The climate of Azerbaijan
The geographical diversity of
Azerbaijan contributes to its varied climatic conditions. The country, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is known for its contrasting topography that ranges from lowlands along the Caspian Sea to the Great Caucasus mountain range. The presence of the three Köppen climate types - Hot semi-arid climate (BSh), Tundra climate (ET), and Hot summer continental climate (Dfa), adds complexity to the weather patterns in Azerbaijan.
BSh prevails in the lowland regions and the Caspian Sea coastline, where summer temperatures frequently rise above 30°C (86°F), while rainfall remains below the evapotranspiration level, leading to six months of drought annually. The ET climate type is observed in the high-altitude regions of the Caucasus Mountains, where the warmest month's temperature remains below 10°C (50°F). The Dfa climate type, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, is mainly found in the central and western parts of the country, where seasonal temperature variations are significant.
The Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
The ideal time to visit
Azerbaijan is from
April to
June and from
September to
October. During these periods, the country experiences moderate temperatures, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The average temperature in the spring and autumn seasons ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). The precipitation level also remains low, especially in the arid regions. However, one can expect more rainfall in the western regions and the Caucasus Mountains during these seasons.
The Worst Time to Visit Azerbaijan
The period from
July to
August, the peak summer season, and the winter months from
December to
February could be challenging for visitors. During the summer, temperatures in the lowland regions and the Caspian Sea coastline can soar above 40°C (104°F). Combined with the lack of rainfall, this creates a hot and arid environment. The winter, on the other hand, witnesses sub-zero temperatures, especially in the mountainous regions experiencing the Tundra climate. Snowfall can disrupt travel plans, especially in the high-altitude areas.
Spring Weather in Azerbaijan
The spring season, from
March to
May, ushers in pleasant weather in
Azerbaijan. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) in most parts of the country. The mountainous regions, however, remain relatively cold, with average temperatures hovering below 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the country, with the western regions experiencing slightly higher rainfall. Spring is characterized by moderate weather conditions, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country's diverse landscapes.
Summer Weather in Azerbaijan
Summers in
Azerbaijan, from
June to
August, are typically hot and dry, especially in the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline. Temperatures frequently rise above 30°C (86°F), sometimes exceeding 40°C (104°F). The precipitation level drops significantly, leading to extended periods of drought. The high-altitude regions, however, remain relatively cooler, with temperatures not surpassing 20°C (68°F). Despite the intense heat in some areas, summer remains a popular time for beach and water sports activities along the Caspian Sea.
Autumn Weather in Azerbaijan
Autumn, from
September to
November, in
Azerbaijan, brings relief from the intense summer heat. The temperature ranges between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), gradually cooling as the season progresses. Rainfall begins to increase during this time, especially in the western and mountainous regions. The moderate weather conditions coupled with the changing foliage make autumn a visually appealing time to visit Azerbaijan.
Winter Weather in Azerbaijan
Winters in
Azerbaijan, from
December to
February, are typically cold and harsh, especially in the high-altitude areas experiencing the Tundra climate. Temperatures can drop below zero degrees, sometimes reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F) in the mountainous regions. The lowland regions and the Caspian Sea coastline experience milder winters with temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F). Snowfall is common in the mountainous areas, providing opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. However, the harsh conditions can pose challenges to travel and outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Azerbaijan is the height of winter and is generally the coldest month of the year. The lowland regions and the Caspian Sea coastline experience chilly but not severe winter conditions, with average temperatures around 4°C (39.2°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Azerbaijan brings a gradual end to the severe winter conditions, especially in the high-altitude regions. However, it remains a winter month, with the average temperatures slightly higher than
January but still low across the country. In the mountainous regions, where the Tundra climate prevails, February witnesses temperatures slowly rising from the extreme lows of January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Azerbaijan marks the onset of spring, ushering in a gradual transition from the cold winter months to warmer temperatures. The shift is most notable in the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline, where temperatures start to rise steadily. In the capital city of Baku, located on the Caspian Sea coast, temperatures in March range from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (53.6°F), marking a significant increase from the colder months of
January and
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Azerbaijan solidifies the onset of spring, with a more noticeable rise in temperatures throughout the country. This month is characterized by a significant increase in warmth compared to the preceding winter months and the transitional period of
March. The lowland regions and the Caspian Sea coastline experience a more rapid increase in temperatures, making these areas comfortably warm.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the arrival of late spring in
Azerbaijan, with noticeably warmer temperatures across the country. As the last month of spring, it sets the stage for the forthcoming summer season. In the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline, temperatures continue to rise.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Azerbaijan marks the commencement of summer, with a noticeable shift to hotter temperatures across the country. The warmer weather is most prominent in the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline. In Baku, the capital city located on the Caspian Sea coast, temperatures in June range from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), marking a significant increase from the cooler month of
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Azerbaijan, typically being the hottest month of the year. The heat is most intense in the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline. In Baku, the capital situated on the Caspian Sea coast, July temperatures range from 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), reaching the year's maximum values.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Azerbaijan is the last full month of summer, characterized by high temperatures, although slightly lower than the peak temperatures experienced in
July. The heat remains intense in the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline. In Baku, the capital city located along the Caspian Sea coast, August sees temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Azerbaijan marks the beginning of autumn, characterized by a gradual decrease in temperatures compared to the hot summer months. The cooling trend is noticeable in both the lowland regions and along the Caspian Sea coastline. In Baku, located along the Caspian Sea coast, September sees temperatures ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), offering a reprieve from the intense heat of the summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Azerbaijan marks the middle of the autumn season, characterized by a further decrease in temperatures and an increase in rainfall. The shift to cooler and wetter weather is experienced across the country, including the lowland regions, the Caspian Sea coastline, and the high-altitude areas. In the capital city of Baku, situated on the Caspian Sea coast, October sees temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), a noticeable drop from the temperatures experienced in
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Azerbaijan signifies the onset of the late autumn season, with a marked drop in temperatures and an increase in rainfall compared to
October. The chill of the approaching winter can be felt across the country, especially in the high-altitude regions. In Baku, the capital city located along the Caspian Sea coast, temperatures in November range from 13°C (55.4°F) to 16°C (60.8°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Azerbaijan marks the beginning of winter, characterized by a significant drop in temperatures and an increase in rainfall compared to
November. The colder weather becomes pronounced throughout the country, from the lowland regions to the high-altitude areas. In Baku, the capital city situated on the Caspian Sea coast, December sees temperatures ranging from 8°C (46.4°F) to 11°C (51.8°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]