If you spend Christmas in Tashkent, you walk into a season filled with crisp air, shorter days, and a gentle winter vibe. Temperatures usually hover near freezing—often from -1°C at night up to about 8°C during the day. Sometimes you’ll get a dusting of snow, which makes the city feel even more festive.
Snow doesn’t always fall heavily each year, but you’ll definitely feel the cold on those early mornings and chilly evenings. Sometimes, fog rolls in and adds a bit of mystery to the streets.
December brings some of the shortest days of the year in Tashkent. You’ll notice the daylight hours shape your plans, and it’s easy to lose track of time when the sun sets so early.
Humidity rises compared to the dry summers, and those light winds can cut right through your coat. The weather stays manageable for exploring, but you’ll want to layer up and be ready for sudden shifts between clear skies and cloud cover.
Visiting Tashkent at Christmas lets you experience both the warmth of local culture and the quiet beauty of winter. The cold is nothing like the city’s brutal summers or the gentle spring, so if you like a slower pace and cooler weather, this season’s pretty unique.
Typical Christmas Weather in Tashkent
In late December, you get cold days and chilly nights in Tashkent. The season usually brings a mix of light snow, some rain, and plenty of cloudy skies, with not much sunshine and limited daylight.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Daytime temps around Christmas usually climb to about 7–8°C (45–46°F). Nights? They’re much colder, often dropping down to -2°C (28°F).
Sometimes, a cold snap pushes daytime temperatures below freezing. If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll definitely need warm clothes.
The air feels crisp, but humidity stays pretty high for a continental climate. That makes the cold sting a bit more, especially after sunset.
Layers are your friend here—a thermal base, a sweater, and a solid jacket will keep you comfortable.
Precipitation Patterns During Christmas
December counts as one of Tashkent’s wetter months, with about 60–65 mm of precipitation. You’ll see around 10–12 days of rain or snow.
Snow doesn’t stick around for long, but it can fall overnight or early in the morning. Rain shows up too, usually light or moderate.
The streets might get damp or icy, so waterproof shoes or boots are a smart choice. Umbrellas help, but honestly, a hooded jacket works better when it’s windy.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Tashkent only gets about 9–9.5 hours of daylight each day around Christmas. The sun rises late, and sunset sneaks up on you before dinner.
Even with the short days, you’ll still catch some sunshine. December averages about 100–110 hours of sun for the whole month, which means a few bright hours per day.
Clouds are common, so expect plenty of gray days with just the occasional burst of blue sky. Sunglasses might seem unnecessary, but the low winter sun can be blinding—especially if there’s snow on the ground.
These daylight patterns set the pace for daily life. If you’re sightseeing, plan for midday when it’s a little warmer and the light’s better.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late December brings damp, cool air to Tashkent, and the winds usually stay light to moderate. Together, these make the outdoors feel colder, even if the thermometer isn’t at its lowest.
Relative Humidity Levels in December
You’ll notice high relative humidity in December, usually around 70–73%. It’s actually one of the dampest times of year here.
All that moisture in the air, mixed with the cold, makes the chill bite a bit more than you’d expect. Even a daytime high of 6°C can feel colder when humidity is up.
Foggy mornings happen, especially in low-lying neighborhoods, thanks to all that humidity. Snow might fall, but you’ll see more cloudy skies and damp air than deep snowdrifts.
If you’re moving between indoors and outdoors a lot, you’ll feel the difference—indoor heating dries things out, so the contrast can be a bit much.
Wind Speed Trends Around Christmas
Winds in December tend to stay light to moderate, averaging 3–5 meters per second (about 10–18 km/h). That’s enough to add a chill, but not enough to cause problems.
The wind changes direction with the weather, though southwesterly and northeasterly breezes show up most. When cold air blows in from the north, it feels especially sharp on your face.
Calm nights are common, which helps fog form when humidity is high. During the day, light breezes clear out haze and keep the air feeling fresh, even if it’s cold.
If you’re outside, you’ll only need a windproof layer to stay comfortable. You won’t have to fight strong gusts while exploring the city.
Weather Variability and Extremes
Cold conditions and occasional snow are pretty standard in late December, but the weather doesn’t always follow a script. Swings in temperature and the odd extreme event can really change your experience.
Temperature Fluctuations
Daytime temps usually sit around 4–8°C (39–46°F), while nights drop to -1 to -3°C (26–30°F). But honestly, you’ll get some mild days and others that are downright freezing.
Sometimes, Siberian air masses sweep in and send the temperature plummeting. Then, just as quickly, a sunny day will warm things up a bit.
Snow is never a guarantee, but it usually falls after a sudden cold snap. The higher humidity compared to summer makes the chill feel worse.
Tip: Dress in layers—mornings and evenings can feel a lot colder than the middle of the day.
Rare Weather Events in December
Most Decembers are calm, but every now and then, things get interesting. Heavy snowfalls can hit once or twice a season, sometimes messing with travel for a day or two.
Freezing rain doesn’t happen often, but it does show up some years. That makes roads and sidewalks slick, so be careful if you’re out and about.
Dense fog is another occasional issue. It usually forms in the mornings when humidity is high and the temperature hovers near freezing. Fog can cut visibility and even delay flights or trains.
These aren’t everyday events, but it’s smart to check the local forecast so you’re not caught off guard.
Comparison with Other Months
Tashkent’s weather changes fast between seasons, and Christmas really highlights those shifts. Temperatures, daylight, and precipitation patterns look very different compared to mid-winter or autumn.
December Versus January Weather
December feels cold, but it’s not usually the harshest part of winter. Around Christmas, daytime highs average about 7 °C (45 °F), with nights dipping below freezing. Snow can fall, but it’s generally light and scattered.
January brings the real cold. Highs drop to 3–5 °C (37–41 °F), and lows can reach -2 °C (28 °F) or even lower. Snow shows up more often, and icy mornings become the norm.
Both months have short days, but January’s even darker. The air feels sharper, and the wind makes everything seem colder.
So, Christmas comes with chilly weather, but it’s still a little milder than the deep freeze that hits after New Year’s.
How Christmas Weather Differs from Autumn
Autumn in Tashkent, especially September through November, feels worlds apart from late December. September still sees highs above 25 °C (77 °F), and October afternoons stay comfortable at 15–20 °C (59–68 °F). November cools down, but most days stay above freezing.
Rain is more common in autumn. October and November get 30–50 mm of rain, while December is drier, with more clear days.
By Christmas, frost and the chance of snow arrive. Unlike autumn, when evenings are cool but pleasant, December nights demand heavy coats, gloves, and hats.
Autumn’s great for long walks and outdoor cafes, but by Christmas, the cold pushes most activities indoors.
Tips for Visiting Tashkent at Christmas
You’ll deal with cold temperatures, short days, and a mix of snow and rain in late December. Packing the right gear and thinking ahead about your plans will make your trip a lot more comfortable.
Recommended Clothing for the Season
Daytime highs hover around 8°C (46°F), with nights dropping to -2°C (28°F). You’ll need to be ready for chilly afternoons and freezing evenings.
Go for layered clothing so you can adjust as needed. Try this setup:
- A thermal base layer
- A warm sweater or fleece
- A thick, windproof jacket
Since December brings about 64 mm of precipitation and 10–12 wet days, pack waterproof boots and a rainproof outer shell. Snow’s pretty common, so don’t forget insulated gloves, a wool hat, and a scarf.
Sunshine only sticks around for 3–4 hours per day, but the glare off snow can be harsh. Bring sunglasses for those bright moments.
Travel and Outdoor Activity Considerations
Roads and sidewalks can get icy or slushy, so give yourself extra time to get around. Public transport usually works fine, but winter delays do happen.
You can still sightsee outdoors, but keep walks short and pop inside to warm up. Places like Chorsu Bazaar or the Khast Imam Complex stay open, but you’ll need warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
If you love winter views, take a short trip outside the city to see the snowy countryside. Just skip long mountain hikes unless you have proper gear, since the weather can change fast.
Museums, theaters, and tea houses make perfect indoor escapes when it’s wet or windy.
Long-Term Climate Trends in Tashkent
Tashkent’s climate mixes Mediterranean and continental influences, so you get hot, dry summers and cold, wetter winters. Over the years, weather records show pretty steady seasonal patterns, though winter rain and snow can vary, especially around the holidays.
Historical Weather Patterns
Winters in Tashkent are cold, with average lows near -1°C (30°F) in January and a bit milder in late December. Long-term data shows snowfall is common but not constant, averaging 10–13 snowy days at winter’s peak. Rain also adds to the mix, with December usually getting 40–55 mm of moisture.
Temperature swings are sharp from season to season. Summers hit 35–36°C (95–97°F), while winter nights drop below freezing. That’s typical for continental climates, but Tashkent’s spot on the map brings a bit of Mediterranean-style rainfall—wetter springs and dry, hot summers.
December’s daylight averages about 9–10 hours, which limits outdoor time compared to spring or summer. Still, the city’s long-term climate records suggest winters stay pretty stable, without wild changes from year to year.
Impact of Climate on Holiday Experiences
When you visit around Christmas, the cold weather really shapes your plans. Some days, outdoor sightseeing feels great if the sky stays clear, but fog and snow can mess with what you see.
Streets and parks usually feel quiet, almost peaceful. People tend to flock to indoor attractions instead.
Snowfall brings a special charm if you’re after that cozy winter vibe. Still, you’ll want to watch out for icy sidewalks and remember those evenings get pretty chilly.
Hotels and restaurants in Tashkent know what to expect this time of year. They make sure you stay warm and comfortable, which honestly feels like a relief after being out in the cold.
Winter brings more precipitation than summer, so you might run into some damp days. Even so, the crisp air and festive buzz give the city a whole different personality compared to the hot, dry months.
It’s this mix of cold weather, the chance of snow, and all the cultural life that make Christmas in Tashkent feel so unique.