Things to Do in Tashkent in February

February Weather in Tashkent

9°C (49°F) High Temp

0°C (32°F) Low Temp

71 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Crisp, clear days perfect for photographing Islamic architecture - the low winter sun at 9°C (49°F) creates stunning shadows on Registan-style facades without the harsh glare of summer
Indoor cultural sites are at their most comfortable - museums, madrasas, and bazaars maintain pleasant temperatures while outdoor areas are refreshingly cool for walking between sites
Lowest tourist crowds of the year mean authentic interactions with locals and unobstructed photos at major sites like Chorsu Bazaar and Hazrat Imam Complex
Traditional winter foods are at their peak - hot samsa from tandoor ovens, hearty plov served steaming, and fresh winter citrus from Fergana Valley flooding the markets

Considerations

Limited daylight hours (9am-6pm) restrict outdoor sightseeing time, and many parks and outdoor attractions feel less inviting in 0°C (32°F) morning temperatures
Occasional snow and slush make walking on Soviet-era sidewalks challenging - expect muddy conditions around construction zones near new metro stations
Some smaller museums and attractions have reduced winter hours or close for maintenance during the coldest weeks of February

Best Activities in February

Historic Tashkent Architecture Tours

February's clear, cold air provides exceptional visibility for photographing the intricate tilework of Kukeldash Madrasa and modern Islamic architecture. The 9°C (49°F) afternoons are perfect for walking tours without summer's oppressive heat, and low tourist numbers mean unobstructed access to the best viewpoints. Morning frost often creates beautiful contrast against blue-tiled domes.

Booking Tip: Book architectural walking tours 5-7 days ahead through local cultural centers. Tours typically cost 200,000-350,000 som and include indoor heating breaks. Look for guides with art history backgrounds who can explain Soviet-era preservation efforts. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Bazaar and Food Experiences

Winter is prime season for Uzbek comfort foods - vendors serve piping hot lagman, fresh-baked non, and seasonal specialties like winter squash plov. Chorsu Bazaar's covered sections provide warmth while outdoor sections offer crisp air for meat and produce shopping. February brings the best winter citrus from southern regions at lowest prices.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 150,000-250,000 som and typically last 3-4 hours with indoor restaurant stops for warmth. Book with guides who speak Russian or Uzbek for better vendor interactions. Best times are 10am-2pm when indoor sections are warmest. See current culinary tours in the booking section below.

Underground Metro Art Tours

Tashkent's Soviet-era metro stations are perfectly climate-controlled year-round, making February ideal for exploring these underground palaces. The new Yunusobod line opened in 2024 with additional stations featuring contemporary Uzbek motifs. Each station maintains 18°C (64°F) temperatures, providing relief from outdoor cold while showcasing socialist realist art.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration costs only 1,700 som per ride. Photography permits required for some stations (available at major stations for 50,000 som). Guided metro tours cost 100,000-180,000 som and include historical context about Soviet urban planning. Peak warmth and crowds are 11am-3pm. See current metro tours in the booking section below.

Museum and Cultural Complex Visits

February is perfect for deep dives into Uzbekistan's cultural institutions. The State Museum of Applied Arts, Fine Arts Museum, and new Museum of Memory of Victims of Repression offer warm indoor experiences with minimal crowds. Many museums extend winter hours for limited daylight, opening special exhibitions during February's quiet season.

Booking Tip: Museum combo tickets cost 50,000-120,000 som per site. Book private museum guides 2-3 days ahead for 200,000-300,000 som - they provide context unavailable in limited English signage. Tuesday-Thursday have smallest crowds. Most museums closed Mondays. See current cultural tours in the booking section below.

Traditional Hammam and Wellness

Soviet-era public baths (banya) and traditional Uzbek hammams provide perfect refuge from February's cold. These experiences are most authentic in winter when locals regularly use them for warmth and socializing. The contrast between 0°C (32°F) outdoor air and steamy 40°C (104°F) bath chambers creates the full traditional experience.

Booking Tip: Public bathhouses cost 30,000-60,000 som for basic entry, private sessions 150,000-300,000 som. Book afternoon slots (2pm-6pm) when facilities are warmest and least crowded. Bring towels and flip-flops, or rent on-site. Women-only times typically Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. See current wellness experiences in the booking section below.

Day Trips to Chimgan Mountains

February offers snow-capped mountain views just 80 km (50 miles) from the city, with crisp clear days perfect for winter hiking or skiing at Beldersay. The contrast between urban Tashkent and snowy peaks is most dramatic in winter months. Cable car operations depend on snow conditions but typically run weekends in February.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 300,000-500,000 som including transport and basic equipment rental. Book mountain excursions 7-10 days ahead as winter weather can affect schedules. Check current snow conditions before booking. Trips typically depart 8am, return 6pm. See current mountain tours in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Navruz Preparation Season

While Navruz (Persian New Year) occurs in March, February is when you'll see the most authentic preparation activities. Local families begin growing wheat grass (sabzeh), markets stock special ingredients, and craftspeople create traditional items. This behind-the-scenes preparation offers unique cultural insight unavailable during the actual holiday crowds.

Mid to Late February

Winter Citrus Festival at Regional Markets

February brings peak season for Fergana Valley oranges, Surkhandarya lemons, and pomegranates stored from autumn harvest. Local markets hold informal citrus celebrations with tastings, traditional preservation demonstrations, and seasonal pricing. Best experienced at Eski Juva and Farkhad markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm, waterproof boots with good tread - Soviet-era sidewalks become slippery when wet, and construction around new metro stations creates muddy conditions

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, wool sweater, and windproof outer jacket for temperature swings from 0°C to 9°C (32°F to 49°F)

Lightweight scarf and hat - essential for early morning and evening when temperatures drop, but removable during warmer 2pm-4pm peak hours

Waterproof day pack cover - February's 71 mm (2.8 inches) of rain often comes as sudden showers that can soak through regular materials

Power bank and charging cables - cold weather drains phone batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation apps and translation tools

Cash in small denominations - many traditional sites and local vendors don't accept cards, and ATMs can freeze in extreme cold

Lip balm and hand cream - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating creates dry skin conditions

Sunglasses for bright winter days - snow glare and low sun angle can be intense during clear February afternoons

Comfortable indoor shoes - many cultural sites require shoe removal, and floors can be cold on stocking feet

Throat lozenges and basic cold medicine - temperature fluctuations between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoors often trigger minor respiratory issues

Insider Knowledge

Visit Chorsu Bazaar between 10am-11am when vendors fire up samsa ovens - you'll get the hottest, freshest bread and locals haven't depleted the best selections yet

Take advantage of winter university schedules - many students offer informal English-language city tours for 100,000-150,000 som during February break periods

February is renovation season for many Soviet-era buildings - what looks like construction chaos is actually historic preservation work. Ask locals about building histories for fascinating Soviet urban planning stories

Local buses and marshrutkas run less frequently in cold weather, but drivers are more willing to make extra stops for tourists - learn basic Russian phrases for directions and you'll get insider route knowledge

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all attractions keep summer hours - many museums, especially smaller ones, reduce February hours or close entire days for maintenance. Always call ahead or check current schedules

Overdressing for indoor activities - Uzbek hospitality means very warm indoor spaces. Tourists often suffer in heavy coats during long museum visits or restaurant meals

Expecting Western-style winter infrastructure - sidewalk snow removal is inconsistent, and many outdoor areas aren't treated for ice. Budget extra time for careful walking between sites