s when you know winter’s right around the corner.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 31 (87) | 15 (59) |
| October | 20 (68) | 7 (45) |
| November | 6–10 (43–50) | -3 (27) |
Day and Night Temperature Differences
Khiva’s spot in the desert means big swings between daytime heat and nighttime cool.
Early in fall, it’s not weird to feel a 15°C or more difference from afternoon to overnight.
September afternoons can get hot, but after dark, the temperature drops fast. Usually, a light jacket is all you need at night.
By October, the difference is even more obvious. Afternoons are mild, but after sunset, you’ll want something heavier.
In November, both day and night are chilly, so the gap shrinks a bit. Highs might barely clear freezing, and nights dip below zero.
You’ll want to bundle up for frosty mornings and cold evenings, even if the sun’s out during the day.
Precipitation and Humidity in Autumn
Khiva’s fall stays mostly dry, with just a few quick rain showers here and there.
Humidity stays low, so the air feels crisp and clear, even as the season cools from September to November.
Rainfall Patterns
Rain is rare in Khiva during autumn. September and October usually slip by with barely any rain at all.
September averages just 0.4 mm, and October brings about 2.5 mm of precipitation. November, if it rains at all, sees around 6.8 mm—usually on just one day.
You’ll get long stretches of dry, sunny weather. September often brings 29 sunny days, and October averages 25.
Even in November, you can expect about 20 sunny days.
Because rain is so limited, you don’t really need to worry about wet shoes or muddy streets. The old town stays dry, which makes it easy to explore on foot.
If a shower does show up in November, it’s usually quick and doesn’t mess with your plans.
This all fits with the city’s desert climate. Khiva only gets about 100 mm of rain a year, and autumn barely adds to that.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Khiva stays low all fall, which is just how things go in a dry continental climate.
In September, even with warm temps near 29°C, the air feels dry.
By October, it cools off, but humidity doesn’t really climb, so things still feel comfortable.
Nights in November might seem a bit more humid since it’s cold, but the air never gets that damp, heavy feel you find in wetter places.
Even indoors, things stay dry, so you might want to pack moisturizer or water to keep your skin and throat happy.
Low humidity is great if you like crisp, breathable air. It also helps protect Khiva’s mudbrick buildings, which don’t handle moisture well.
That combo of low rain and low humidity makes fall one of the easiest times to be outside here.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in Fall
In Khiva, fall means shorter days and a few more cloudy skies.
Sunshine hours drop off, and cloud cover picks up, so you’ll notice the days getting shorter.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Early September gives you about 13 hours of daylight. By late November, that’s down to around 9.5 hours.
Daylight shrinks by about 2 to 3 minutes a day, so you’ll see sunsets coming earlier and sunrises getting later.
The sun shines brightest in early fall, with mostly clear skies.
By November, sunlight feels weaker, and the short days limit your time outside.
On average, Khiva gets 6 to 7 hours of actual sunshine per day in September, dropping to about 4 to 5 hours in November.
This is mostly because the days are shorter and clouds roll in more often as fall goes on.
If you’re planning to be outside, September and early October give you the best mix of daylight and mild temperatures.
By late fall, you’ll have to squeeze your exploring into a smaller window.
Cloudiness and Visibility
Skies in Khiva change pretty fast during fall. Early September is clear or mostly clear about 90–95% of the time.
By late November, that drops to about 60% clear or partly cloudy days.
The chance of a totally overcast day jumps from about 4% in September to 40% by late November.
You’ll definitely see more gray skies as fall winds down.
Visibility stays good, though, since rain is rare and the air is dry.
Even on cloudy days, you can see far—Khiva’s old walls and the desert beyond stay sharp in the distance.
For visitors, the biggest shift is just less sunlight and shorter days, not haze or fog.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Khiva’s fall brings changes in wind and dry air, which can sometimes kick up fine dust.
These conditions matter if you’re outside a lot or moving around the city.
Prevailing Winds
During fall, winds usually come from the northeast and east. Those directions make up most of the airflow, with some coming from the northwest and west.
Average wind speeds are moderate, but gusts can feel stronger, especially outside the old city walls.
Winds feel cooler than in summer, which is a relief after July and August, but they can also make October and November evenings feel colder than you might expect.
Local data shows that northeast winds make up about a quarter of the year’s flow, with eastern and northwestern winds not far behind.
You’ll notice steady breezes, not calm air. A light jacket or scarf goes a long way if you’re strolling through open streets.
Air Quality and Dust
Khiva’s dry desert climate means rain doesn’t settle the dust in fall.
Winds can pick up fine particles from fields and bare ground, especially after harvest.
Most days, air quality is fine for visitors. If you have allergies or breathing issues, though, windy afternoons might bother you.
Dust levels spike when strong gusts hit dry soil.
Khiva doesn’t have big-city smog—dust is the main thing to watch for. Sunglasses or a light face covering can help if the air gets gritty.
Travel Tips for Visiting Khiva in Fall
Autumn in Khiva means cooler air, shorter days, and gentle sunlight.
You’ll be able to see the sights comfortably without dealing with the summer heat or winter’s deep freeze.
Best Months to Visit
September and October are the best months to wander Khiva in fall.
Daytime highs run from about 29°C in September to around 20°C in October.
Nights get chilly, sometimes dropping to 5°C in October, so expect some big swings in temperature.
Rain barely shows up—October sees just a few millimeters and maybe 3 rainy days.
That makes sightseeing easy, since you almost never have to rearrange your plans for weather.
Sunshine holds steady at about 8 hours a day, so there’s enough daylight for long walks.
September feels warmer and works well if you like lighter clothes.
October brings crisp air and fewer crowds, which can make the old town feel calmer.
If you visit later in fall, days get shorter, and by the end of October, sunset hits before 6 p.m.
What to Pack for Autumn
Autumn weather in Khiva can be a bit unpredictable. Temperatures jump from warm afternoons to pretty chilly nights, so you’ll want to pack a layered wardrobe.
I always grab a light jacket or fleece for the evenings. During the day, you’ll probably feel most comfortable in breathable shirts and trousers.
Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes. Khiva’s historic streets almost beg to be explored on foot, and trust me, your feet will thank you later.
A scarf or hat? Super handy, whether you’re blocking the sun or bracing against the wind. Even in October, when UV levels aren’t at their peak, you’ll still want sunglasses and sunscreen for those bright midday hours.
Rain doesn’t show up often here, but I still toss a compact umbrella or light raincoat in my bag, just in case. Planning to visit mosques or madrasahs? Make sure you pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, since that’s both respectful and often required.