Winter in Tashkent feels like a blend of crisp air, chilly nights, and the occasional snow that quietly transforms the city. You’ll notice average temperatures hovering between about -1°C (30°F) at night and 8°C (46°F) during the day, so yeah, it’s one of the coldest stretches of the year.
The cold rarely gets extreme, especially if you compare it to harsher continental climates. Snow comes, mostly in January, but it usually arrives in short bursts instead of heavy storms.
Rain is pretty common too, especially in December and January, when the city sees its highest precipitation. This mix of rain and snow gives Tashkent’s winter a damp, but honestly pretty manageable, vibe.
You get shorter days, often with foggy mornings and calm afternoons. Even with the chill, winter has its own charm—clear skies pop up often, and the city slows down in a way you can actually feel.
Overview of Winter Climate in Tashkent
Tashkent’s winters bring cold temperatures, light to moderate snowfall, and dry air. The city’s climate mixes Mediterranean and continental traits, shaped a lot by its geography and those mountains nearby.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Tashkent technically has a Mediterranean, hot-summer climate (Csa), but winters feel much more continental because of how far inland it sits. You’ll see average daytime temperatures between -1°C and 5°C (30–41°F), with January being the coldest.
Nights drop below freezing pretty often, but it’s rare for temperatures to fall below -10°C (14°F). Snow shows up most winters, but it’s usually thin and doesn’t stick around long.
You might see 5–10 snowy days per month in mid-winter. Rainfall is heavier in late winter and spring, while December through February brings lighter precipitation.
Humidity is low in winter, often dipping under 40%. The air feels crisp, but also dry, which can be rough on your skin and breathing. Bring moisturizer and drink plenty of water if you’re outside a lot.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Tashkent sits about 444 meters (1,457 feet) above sea level on a plain near the Chirchik River, with the Alai and Tien Shan Mountains off in the distance. These mountains block moist air from the west and north, so heavy snow is rare and winters stay drier than in some valleys nearby.
Cold air from Siberia sometimes sweeps in and drops the temperature suddenly. When that happens, fog and frost settle over the city, cutting visibility.
Those mountains create little microclimates. The eastern parts closer to higher ground get a bit cooler and see more snow, while the west side stays milder. You’ll notice the difference if you travel a bit outside the city center.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Winter in Tashkent feels cool to cold, with big differences between day and night. Average highs just barely clear freezing, and lows often dip below, with snow now and then depending on the month.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime temperatures usually land between 4°C and 9°C (39°F to 48°F). That’s mild enough for a walk if you dress right, but the air can feel colder thanks to humidity and clouds.
At night, temperatures regularly fall below freezing. Typical lows sit around -1°C to -3°C (27°F to 30°F) in January, the coldest month. December and February are a touch warmer, but still hover near zero.
Snow often falls on colder nights, and you’ll find frost on surfaces in the morning. Because the difference between day and night is big, plan for temperature swings if you’re out all day.
Monthly Temperature Variations
December usually starts with highs around 8°C (47°F) and lows near 0°C (32°F). The air feels damp, and fog isn’t unusual.
January is the coldest. Highs average 6°C (43°F), and lows hit about -1°C (30°F). Snow shows up most often this month, with several days of light to moderate accumulation.
February starts to warm up. Highs climb back toward 9°C (48°F), and lows rise just above freezing. Snow falls less often, but mornings are still chilly.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter in Tashkent brings both rain and snow, with precipitation peaking in December and January. You’ll notice wetter conditions than in the dry summer, along with several snowy days that shape the season.
Rainfall and Snowfall Amounts
Tashkent gets moderate precipitation in winter, usually between 40 mm and 65 mm per month. December typically records around 54 mm, and January is about the same. By February, things start to dry out a bit.
Snow is most frequent in January, averaging up to 13 snowy days. Snow varies from light dustings to heavier falls that might mess with travel for a bit.
Snow doesn’t stick around long—daytime temps near freezing melt it pretty quickly. Rain is part of the mix too. In December and February, rain is more likely when temperatures climb above 0°C. The result? Changing ground conditions that leave you dealing with both wet and icy surfaces.
Number of Rainy Days
You can expect 10 to 15 days of precipitation per month in winter. January brings the most snow, but December and February are rainier.
Rainy days don’t usually last long, and storms are rare. Still, you might get a cluster of damp days in a row. Compared to the dry summer, winter is definitely wetter.
Since rain and snow can swap places quickly, daily conditions change fast. You might start the day with rain, then get snow by evening. It makes winter travel a bit unpredictable, so it’s smart to plan ahead if you’re exploring.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Sunlight gets scarce in Tashkent during winter, both in length and intensity. Shorter days and fewer bright hours can affect your plans, especially if you’re hoping to sightsee or travel.
Average Daily Sunshine
In December, you’ll only get about 3.6 hours of sun per day—the darkest stretch of the year. January perks up a bit with around 6.5 hours, and February offers close to 7 hours.
This limited sunshine comes from plenty of clouds and the low angle of the sun. Even on clear days, daylight feels weaker than in summer.
If you want to get outside, aim for midday when the sun is highest. That’s your best shot at some real light.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| December | 3.6 |
| January | ~6.5 |
| February | ~7.0 |
Seasonal Changes in Day Length
Day length changes fast in winter. Around the winter solstice in late December, you get just over 9 hours of daylight. By late January, it’s closer to 10 hours, and by the end of February, you’re looking at about 11 hours.
Each week brings a bit more daylight. December mornings stay dim and evenings come early, but by February, things feel brighter and longer.
Keep this in mind if you’re planning trips outside the city or full-day activities. Early winter limits your travel window, but late winter gives you almost two extra hours to work with.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Winter in Tashkent brings more moisture in the air and steady winds that make it feel even colder. December through February, you’ll notice the air is sharper than the thermometer alone suggests.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity rises in winter compared to summer. December usually tops out with average relative humidity around 73%, and January and February aren’t far behind.
The air feels damp, especially on cold, snowy days. Mornings and evenings seem more humid than midday, which is pretty standard for continental climates with big temperature swings.
Higher humidity makes the cold feel heavier. If you’re visiting, pack clothes that handle both cold and damp. Layered fabrics and water-resistant jackets work well for outdoor plans. Locals often use indoor heating to keep moisture down inside.
Typical Winter Winds
Winds in Tashkent during winter stay light to moderate. Most days, speeds run between 3 to 6 km/h, but you’ll get stronger gusts when weather systems move in from the northwest or west.
Wind direction changes with cold air masses. Northerly winds bring colder, drier air, while westerly winds carry more moisture. That’s why some days feel crisp and dry, and others turn colder with light snow.
The wind isn’t usually extreme, but it definitely adds to the chill. Even a mild breeze can make it feel several degrees colder. A scarf, hat, and gloves are smart for keeping warm when it’s breezy.
How Winter Weather Impacts Life in Tashkent
Cold temperatures, short days, and the occasional snowfall shape how you get around and plan your day. The season isn’t always easy, but it does give you a chance to see Tashkent when it’s quieter and less crowded.
Outdoor Activities and Travel
Daytime highs in winter usually stick around 43–47°F (6–8°C), with lows near 28–31°F (-2 to 0°C). Snowfall is light to moderate, averaging about 2 inches per month, but icy conditions can make walking and driving tricky.
Public transport mostly runs as usual, though you might need extra time during snow or rain. Roads can get slick, especially early in the morning when it’s near freezing.
You can still get outside, but options are limited. Parks and open-air markets stay open, but you’ll want warm clothes and sturdy shoes for wet or icy ground. Hiking in the Chatkal Mountains isn’t really an option because of snow, but locals still take short walks in city gardens and squares.
Air quality sometimes drops in winter because of increased heating. If you’re sensitive to pollution, you might want to stick to indoor activities on smoggier days.
Best Times to Visit in Winter
If you’re thinking about visiting Tashkent in winter, you’ll probably find the most comfortable period falls between late December and early February. That’s when the city hits its coldest stretch, but the weather usually stays pretty stable, without too many wild swings in temperature.
You’ll most likely catch snowfall in January, which gives the city’s landmarks a thin, snowy layer—pretty magical, honestly. Locals keep places like Chorsu Bazaar and Hazrati Imam Complex open, and with fewer tourists around, you rarely have to wait in line.
December days feel short, with only about 9 hours of daylight. By the time late February rolls around, you get over 11 hours of sun, so you can squeeze in more sightseeing before it gets dark.
If you’re after milder weather, late February works out better since daytime highs climb closer to 50°F (10°C) and snowfall drops off. You get a nice blend of winter scenery and easier conditions for walking tours.