Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is often imagined as a warm, sunny and friendly city. Bright postcards, social media videos and advertisements create the image of a real southern resort. But what is the weather really like in Baku? Let’s find out so your trip can be comfortable and easy to plan.
Climate of Baku: What to Expect All Year Round
Baku is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The climate is semi-arid: winters are mild and cool, and summers are hot and dry. Precipitation is low, about 210–225 mm a year. July is the driest month, and October and November are the wettest.
Air and Sea Temperature by Month
| Month | Day | Night | Rainfall | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +7°C | +2°C | 21 mm | +8°C |
| February | +6°C | +2°C | 20 mm | +7°C |
| March | +10°C | +4°C | 21 mm | +8°C |
| April | +16°C | +9°C | 18 mm | +12°C |
| May | +22°C | +15°C | 18 mm | +17°C |
| June | +27°C | +20°C | 8 mm | +23°C |
| July | +30°C | +23°C | 6 mm | +27°C |
| August | +30°C | +23°C | 6 mm | +27°C |
| September | +26°C | +19°C | 15 mm | +24°C |
| October | +20°C | +14°C | 25 mm | +20°C |
| November | +14°C | +9°C | 30 mm | +15°C |
| December | +10°C | +5°C | 26 mm | +11°C |
The figures are rounded and averaged from several sources, so actual values in a given year can differ by 1–2 degrees.
Spring (March–May)
A great time for walking around the city and going on sightseeing tours. The average temperature rises from about +7°C in March to +18°C in May, and daytime highs in May reach around +22°C. The sea is still cold.
Summer (June–August)
The time for beach holidays. Daytime temperatures are usually +27–31°C, nights are around +20–23°C, and the sea warms to +23–27°C. There is almost no rain.
Autumn (September–November)
A velvet season. September is especially pleasant, with warm days and sea temperatures around +24°C. From October it becomes rainier and cooler.
Winter (December–February)
Mild, with daytime temperatures of about +6–10°C and nights of around +2–5°C. Snow is rare, but the wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer shows.
Winds of Baku: A Symbol of the City
One of the main natural features of the capital is its wind. Baku is often called the City of Winds.
Khazri is a cold northern wind that blows from the Caspian all year round. In summer it brings welcome coolness, and its gusts can be very strong: the speed of khazri sometimes exceeds 29 m/s.
Gilavar is a warm, humid southern wind. In winter it softens the cold.
On average, wind speed is about 4 m/s (roughly 15 km/h) in winter and about 6 m/s (roughly 22 km/h) in July and August, the windiest months. In hot weather such wind feels like a pleasant breeze, and in cold weather it makes the weather noticeably harsher.
Beach Season in Baku
The official swimming season on the Caspian runs from 1 June to 30 September. The best time for swimming is from late June to September, when the sea is warm (+23–27°C). Popular beaches such as Bilgah, Mardakan and Shikhov are crowded at this time, while Zagulba remains quieter. In October the water cools to +20°C and below, but some tourists still swim. Read more in our article “Beaches in Baku”.
Gobustan: Open Terrain and Wind
If you want to vary your trip, be sure to visit Gobustan, a reserve about 60–67 km from Baku. It is known for its UNESCO-listed rock engravings and mud volcanoes. The terrain is open, semi-desert and windy, so it is easy to feel cold in winter and overheat in summer. The best time to go is April–June and September–October.
When to Visit Baku
The most comfortable time for the city is April–June and September–October: warm, but not hot. For the beach, choose July, August and September. In winter Baku is fine for getting to know the city, but the wind and cool weather call for warm clothes.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- Sun protection is your main ally in summer. SPF 50 sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential.
- Dress for the season. In Baku it is easy to get sunburned or to feel cold in the wind, especially in spring and autumn. Bring a windbreaker.
- Check the forecast, especially if you plan to travel outside the city, for example to Gobustan or the Absheron beaches.
- An umbrella is useful in autumn, when it rains more often.
FAQ
When is the sea warm in Baku? From late June to September: +23–27°C.
Which month is the hottest? July and August, with daytime highs of around +30–31°C.
Which month is the rainiest? October and November.
When is the best time to visit Baku? April–June and September–October.
Is it always windy in Baku? Yes, wind blows all year round, and the northern khazri produces especially strong gusts.
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