Things to Do in Tashkent in March

March Weather in Tashkent

16°C (60°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

66 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather for walking - mild 16°C (60°F) days ideal for exploring Tashkent's extensive pedestrian areas and bazaars without summer's intense 40°C+ (104°F+) heat
Navruz (Persian New Year) celebrations March 21st bring the city alive with traditional music, street food, and cultural performances - the most authentic cultural experience of the year
Hotel prices drop 40-50% compared to peak summer season, with excellent availability even at premium properties near Independence Square
Fruit season begins with early apricots, fresh herbs, and spring vegetables flooding Chorsu Bazaar - the absolute best time for food experiences

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - morning temperatures of 5°C (41°F) can jump to 16°C (60°F) by afternoon, then drop again at sunset
Rain showers on 10 days mean some outdoor bazaar browsing gets interrupted, though showers typically last only 20-30 minutes
Some mountain day trips to Chimgan are still limited due to snow at higher elevations above 2,000m (6,562 ft)

Best Activities in March

Chorsu Bazaar Food and Spice Tours

March brings the first spring produce to Tashkent's ancient bazaar. Cool morning temperatures of 8-10°C (46-50°F) make the crowded indoor sections comfortable, while spring herbs like fresh dill, cilantro, and green onions are at their absolute peak. Local housewives do their Navruz shopping, so you'll see the most authentic selection of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.

Booking Tip: Join organized food tours typically priced 150,000-250,000 UZS ($13-22) or explore independently. Book 3-4 days ahead during Navruz week (March 19-23). Best visiting hours are 9-11am when produce is freshest and crowds manageable.

Old City Walking Tours

March's mild temperatures make the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) walking routes through Hast Imam complex and old Tashkent neighborhoods perfectly comfortable. You'll avoid summer's punishing heat while experiencing the spring cleaning and renovation work that happens before Navruz - seeing the city at its most prepared and polished.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, guided tours typically cost 200,000-400,000 UZS ($18-35) for 3-4 hours. Book through licensed guides via hotels or see current options in booking section below. Start at 10am when morning chill lifts.

Samarkand Day Trips via High-Speed Train

March weather is ideal for the 2-hour high-speed rail journey and walking around Samarkand's monuments. Temperatures of 14-18°C (57-64°F) mean comfortable exploration without summer's exhausting heat. The Afrosiyob train runs daily, and spring light provides excellent photography conditions at Registan Square.

Booking Tip: High-speed train tickets cost 200,000-300,000 UZS ($18-26) each way. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend travel. Full day tours including transport typically run 600,000-900,000 UZS ($53-80). See current tour packages in booking section below.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop Visits

March is when artisans prepare their finest work for Navruz gift-giving season. Ceramics workshops in the old city, carpet weaving demonstrations, and traditional textile printing are all active. Cool weather makes the indoor workshops comfortable, and you'll see seasonal motifs and spring colors being incorporated into designs.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits typically cost 100,000-200,000 UZS ($9-18) including hands-on activities. Many require advance booking as they're working studios. Contact through cultural centers or see organized craft tours in booking section below.

Chimgan Mountains Half-Day Trips

Lower elevation areas around 1,000-1,500m (3,281-4,921 ft) are accessible in March with spring flowers beginning to bloom. While upper slopes may have snow, the foothills offer excellent hiking and picnic weather. This is locals' favorite time for family mountain trips before summer heat makes the journey uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips typically cost 300,000-500,000 UZS ($26-44) including transport from Tashkent. Full-day options run 400,000-700,000 UZS ($35-62). Book through local tour operators or see current mountain tour options in booking section below. Check weather 24 hours ahead.

Evening Cultural Performances

March cultural calendar peaks around Navruz with traditional music, dance, and theater performances. The Alisher Navoi Opera Theatre and cultural centers host special spring programs. Cool evening temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) make indoor venues very comfortable, and you'll experience authentic Uzbek arts without tourist-focused summer programming.

Booking Tip: Opera and concert tickets typically range 50,000-200,000 UZS ($4-18). Navruz special performances may cost more. Book through venue websites or hotel concierge. Traditional music performances often happen in teahouses and cultural centers for 30,000-80,000 UZS ($3-7).

March Events & Festivals

March 21st (with celebrations March 19-23)

Navruz (Persian New Year)

The most important celebration of the year featuring street festivals, traditional music, dance performances, and special foods like sumalak (wheat pudding). The entire city decorates, families gather, and there are public celebrations in parks and squares with authentic cultural displays you won't find at any other time.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 5°C (41°F) but afternoons reach 16°C (60°F), so pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm jacket

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March rain showers last 20-30 minutes but can be sudden, especially during afternoon hours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - spring rains make cobblestones in old city areas slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during clear days, and reflection off wet pavement increases exposure

Scarf or light shawl for mosque visits and evening temperature drops of 10-11°C (18-20°F)

Power bank - cool weather drains phone batteries faster, essential for translation apps and navigation

Hand sanitizer and tissues - spring dust and increased market visits during Navruz season

Small umbrella - compact option for sudden showers while exploring bazaars and outdoor sites

Warm socks and closed-toe shoes - mornings can be quite cool, and locals expect covered feet in traditional settings

Light cotton or merino wool base layers - breathable for warm afternoons but insulating for cool mornings

Insider Knowledge

Exchange money before Navruz week (March 19-23) as banks have limited hours and exchange offices get crowded - rates don't change but availability does

Book restaurants for March 21st Navruz dinner at least one week ahead - this is the most important family meal of the year and popular spots fill completely

Use the new Tashkent Metro extensions opened in late 2024 - the purple line now connects directly to Chorsu Bazaar, saving 20-30 minutes versus taxi in traffic

March is when locals clean and renovate homes for spring, so some guesthouses and small hotels do maintenance work - confirm your accommodation isn't under renovation when booking

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather based on 16°C (60°F) highs - mornings at 5°C (41°F) catch many visitors unprepared, especially when visiting early morning sites

Not booking Navruz week accommodations early enough - March 19-23 sees significant domestic tourism as families travel to celebrate together

Assuming all mountain areas are accessible - elevations above 2,000m (6,562 ft) in Chimgan region may still have snow and limited access