Things to Do in Tashkent in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Tashkent
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Navruz celebrations hit their peak mid-March - the entire city transforms with street festivals, traditional music, and incredible sumalak cooking ceremonies that you won't find any other time of year. The spring equinox festival is genuinely one of Central Asia's most spectacular cultural events.
- Weather is absolutely perfect for walking the city - temperatures hover around 10-15°C (50-60°F) during the day, which means you can comfortably explore Chorsu Bazaar or the old city for hours without the brutal summer heat that makes July afternoons unbearable. Locals call this the 'golden month' for sightseeing.
- Spring blossoms start appearing in late March, particularly in the Japanese Garden and Alisher Navoi Park. The city sheds its winter grey and you'll catch apricot and almond trees flowering - it's actually stunning against the turquoise domes of the mosques.
- Tourism is still relatively quiet compared to April-May, which means shorter queues at major sites like the Khast Imam Complex and better rates on accommodations. You're visiting in that sweet spot before the main season kicks in but after winter's closed some mountain routes.
Considerations
- March weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a gorgeous 18°C (64°F) sunny day followed by a sudden cold snap with temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F). Pack layers because the temperature swings are real and can happen within the same day.
- Rain happens roughly every third day in March, and while it's not monsoon-level stuff, those 10 rainy days tend to be grey and drizzly rather than quick afternoon showers. When it rains, it can last several hours and makes outdoor market browsing less pleasant.
- Early March can still feel quite wintry - if you're arriving in the first week, you might catch tail-end cold weather with temperatures barely reaching 8°C (46°F). The city doesn't fully shake off winter until mid-month, so timing matters.
Best Activities in March
Old City Walking Tours Through Chorsu and Khast Imam
March weather is genuinely ideal for exploring Tashkent's historic quarters on foot. The 10-15°C (50-60°F) temperatures mean you can spend 3-4 hours wandering through the Chorsu Bazaar, the old city mahallas, and the Khast Imam Complex without overheating. The spring light is beautiful for photography, and you'll catch locals preparing for Navruz celebrations. The crowds are manageable compared to April-May, so you can actually take your time at the Quran of Caliph Uthman without being rushed.
Navruz Festival Experiences and Traditional Cooking Classes
If you're visiting mid-to-late March, you're hitting Navruz season - the Persian New Year celebration that dominates Central Asia around March 21st. This is the absolute best time to experience authentic Uzbek culture: sumalak cooking ceremonies in neighborhoods, traditional wrestling matches, live music in parks, and massive street festivals. Many guesthouses and cultural centers offer special Navruz cooking classes where you'll learn to make traditional holiday dishes. This only happens once a year and it's genuinely spectacular.
Chimgan Mountains Day Trips for Early Spring Hiking
The Chimgan Mountains, about 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Tashkent, are transitioning from winter to spring in March. While it's too early for serious high-altitude trekking, the lower trails around Charvak Reservoir offer stunning views with snow-capped peaks in the background. You'll want to go mid-to-late March when temperatures are milder. The air is incredibly crisp and clear - UV index hits 8 so bring serious sun protection despite the cool temperatures. This is perfect for moderate hiking without summer's intense heat.
Uzbek Textile and Craft Workshop Visits
March's unpredictable weather makes this the perfect month for indoor cultural activities. Tashkent has several artisan workshops where you can watch (and try) traditional ikat weaving, ceramics, and suzani embroidery. These workshops are heated, so those rainy or cold days become opportunities rather than obstacles. You'll learn about techniques that haven't changed in centuries, and many workshops let you create small pieces to take home. Spring is when artisans start preparing new collections, so you're seeing active production.
Amir Timur Museum and State Museum Complex Tours
When March throws you one of those grey, drizzly days, Tashkent's museum complex becomes your best friend. The Amir Timur Museum, State Museum of History, and Applied Arts Museum are all within reasonable distance and offer deep dives into Uzbek history and culture. March crowds are light, so you can actually spend time with exhibits without being rushed. The museums are well-heated, and you'll appreciate the indoor time when outdoor temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) or rain sets in.
Samarkand Day Trip via High-Speed Train
March is actually ideal for the Samarkand day trip because the Afrosiyob high-speed train is comfortable regardless of weather, and Samarkand's outdoor sites like Registan Square are perfect in 12-16°C (54-61°F) temperatures. You'll avoid the summer crowds and heat while still getting clear, beautiful weather for photography. The 2 hour 10 minute train ride is smooth, and you can easily do a full day trip from Tashkent. The spring light on those turquoise domes is genuinely magical.
March Events & Festivals
Navruz Spring Equinox Festival
Navruz marks the Persian New Year and spring equinox, typically celebrated March 21st with festivities starting several days before. This is THE cultural event in Uzbekistan - expect massive street celebrations, traditional music and dance performances, sumalak cooking ceremonies in neighborhoods, wrestling matches, and special holiday foods everywhere. The entire city participates. You'll see families visiting each other, public parks filled with festival activities, and special concerts at venues like the Navoi Theater. This is genuinely one of Central Asia's most important holidays and experiencing it in Tashkent is unforgettable.
International Women's Day Celebrations
March 8th is a major holiday in Uzbekistan, a holdover from Soviet times that's still widely celebrated. Expect flower markets to explode with activity, restaurants to be packed with celebrations, and a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Men traditionally give flowers and gifts to women in their lives. While it's not a tourist-focused event, it gives interesting cultural insight and the city has a noticeably celebratory feel. Many businesses close or have reduced hours.