Travel time: Year-round
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is famously known as the "City of Winds." Situated on the Absheron Peninsula and resting 28 meters below sea level, its climate is categorized as cold semi-arid. The weather here is defined by its proximity to the Caspian Sea and its constant atmospheric movement, creating a landscape where the feel of the temperature often matters more than the number on the thermometer.
Summers are hot, sunny, and bone-dry. Average highs usually sit around 30°C (86°F), but heatwaves can push the mercury well above 35°C (95°F). Despite the heat, the low humidity (around 50-60%) and persistent sea breezes prevent the air from becoming stifling. Rainfall is nearly absent during these months, making for endless blue skies.
September often feels like an extension of summer, but by October, the air turns crisp and pleasant. November is statistically the wettest month, though "wet" is relative in a semi-arid climate; rain typically comes in short, sharp bursts rather than prolonged gloom. This is widely considered the most comfortable time for urban exploration.
Baku winters are cool rather than freezing, with average temperatures hovering around 4°C to 6°C (39°F to 43°F). Snow is rare and typically melts within a day, but the region is prone to high humidity (up to 80%) and biting winds. The heavy air and dampness can make a 5°C day feel significantly colder.
Spring starts slowly as the Caspian Sea—having cooled over winter—keeps coastal temperatures lower. However, by May, the peninsula blooms rapidly. Spring weather is the most unpredictable, often featuring dramatic shifts in wind and temperature within a single 24-hour period.
The city’s weather is dictated by two dominant wind patterns that locals have named and respected for centuries:
Locals have a symbiotic relationship with the wind; you will notice the Baku architecture, from the medieval Old City to the modern Flame Towers, is designed to either funnel or break these gusts. Life in the city moves indoors during the peak of a summer Gilavar or a winter Khazri gale. You will often see residents checking the wind direction as much as the temperature when planning their day.
Historically, Baku’s weather has been stable, but recent decades have seen an increase in record-breaking summer highs. Because the city is built on hills (the