Weather in Khiva

About Khiva

Khiva's entire old city walls enclose a living museum—every building appears authentically medieval though many were rebuilt recently. The Kalta Minor minaret remains intentionally unfinished; the Juma Mosque contains 112 carved wooden columns. Khiva served as a Silk Road oasis-city controlling water trade; its walls preserved it from modern development.

Country

Uzbekistan

Best months to visit

April, May, August, September, October

Currency

UZS

Language

Uzbek, Russian, English

Things to do in Khiva

Walking the old city walls on foot experiencing every alley and building Visiting the Juma Mosque and touching its ancient wooden columns Exploring the Kalta Minor minaret and Tash Hauli palace courtyards Climbing the city walls for panoramic views of the old and new city Shopping for traditional Khivan carpets and suzani embroidery in bazaars Staying in restored caravanserais and experiencing traditional Uzbek hospitality

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

15C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

June

36C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

July

38C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

35C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

November

10C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

December

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Khiva is the most compact and atmospheric of Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities — its entire old town, Itchan Kala, is a walled, car-free open-air museum of mosques, minarets and madrasas. Smaller and quieter than Samarkand or Bukhara, it's easy to walk the whole old city in a day, and even easier to lose track of time wandering its mud-brick lanes at dusk.

Best areas to stay in Khiva

Itchan Kala (Inner Walled City)

The entire historic centre, packed with monuments, guesthouses and craft workshops within ancient mud walls.

Kunya Ark

The former royal fortress and residence, with a working mosque and views from its watchtower.

Outer city (Dishan Kala)

The area outside the walls with more local markets, restaurants and transport links.

Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum area

A beautifully tiled mausoleum complex and one of the most peaceful corners of the old town.

Getting to Khiva

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Flights

Fly into Urgench Airport (domestic flights from Tashkent), then a short 30-minute taxi to Khiva; alternatively take an overnight train from Bukhara.

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From London

~6-7 hours direct from London to Tashkent, plus a 1.5 hour domestic flight to Urgench and a short transfer.

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Getting around

Itchan Kala is entirely walkable and largely car-free; taxis are only needed for the airport or train station.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Khiva?

April-May and September-October offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking around the old town; summers are very hot.

How long do I need in Khiva?

One full day covers the main monuments of Itchan Kala, though staying overnight inside the old town adds a special atmosphere once the day-trippers leave.

What is Itchan Kala?

Khiva's walled inner city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of a Central Asian Islamic city, packed with mosques, minarets and madrasas.

How do I get to Khiva?

Khiva is more remote than Samarkand or Bukhara — most visitors fly into Urgench (a short transfer away) or take an overnight train from Bukhara.

What should I buy in Khiva?

Khiva is known for its woodcarving — carved wooden doors, columns and small souvenirs made by local craftsmen.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Staying inside the walls meant we got Itchan Kala almost to ourselves at sunrise and after the tour groups left in the evening — completely magical, like having a museum to yourself.

Karen D. · September 2024

★★★★★

Smaller than Samarkand or Bukhara but I actually preferred it for that reason — everything is within a short walk and the old town feels wonderfully intact.

Otabek S. · April 2024

★★★★☆

The journey to get here is longer than the other Silk Road cities but worth it — the carved wooden doors and tiled minarets are stunning, especially in late afternoon light.

Lina F. · May 2023