Things to Do in Tashkent in January

January Weather in Tashkent

7°C (44°F) High Temp

-2°C (29°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Tourist sites are completely crowd-free - you'll have Registan-style architecture and museums entirely to yourself, perfect for photography without people in shots
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from peak season, with luxury properties like International Tashkent offering rooms for $80-120 vs $200+ in spring
Clear winter air provides stunning visibility of the Chimgan Mountains (80 km/50 miles away) from the city center, ideal for day trips to snow activities
Local winter foods are at their peak - fresh tandoor bread stays warm longer in cold air, and traditional winter dishes like lagman and manti are served piping hot everywhere

Considerations

Outdoor sightseeing becomes challenging after 4 PM when temperatures drop to -2°C (29°F), limiting evening exploration of places like Chorsu Bazaar
Some outdoor attractions like Botanical Gardens and certain sections of Tashkent Zoo have reduced hours or close sections due to weather conditions
Occasional snow and ice make walking on traditional Uzbek marble and stone surfaces extremely slippery - proper footwear is essential for safety

Best Activities in January

Traditional Craft Workshop Tours in Old City

January's cold weather drives artisans indoors to their workshops, making this the perfect time to watch carpet weaving, ceramic making, and metalwork. Workshops are heated and welcoming to visitors. The lower tourist numbers mean more personal attention from craftsmen who have time to explain techniques.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through cultural centers or your hotel concierge. Workshops typically cost 50,000-80,000 UZS ($4-7 USD) for 2-3 hour experiences. Look for workshops that include tea service and takeaway pieces. See current workshop tours in the booking section below.

Chimgan Mountains Snow Activities

January brings reliable snow to Chimgan Mountains (2,169m/7,116ft elevation), just 80 km (50 miles) from Tashkent. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or snow hiking. Clear winter days offer spectacular mountain views impossible during humid summer months.

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours 7-10 days ahead as snow conditions vary. Day trips typically cost $40-70 USD including transport and equipment. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and winter driving experience. Current mountain tour options are in the booking section below.

Underground Metro Art Tours

Tashkent's metro stations are underground palaces, and January's cold weather makes the warm, ornate stations perfect refuges. New Yunusobod and Sergeli lines opened in 2024 with additional artistic stations. Each station showcases different Uzbek historical periods and Soviet-era artwork.

Booking Tip: Metro tokens cost 1,400 UZS (12 cents USD). Consider guided metro art tours for 100,000-150,000 UZS ($8-13 USD) that provide historical context. Tours typically last 3-4 hours covering 8-10 stations. See current metro tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Bathhouse Experiences

Hammam (traditional baths) are perfect for January's cold weather. Authentic bathhouses like those near Chorsu area offer full body treatments, massages, and social experiences that locals use to combat winter cold. Temperature inside reaches 40-45°C (104-113°F).

Booking Tip: Reserve bathhouse sessions 1-2 days ahead. Full treatments cost 200,000-400,000 UZS ($17-35 USD) including massage and tea. Choose morning sessions (9 AM-12 PM) when facilities are cleanest. Mixed-gender facilities are rare - plan accordingly.

Winter Food Market Tours

January brings seasonal specialties to Chorsu and Eski Juva markets. Winter vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts are at peak quality. Cold weather keeps meat and dairy products fresh longer, and vendors offer hot tea and fresh bread to warm visitors.

Booking Tip: Market tours with local guides cost 80,000-150,000 UZS ($7-13 USD) for 2-3 hours. Early morning tours (8-10 AM) offer the freshest products and most active atmosphere. Include tastings of seasonal items like winter plov variations. Current food tour options are in the booking section below.

Museum Complex Deep Dives

January's weather makes indoor cultural exploration ideal. The State Museum of Applied Arts, Fine Arts Museum, and Amir Timur Museum offer extensive collections perfect for 3-4 hour visits. New climate control systems installed in 2024 keep temperatures comfortable.

Booking Tip: Museum combination tickets cost 50,000-75,000 UZS ($4-6 USD). Guided museum tours with art historians cost 200,000-300,000 UZS ($17-26 USD) for full day. Book English-speaking guides 5-7 days ahead. Current museum tour options are available in the booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

December 31 - January 2

New Year Celebrations at Amir Timur Square

Large public celebration with traditional music, food stalls, and fireworks. The square is decorated with lights and temporary heating stations. Local families gather for photos and traditional winter foods.

January 7

Orthodox Christmas Observances

Tashkent's Russian Orthodox community celebrates with services at Holy Assumption Cathedral. Open to respectful visitors. Traditional Russian winter foods are available at nearby cafes during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with good grip - marble surfaces at mosques and monuments become ice rinks when wet

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, warm middle layer, windproof outer shell for -2°C to 7°C (29-44°F) range

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill factor makes 7°C (44°F) feel like 2°C (35°F) in exposed areas

Waterproof gloves that work with phone touchscreens - essential for photography and navigation

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity drops to 30% indoors with heating, causing rapid skin drying

Sunglasses for bright snow glare during Chimgan mountain trips - UV reflects strongly off snow even in winter

Cash in small bills - many vendors don't have change in cold weather, keep bills in inside pockets to prevent freezing

Thermos or insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry indoor heating is crucial, cold water bottles are uncomfortable

Warm scarf or neck gaiter - essential for mosque visits where you may wait in courtyard areas

Insider Knowledge

Uzbeks heat homes intensely in January - dress in easily removable layers as indoor temperatures often reach 25°C (77°F) while outdoor temps are near freezing

Visit popular sites like Khast Imam Complex between 11 AM-3 PM when winter sun provides warmth and best lighting for the architecture

Book accommodations with central heating confirmation - some budget hotels rely on individual heaters that may be inadequate for comfort

Exchange money at banks rather than street exchanges in January - cold weather makes outdoor money changers less reliable and potentially unsafe

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how slippery marble and stone surfaces become with any moisture - many tourists slip at mosque entrances and monument steps

Wearing cotton layers instead of synthetic materials - cotton retains moisture and becomes dangerously cold when wet from snow or rain

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options - temperature drops and wind make 6+ hour outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable