March in Uzbekistan: Weather, Blossoms and Navruz

March in Uzbekistan is unpredictable: in the morning you may need a jacket, by day a single shirt, and by evening rain may roll in. It is a transition month from winter to spring. At the same time it has what many come for: blooming almonds and apricots, greenery in the foothills, Navruz and fewer tourists than in April. Let us look at how to make the most of March.

March weather

Temperatures swing noticeably. Approximate values:

• Tashkent. +8 to +16 C by day, around 0 to +5 C at night. Rain, wind and occasional frost early in the month.
• Samarkand. +8 to +15 C by day, around 0 C at night. Cooler than Tashkent and rainy.
• Bukhara and Khiva. +10 to +18 C by day, +2 to +6 C at night. Warmer than the north but windy.
• Fergana. +8 to +16 C by day, around +2 to +5 C at night. Orchards are blooming.
• The south (Termez, Surkhandarya). +15 to +22 C by day and warmer. Spring arrives earlier and everything is green.
• Mountains. Cold, with night frosts and snow on slopes. Lifts close toward the end of the season.

Figures are approximate and depend on the year. March is the wettest part of spring, so a raincoat or umbrella is a must.

What blooms and turns green

1. Almonds and apricots. Bloom in early to mid-month in the southern and central areas, then in Tashkent.
2. Peach and plum. Join toward the end of the month.
3. Foothills. Slopes turn green, with the first flowers appearing in places.
4. Tulips. Wild tulips bloom mostly in April, but in the south they may appear in late March.

The best days for walks are sunny ones after rain: the air is clean and the greenery vivid.

Navruz

On 21 March Uzbekistan celebrates Navruz, the festival of the spring equinox and new year. It is one of the best-loved holidays. Squares and parks host festivities with concerts, folk games and fairs, sumalak is cooked everywhere and families gather at the table. Holiday days off usually combine into several days. Exact dates are announced officially.

What to see:

• festive celebrations in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and other cities;
• the cooking of sumalak;
• folk games, kurash and music;
• fairs with souvenirs and crafts.

At Navruz lodging and transport are busy. Book ahead.

What to catch before the crowds

The tourist season starts in April and the main places become more crowded. March is a good time if you want to:

• see the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda or Itchan Kala with fewer people;
• get lower lodging prices than in April and May;
• photograph blossoming orchards without crowds;
• experience the festive atmosphere of Navruz.

The downsides: changeable weather, dampness, and in some places seasonal camps and cafes are still closed.

Where to go in March

The classic route

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. It is better to start in the north and go south, where it is warmer. The Tashkent to Samarkand route is about 300 km and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. In March the road is usually clear, but in rain and fog it is better to drive in daytime.

The south of the country

Surkhandarya and Termez are already warm and green in March. It is a good time for a trip before the heat sets in. The Tashkent to Termez route is the longest direction, about 700 km, by overnight train, or usually 9 to 11 hours by car with stops. Plan an overnight stop or choose a night train or a flight.

Mountains

Chimgan and Beldersay are still cold in March, with snowy slopes. You can walk, but high trails are closed and avalanche risk calls for caution.

What to wear

1. Layers: a T-shirt, sweater or fleece and a windproof jacket.
2. Waterproof shoes with tread.
3. An umbrella or light raincoat.
4. A hat and gloves for evenings and the mountains.
5. For mosques and mausoleums: covered shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women.
6. Light spare clothes in case of a hot day in the south.

Practical tips

• Watch the forecast: weather can change sharply within a day.
• Book lodging for Navruz in advance.
• Check opening hours of museums and sights: on holidays they may change.
• Bring a first-aid kit: colds are common between seasons.
• Plan part of the programme indoors: museums, workshops and teahouses.

Getting around

On holidays and between seasons trains on popular routes fill up quickly. In the Yo'ldosh app you can find a shared ride between cities: the driver publishes the trip in advance, you choose a time, book a seat and see a verified profile. It helps when train tickets for your date are already sold. For long directions such as Termez, allow more time and make stops.

Bottom line

March is a month for those ready for weather whims in exchange for quiet, blossoming orchards and Navruz. Dress in layers, bring a raincoat and plan the road ahead. Choose routes on the pages for Tashkent to Samarkand and Tashkent to Termez.

Cover photo: U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.