Weather in Azerbaijan

If you’re planning a vacation to Azerbaijan, you doubtless have questions regarding the country’s weather, which can affect everything from what to pack, when to travel to what activities you’ll want to pursue in country. Read on to find out all you ever wanted to know regarding Azerbaijan’s weather and climate.

What’s the climate like in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is between the Caspian Sea coast and the southern Caucasus Mountains, which apart from creating a beautiful diverse landscape, has resulted in a whole diversity of climates.

Weather in Azerbaijan ranges from subtropical in the central, eastern and southern regions, to a tundra climate in the highest altitude areas, to continental in isolated Nakhchivan. The southeastern regions are by far the wettest, the central and coastal areas the sunniest and the mountain zones the most temperamental. Although summer is unusually long around the coast and autumn doesn’t get the time it deserves, Azerbaijan has been favored with four distinct seasons.

How many climate zones are in Azerbaijan?

There are actually nine separate climate zones in tiny little Azerbaijan. On the one hand, this can make it hard to predict the weather in Azerbaijan in any given season, as it can vary drastically as you travel between the mountains, coastal cities and inland regions. On the plus side, this means that no matter when you visit, you’re likely to find a climate zone that suits your tastes.

What’s the average temperature in Azerbaijan?

In June, average temperatures range from 5° Celsius in the highlands to 27°C in the lowlands and coastal areas.  In January, the temperature hovers around -10° Celsius in the highlands and +3° in the lowlands.

The hottest days in summer can see temperatures soar to 45°С, while in winter mountain temps may drop to minus 40°С at night.

What’s the best time to visit Baku and the Azerbaijani coast?

Spring is the best time to visit Azerbaijan, as the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with few fluctuations in temperature. For those fortunate individuals who have a full month to spare, a trip to Azerbaijan during the month of May would allow you to plan a wide variety of excursions and enjoy both the last vestiges of spring and the first of summer’s rays, which are quite glorious along the Caspian Sea coast.

If your idea of the perfect holiday consists of sunny days at the beach and pleasant mountain hikes, mid-May through September is the optimal time for you to visit.

Is Azerbaijan hot in summer?

Summer temperatures begin to arrive to Baku and the coastal areas in late May, with beach tourists trailing closely behind.

July and August are the hottest months, with people flocking to the mountains and beach resorts to escape the sweltering inland heat. If you do venture into the central lowlands, you may want to take your cue from local residents and plan your excursions in the early morning and evening hours, using the midday heat as an excuse to chill indoors.

Even at summer’s peak, however, the coastal cities and mountains are much cooler than the rest of the country and make for a very pleasant travel destination.

Swimming season generally lasts through mid-September, when fall slowly descends upon the mountains, and it’s not until October that the beautiful but short-lived colors of autumn make their full appearance in the lowlands.

Does Azerbaijan have snow?

Azerbaijan does not receive significant precipitation, so don’t anticipate a snowy landscape unless you’re headed for the mountains. January and February are the coldest months and the most likely to see significant snowfall, while Azerbaijan’s weather in December is a bit more unpredictable.

Regardless, Azerbaijan can make a magical winter destination. Ski resorts such as Shahdag and Tufandag rival European counterparts and provide a worthy winter getaway. If skiing isn’t your thing, consider a horseback ride through the foothills, ice skating in the mountains or downhill tubing. Baku also has a wonderful Christmas/New Year fair complete with elaborate decorations, entertainment venues and a mouthwatering selection of local bites.

What should I wear in Azerbaijan?

Since Azerbaijan’s weather varies greatly between the coastal areas, mountains and Baku, you’ll want to have clothing suitable for a variety of temperatures regardless of the time of year you’ll be visiting. It’s advised to pack a raincoat and a warm sweater or jacket even in summer, and comfortable walking shoes are a must year-round. If traveling between November-March, winter gear and adequate layers are strongly advised. For more info on culturally appropriate attire, please see our Azerbaijan Travel Guide.