Things to Do in Uzbekistan in November

November Weather in Uzbekistan

20°C (68°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for walking - crisp 15-20°C (59-68°F) days make exploring Samarkand's Registan and Bukhara's old city comfortable for hours without overheating
Minimal crowds at major sites - November sees 70% fewer tourists than peak season, meaning unobstructed photos at Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and genuine interactions with local artisans
Peak season for Uzbek winter foods - fresh pomegranates, persimmons, and hearty plov preparations using autumn vegetables, plus indoor teahouses (choykhona) are most welcoming
Ideal conditions for desert excursions to Kyzylkum - daytime temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make camel trekking and yurt stays comfortable, while clear skies offer spectacular star-gazing

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can drop from 18°C to 5°C (64°F to 41°F) within hours, requiring multiple clothing layers and flexible daily plans
Limited daylight for sightseeing - sunset by 5:30pm means outdoor activities must be planned for 10am-4pm window, particularly challenging for photography enthusiasts
Some mountain passes and remote sites become inaccessible - roads to Chimgan Mountains and certain sections of the Fergana Valley may close due to early snow

Best Activities in November

Historic Silk Road City Walking Tours

November's cool temperatures make walking Samarkand's Registan, Bukhara's Poi Kalyan complex, and Khiva's Itchan Kala fortress comfortable for extended periods. The 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temperatures mean you can spend 4-5 hours exploring without the exhaustion of summer heat. Low tourist numbers allow for intimate experiences with master craftsmen in their workshops, and the golden autumn light creates ideal conditions for photography of the turquoise domes.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed local operators. Full-day tours typically cost $40-65 USD per person including entrance fees. Look for guides certified by the State Committee for Tourism Development. Reference booking options below for current availability.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop Experiences

November is prime season for indoor cultural activities as artisans prepare winter inventory. Carpet weaving workshops in Bukhara, silk paper making in Samarkand, and pottery studios in Gijduvan operate at full capacity. The cooler weather makes spending 3-4 hours in workshops comfortable, and you'll learn techniques passed down through generations while creating your own pieces.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshop experiences range from $25-45 USD per person including materials. Book 5-7 days ahead as workshop sizes are limited to 8-10 participants. Look for workshops that provide English translation and take-home pieces. See current workshop availability in the booking section below.

Kyzylkum Desert Overnight Expeditions

November offers ideal desert conditions with daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and clear, dry air. Two-day desert camps include camel trekking, traditional yurt accommodation, and some of Central Asia's best stargazing due to minimal light pollution. The comfortable temperatures allow for sunset and sunrise desert walks that would be unbearable in summer months.

Booking Tip: Desert expeditions typically cost $120-180 USD per person for 2 days/1 night including meals and transportation. Book 10-14 days ahead as November is peak season for desert tours due to ideal weather. Ensure operators provide proper bedding for nighttime temperatures that can drop to 3°C (37°F). Check current desert tour options below.

Fergana Valley Artisan Village Tours

November showcases the Fergana Valley at harvest time, with silk production facilities operating at capacity and traditional bread baking using fresh autumn grain. The valley's microclimate stays warmer than other regions, making it perfect for visiting Margilan's silk factories and Rishtan's ceramic workshops. Cool mornings and mild afternoons create comfortable conditions for village-to-village exploration.

Booking Tip: Full-day Fergana Valley tours cost $55-85 USD per person including transportation and workshop visits. Book 7-10 days ahead and confirm road conditions, as some routes may be affected by early season rains. Tours typically run 9am-6pm to maximize daylight hours. See current valley tour options below.

Tashkent Underground Metro and Modern City Tours

November weather makes exploring Tashkent's famous Soviet-era metro stations and modern developments comfortable, as you'll be moving between heated indoor spaces and cool outdoor areas. The city's museums, Chorsu Bazaar, and new International Business Center are ideal for cooler weather exploration, and indoor venues provide perfect backup plans for the 10 rainy days typical in November.

Booking Tip: Metro and city combination tours range from $30-50 USD per person for full day including lunch and metro tokens. The extensive underground system provides shelter during November's occasional rain showers. Book 3-5 days ahead for small group tours that include photography permits for metro stations. Current city tour options available below.

Culinary Home Cooking Experiences

November is peak season for Uzbek comfort foods, with families preparing warming dishes using autumn vegetables and preserved fruits. Cooking classes feature seasonal specialties like winter plov variations, fresh bread baking, and traditional tea ceremonies. Indoor cooking experiences are perfect for November's variable weather, and you'll learn recipes designed for cooler months using ingredients at their seasonal peak.

Booking Tip: Home cooking experiences cost $35-55 USD per person including market visits and full meals. Book 5-7 days ahead as authentic home experiences are limited and popular during comfortable weather months. Look for experiences that include seasonal ingredients and take-home recipe cards. See current culinary experience options below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Tashkent International Film Festival

Central Asia's premier film festival showcases regional cinema and international works. Features outdoor screenings (weather permitting) and indoor venues across the capital, providing excellent cultural immersion opportunities and chances to meet local film enthusiasts and international visitors.

Early to Mid November

Pomegranate Harvest Festival

Samarkand region celebrates the pomegranate harvest with local markets featuring fresh fruit, traditional music, and food tastings. Markets set up special autumn displays and local families invite visitors to experience traditional preservation methods for winter storage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) in a day, so pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm jacket you can add/remove easily

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - November's 10 rainy days create slippery conditions on Samarkand's marble courtyards and Bukhara's stone streets

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers typically last 30-45 minutes but can be heavy, and many historic sites have limited covered areas

Warm pajamas and wool socks - indoor heating is inconsistent, and nighttime temperatures drop to 3°C (37°F), especially in desert areas

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased phone use for photos and navigation in low-light conditions

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 3 still requires protection, especially with reflection off light-colored historic buildings

Cash in small denominations - November is low season so some ATMs in smaller cities may have limited funds, and market vendors prefer exact change

Warm scarf or neck gaiter - essential for early morning starts and evening activities, plus required for women visiting certain religious sites

Hand warmers or small thermos - perfect for desert camping and early morning photography sessions when temperatures hover near freezing

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - uneven cobblestones in old cities become more challenging when wet from November rains

Insider Knowledge

Local families invite travelers for indoor tea sessions during November's cooler weather - accept these invitations as they're less common in extreme summer heat and provide authentic cultural exchange

Many restaurants switch to their 'winter menu' in November, featuring hearty soups and warm bread that tourists rarely experience - ask specifically for seasonal dishes rather than standard tourist meals

Train tickets between major cities are 20-30% cheaper in November compared to peak season, and the comfortable temperatures make overnight train journeys pleasant rather than stifling

Hotel rates drop significantly after November 15th as the brief autumn tourist season ends, but book before November 20th as some boutique properties close for winter maintenance

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for daytime temperatures - many travelers bring spring clothes but suffer in 3°C (37°F) nights, especially on desert trips or in budget accommodations without consistent heating

Planning too many outdoor activities after 4pm - November darkness comes quickly and historic sites become difficult to photograph, plus evening temperatures drop rapidly requiring rushed schedule changes

Assuming all transportation runs on summer schedules - some mountain routes and rural bus services reduce frequency in November due to weather conditions and lower demand