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Tashkent - Things to Do in Tashkent in November

Things to Do in Tashkent in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tashkent

14°C (57°F) High Temp
3°C (38°F) Low Temp
51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Comfortable sightseeing weather with daytime temperatures around 10-14°C (50-57°F) - perfect for walking the old city without overheating. The crisp air actually makes those long days exploring Chorsu Bazaar and the Registan-style madrasahs far more pleasant than summer's 40°C (104°F) heat.
  • Significantly fewer tourists than spring or early fall, meaning you'll actually have space to photograph the turquoise domes without dozens of tour groups in your frame. Hotels in the city center typically drop prices by 20-30% compared to peak season rates.
  • Pomegranate season is in full swing - you'll find vendors selling fresh anar juice on nearly every corner for 5,000-8,000 UZS (roughly 0.40-0.65 USD) per glass. The fruit quality in November is genuinely exceptional, and locals consider this the best month for the deep red varieties.
  • Clear, sunny days are common despite occasional rain - Tashkent gets about 10 rainy days in November, but they're usually brief. The low humidity means when the sun's out, it's brilliantly clear for mountain views toward the Tian Shan range, visible from higher points in the city.

Considerations

  • Evenings get genuinely cold, dropping to 3-5°C (37-41°F) after sunset. If you're planning to explore the city after dark or eat at outdoor chaikhanas, you'll need proper layers - that light jacket won't cut it past 6pm.
  • Daylight is limited to roughly 10.5 hours, with sunset around 5:30pm by late November. This compresses your sightseeing window, especially if you're trying to catch the famous golden-hour light on Hazrati Imam Complex tiles.
  • Some mountain day trips become less appealing - the Chimgan ski resort isn't fully operational yet (snow coverage is inconsistent in early November), and higher elevation hikes can be muddy or icy. You're in an awkward shoulder period for mountain activities.

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Best Activities in November

Old City Walking Tours Through Tashkent Historic Quarter

November's cooler temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring the maze of streets around Chorsu Bazaar and the historic mahallas. You can comfortably walk 5-8 km (3.1-5 miles) without the summer heat exhaustion that hits most tourists. The morning light between 9-11am is particularly good for photographing the Khast Imam Complex's tilework. Crowds are minimal compared to the spring tour group rush, so you'll actually get to linger at the Quran of Caliph Uthman without being rushed along.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is perfectly feasible with offline maps, but guided tours (typically 80,000-150,000 UZS for 3-4 hours) provide context you won't get from signage, which is often only in Uzbek and Russian. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed guides - look for those registered with the State Committee for Tourism. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Tashkent Metro Art and Architecture Tours

The metro is heated and makes an excellent rainy-day backup plan, but it's worth experiencing regardless. November's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually photograph the stations without crowds - try Kosmonavtlar, Alisher Navoi, and Mustakillik Maydoni during mid-morning (10-11am) when light streams through the entrance halls. Each station took 3-5 years to build and features different themes from Soviet-era cosmonauts to Uzbek cotton motifs.

Booking Tip: A single metro token costs 1,700 UZS (about 0.14 USD) - absurdly cheap. Guided tours focusing on the architectural history typically run 100,000-200,000 UZS for 2-3 hours and include context about the stations built as nuclear shelters. No advance booking needed for solo exploration, but tours should be arranged 2-3 days ahead. Check the booking widget below for current specialized metro tours.

Chimgan Mountains Day Trips

Located 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Tashkent, Chimgan offers hiking and early-season skiing depending on when in November you visit. Early November typically has inconsistent snow coverage, but late November might catch the first proper snowfall. The cable car to Beldersay (operating since 2019) runs year-round and reaches 2,300 m (7,546 ft) with spectacular views. Temperatures at elevation are 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than the city, so proper layering is essential.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 300,000-500,000 UZS including transport, cable car, and guide. Book at least 7 days ahead as November weekends attract Tashkent residents escaping the city. Shared marshrutka transport costs around 30,000 UZS each way but requires good Russian language skills for coordination. Private car hire runs 400,000-600,000 UZS round-trip. See current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Uzbek Cooking Classes

November is plov season - the cooler weather means families gather for the massive communal rice dish more frequently, and cooking schools run their most authentic sessions. You'll learn to make proper Tashkent-style plov (different from Samarkand or Bukhara versions) plus seasonal dishes like shurva soup and manti dumplings. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including market shopping at Chorsu or Eski Juva bazaars, where November brings peak produce variety.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay 250,000-400,000 UZS for small-group classes (4-8 people) including ingredients and the meal you cook. Private classes run 500,000-700,000 UZS. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend sessions. Look for classes held in actual family homes rather than commercial kitchens for more authentic experiences. Current cooking class options appear in the booking widget below.

Amir Timur Museum and State History Complex Visits

Indoor cultural sites are perfect for November's variable weather. The Amir Timur Museum (opened 2006) is criminally underrated - it houses manuscripts, weapons, and artifacts spanning Timurid history with English signage that's actually helpful. The nearby State Museum of History of Uzbekistan has been renovated and now includes interactive displays about the Silk Road. Plan 2-3 hours for each museum. The heating works reliably, making them comfortable refuges during cold spells.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are remarkably low - 30,000-50,000 UZS per museum for foreigners. Photography permits cost an additional 10,000-20,000 UZS. No advance booking needed, but guided tours (100,000-150,000 UZS) provide significantly more context than the placards. Go on weekday mornings (10am-12pm) to avoid school groups. Some museums close Mondays. Check current cultural tour packages in the booking section below.

Samarkand Day Trip via High-Speed Train

The Afrosiyob train makes Samarkand a legitimate day trip from Tashkent, covering 344 km (214 miles) in just 2 hours 10 minutes. November weather in Samarkand is similar to Tashkent - cool and clear, perfect for exploring Registan Square without summer's oppressive heat. You'll have roughly 7 hours in Samarkand before catching the return train. The train itself is modern, heated, and comfortable with assigned seating and working toilets.

Booking Tip: Train tickets cost 110,000-165,000 UZS each way depending on class. Book at least 10-14 days ahead as trains fill up - purchase through Uzbekistan Railways website or hotel concierge. Full-day tour packages including train tickets, guide, and lunch typically run 600,000-900,000 UZS. Morning departure (7:30am or 8am trains) gives you maximum time in Samarkand. See current Samarkand day trip options in the booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Tashkent International Film Festival

Typically held in late November (dates vary year to year, so confirm for 2026), this festival showcases Central Asian cinema alongside international selections. Screenings happen at the Ilkhom Theatre and several city cinemas. It's worth attending if you're interested in the region's contemporary culture - many films include English subtitles, and the festival attracts directors and actors from across the former Soviet republics. Tickets are usually available at the door.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system with thermal base layer - mornings start at 3-5°C (37-41°F) but afternoons can hit 14°C (57°F). The 11-degree temperature swing means you'll be constantly adjusting. Merino wool or synthetic thermals work better than cotton in the 70% humidity.
Waterproof jacket with hood - those 10 rainy days bring quick showers that last 30-45 minutes. Locals duck into chaikhanas to wait them out, but you'll want protection if you're mid-sightseeing. Skip the umbrella - Tashkent's wind makes them useless.
Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - you'll easily walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring the old city's uneven pavements. The occasional rain makes marble mosque floors slippery, and some mahalla streets are still cobblestone.
Warm jacket or fleece for evenings - that 3°C (37°F) nighttime temperature is no joke. If you're planning to eat at outdoor chaikhanas or evening strolls around Amir Timur Square, you need proper insulation.
Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - the UV index of 8 is surprisingly strong for November. The high altitude (Tashkent sits at 455 m or 1,493 ft) and clear days mean you'll burn faster than expected, especially if you're doing mountain day trips.
Scarf or buff - serves triple duty as wind protection, warmth, and modest head covering when entering mosques. Women should have something to cover hair at religious sites, though enforcement is relaxed at tourist-focused locations.
Reusable water bottle - tap water isn't drinkable, but hotels and restaurants provide filtered water. Bottled water costs 3,000-5,000 UZS at shops. November's cooler weather means you'll drink less than summer, but you still need 1.5-2 liters daily.
Power adapter for European two-pin plugs - Uzbekistan uses Type C and F sockets at 220V. Most hotels have adapters, but bring your own to be safe. Your phone will be essential for offline maps and translation apps.
Small daypack for market visits - Chorsu Bazaar is perfect for buying dried fruits, spices, and ceramics. You'll want hands-free carrying capacity. Security is generally good, but keep valuables in front pockets in crowded areas.
Cash in small denominations - while cards work at hotels and upscale restaurants, most markets, taxis, and small eateries are cash-only. ATMs dispense large bills (50,000 or 100,000 UZS notes), so break them at supermarkets. Carry 200,000-300,000 UZS daily for typical expenses.

Insider Knowledge

The sum (Uzbek currency) has been stable since 2020 reforms, but exchange rates still fluctuate. Official exchange booths at banks give better rates than hotels - expect around 12,000-12,500 UZS per USD in November 2026. Avoid black market exchangers despite what older guidebooks suggest - it's no longer necessary or advantageous.
Tashkent locals eat their main meal at lunch (usually plov on Thursdays and Sundays), so restaurants are busiest 1-3pm. Dinner tends to be lighter. If you want authentic plov, go to an oshxona (plov house) before 2pm - many sell out by mid-afternoon. Expect to pay 25,000-40,000 UZS for a massive plate.
The metro photography ban was officially lifted in 2018, but some older security guards haven't gotten the memo. If questioned, politely mention the 2018 decree - most will wave you through. That said, avoid photographing military personnel or government buildings, which remains restricted.
November is when Tashkent families start preparing for winter - you'll see vendors selling fresh nuts, dried fruits, and preserves at bazaars. This is the best time to buy high-quality dried apricots, raisins, and walnuts at peak freshness and lowest prices (50,000-80,000 UZS per kilogram for premium quality). These make excellent gifts and pack well.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold evenings get - tourists pack for the pleasant 14°C (57°F) daytime temperatures and then freeze at outdoor dinners when it drops to 3°C (37°F). Locals wear puffy jackets after sunset, and you should too.
Not downloading offline maps and translation apps before arrival - mobile data works fine in the city, but coverage drops in mountain areas. Google Translate's offline Uzbek and Russian packs are essential. Many older residents don't speak English, and younger people's English is hit-or-miss.
Assuming everything closes early because it's November - actually, Tashkent's restaurant and cafe scene stays lively until 10-11pm even in cooler months. The city has a young population and active nightlife. That said, attractions do close by 6pm due to early sunset, so plan cultural sightseeing for mornings and afternoons.

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