Central Asia’s Stans – Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – are full of amazing culture, history, and landscapes.
The best time to visit Central Asia really depends on what you want to do, since the weather can vary a lot. With four distinct seasons, there’s a perfect time for everyone.
While traveling across Central Asia in June and July, you can encounter a wide range of weather—from scorching 45°C heat in Uzbekistan to freezing temperatures along the shores of Song Kul in Kyrgyzstan. Some mountain passes were still heavily snow-covered even in June.
• Kyrgyzstan: Spring and autumn have changing weather. In summer, light clothes for the valleys, warm clothes for the mountains. Sunscreen and durable hiking boots are a must, especially around Song-Kol Lake.
Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan: from April to October. It is a high mountain country, so most mountain passes are inaccessible from November to March.
• Kazakhstan: Expect extremes! Almaty winters can drop below -10°C (14°F) and summers hit 35°C (95°F). Wear layers and bring good hiking shoes if you’re going outdoors.
Best time to visit Kazakhstan: from April to October. Winter (from the December to February) are really cold months.
• Tajikistan: Summer city heat is intense, but the mountains are cool – pack both light and warm layers. Bring a good water bottle, sunscreen, and hiking boots for the Pamirs.
Best time to visit Tajikistan: from April to October. It is a high mountain country, so most mountain passes are inaccessible from November to March.
• Uzbekistan: Summers are hot and dry, so lightweight clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are needed for exploring cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.
Best time to visit Uzbekistan: Spring (March, April & May) and in Autumn (September, October, November). Summer in this country is very hot and dry, the air temperature can reach +45C.
• Turkmenistan: Summers are burning hot, so pack light clothes, sunscreen, and lots of water. Winters can be chilly at night – bring layers. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Ashgabat.
Best time to visit Turkmenistan: from March to June and from September to November, when temperatures are moderate and ideal for sightseeing.