Samarkand in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Samarkand

14°C (57°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

41 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect golden hour photography at Registan - cool temperatures mean no heat shimmer and the 4:30pm sunset creates ideal lighting for the blue-tiled domes
Comfortable walking weather for exploring the Silk Road monuments - midday temperatures of 10-12°C (50-54°F) are ideal for the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) of walking most visitors do daily
Post-harvest season means abundant fresh pomegranates, persimmons, and walnuts in the bazaars, plus traditional plov made with new rice harvests
Shoulder season pricing with 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to peak spring months, and no crowds at major monuments

Considerations

Mornings can be genuinely cold at 3°C (37°F) - many outdoor activities don't start until 10am when it warms up
Some smaller museums and workshops have reduced hours or close entirely during November's cooler period
Rain on 10 days means indoor backup plans are essential, though showers typically last only 1-2 hours

Best Activities in November

Registan Complex Photography Tours

November's cool, clear air and low sun angle create the best conditions for photographing Samarkand's iconic monuments. The 4:30pm golden hour is particularly spectacular for the blue tilework, and morning fog occasionally creates dramatic atmospheric shots. Cool weather means you can spend hours capturing different angles without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book morning and sunset sessions 7-10 days ahead. Photography permits cost 50,000-80,000 som ($4-7 USD) depending on equipment. Look for guides who know the best vantage points outside the main complex for crowd-free shots.

Siab Bazaar and Traditional Craft Workshops

November brings the season's final harvest of pomegranates, quinces, and nuts to the markets. Cool weather makes the covered bazaar sections comfortable, and many artisan workshops are more active preparing for winter tourist season. This is the best time to see traditional bread-making and carpet weaving without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Craft workshops typically cost 100,000-150,000 som ($8-12 USD) for 2-3 hour sessions. Morning visits between 9-11am offer the most active workshops. Look for UNESCO-certified traditional craft centers.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis Walking Tours

The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) walking route through this medieval necropolis is perfect in November's cool weather. Fewer crowds mean you can properly appreciate the intricate tilework and acoustics of each mausoleum. The climb up the sacred stairs is comfortable rather than exhausting in these temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are free; guided tours cost 80,000-120,000 som ($6-10 USD). Early morning visits at 8am offer the best light and complete solitude. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Ulugbek Observatory Astronomical Heritage Tours

November's clear, crisp nights are ideal for understanding medieval Islamic astronomy at Ulugbek's 15th-century observatory. Cool daytime temperatures make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walk from the city center comfortable, and evening stargazing sessions showcase the Easttimor skies medieval astronomers studied.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost 25,000 som ($2 USD). Evening astronomy sessions are 150,000-200,000 som ($12-16 USD) including telescope time. Book stargazing tours 5-7 days ahead as groups are limited to 12 people.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and Surrounding Historic Quarter

Tamerlane's mausoleum and the surrounding medieval quarter are perfect for November exploration. Cool weather makes the 4 km (2.5 mile) walking route through historic neighborhoods comfortable, and fewer tourists mean better access to the interior chambers and detailed architectural viewing.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are 30,000 som ($2.50 USD). Combined tickets with nearby monuments save 20-30%. Audio guides in multiple languages cost an additional 40,000 som ($3 USD). Allow 2-3 hours including surrounding historic streets.

Traditional Plov and Seasonal Food Experiences

November features the best traditional plov made with new rice harvests, plus seasonal specialties like quince jam and fresh walnut sweets. Cool weather makes hot food more appealing, and harvest season means peak freshness for traditional dishes. Indoor cooking classes are comfortable alternatives to outdoor activities on rainy days.

Booking Tip: Traditional plov tastings cost 80,000-120,000 som ($6-10 USD) per person. Cooking classes range from 200,000-300,000 som ($16-25 USD) for 3-4 hour sessions. Book through guesthouses or cultural centers rather than tourist operators for real feels.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Local neighborhoods celebrate the completion of cotton and fruit harvests with traditional music, dance, and communal meals. These authentic celebrations offer insight into contemporary Uzbek culture beyond the historical monuments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm fleece or wool sweater - morning temperatures of 3°C (37°F) require genuine warmth, not just light layers

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - marble surfaces at monuments become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily on varied surfaces

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - showers occur on 10 days but are usually brief 1-2 hour periods

Warm hat and gloves for early morning monument visits - essential for sunrise photography sessions starting at 6:30am

Thermal underlayers for outdoor activities - particularly important for extended photography sessions or evening stargazing

Sunglasses despite cool weather - reflection off light-colored stone monuments can be intense even with low UV index of 3

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively navigating the old city

Cash in small denominations - many craft workshops and local experiences don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce in historic districts

Scarf or light neck covering - both for warmth and for covering shoulders/head when entering active mosques

Day backpack with water bottle - staying hydrated is important even in cool weather, and you'll need hands free for photography and monument exploration

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in the Registan area rather than near the train station - the 2 km (1.2 mile) difference means walking to monuments in comfortable midday temperatures rather than cold early morning

Most locals shop at Siab Bazaar between 10am-1pm in November when temperatures are warmest - join them for the most active market experience and warmest indoor environment

The city's central heating isn't turned on until December, so even mid-range hotels can be chilly in early morning - pack warm sleepwear and ask for extra blankets

Download offline maps before arrival - November weather can be unpredictable for data connections, and getting lost in the old city when it's cold and rainy is genuinely unpleasant rather than adventurous

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 3°C (37°F) feels when you're standing still for long periods taking photos or listening to guides - many visitors pack for the midday temperature only

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options - with rain on 10 days, having museum visits or workshop experiences ready prevents wasted time

Assuming restaurants and attractions keep summer hours - many close earlier in November or have midday closures, particularly smaller family-run establishments