The Best, Worst, and Most Affordable Times to Visit Azerbaijan
Whether you want to see the cherry blossoms or avoid the crowds, here's when to plan your next trip to Azerbaijan.
By Nurana Hasanova I Updated: 24 December 2024
Suppose you're interested in skiing in winter to autumn festivals, witnessing Novruz in spring and feeling the Caspian vibe in summer, there are great reasons to visit Azerbaijan throughout the year. Here’s a quick guide to what to expect in every season.
These winter months are the perfect time for a Christmas trip or New Year’s celebrations. From the beginning of December, festive cheer takes over Baku’s Fountains Square. While snow is a rarity in Baku, big Christmas trees and markets help to get everyone in the Christmas mood. For those who love a chilly mountain top, we could not recommend the ski resorts of Shahdag and Tufandag enough. Snow sports enthusiasts are welcome from December through to the end of March, and you can take your pick from the variety of hotels at each resort to suit how you want to usher the festive season in: snuggled up with your family, or on a romantic adventure with your loved one
Here's a look at the country's main tourist seasons:
High Season: Mid-March to mid-May and September to mid-November
Shoulder Seasons: Late May to August and late November to December
Low Season: January to early March
Whether you want a snowy getaway in Guba, Shaghdag or Gabala, a beach vacation in Apsheron Peninsula or Lankaran, or a photography trip to capture the city lights of Baku, these are the best times to plan your dream trip to Azerbaijan.
Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds
Visitors from all over the world come to Azerbaijan to admire the cherry blossoms, so it should come as no surprise that Sakura season (late March to April) marks the busiest time for tourism. You'll want to avoid visiting the country during any specific days unless you meticulously plan ahead, as trains, hotels, and sightseeing spots can often be overcrowded or sold out entirely. Stunning foliage tends to draw crowds in autumn, especially when the leaves reach their colorful peak, typically from mid-October to early December.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, visit during the rainy season, which usually begins in end-October and lasts until mid-March. Though this period tends to be humid and drizzly, it's one of the best times to enjoy popular tourist attractions without the masses. Azerbaijan also tends to be quieter between January and March, making it a perfect time to pair sightseeing with snow sports — and relaxing soaks at the nearest onsen (hot spring). It could be the perfect time for budget-minded travelers to book a room at one of Gabala or Shaki best hotels, for instance.
Best Times to Visit for Good Weather
Azerbaijan, while not an especially large country, is surprisingly varied when it comes to weather. The rainy season runs from early November to mid-March throughout most of the country — Baku included — except in Gabala where showers begin in early October. In Baku, Gabala, Guba, Lankaran, summertime brings mild temperatures and blue skies.
If you aren't hitting the ski slopes, March to May and August to November are generally considered the best times to visit Azerbaijan for pleasant weather. That's when travelers can find the iconic cherry blossoms, or, in the fall, vivid autumnal leaves. During these two seasons, rainfall is minimal, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild, ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit most days, depending on where you are.
For those who are not averse to heat and humidity, summer brings a different tempo to Azerbaijan. It's the perfect time of year for exploring nature — ideally, somewhere cool up a mountain or as far north as possible. The lusciously cooler climes of Gabala, Shaghdag, Goygol are heaven in the summer, with rainbow-bright flower fields and opportunities for countless outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.
Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices
Azerbaijan has a reputation for being a not that pricey destination, but even there are times of year when it's less expensive to visit. During the low season between January and early March, you may be able to find flight and hotel deals. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around the New Year, so it's best to avoid coming at the beginning of January if you're trying to save money.
Best Times to Visit Baku
Weather in April
April in Baku marks a continued increase in temperature, characterized by clear skies and extended hours of sunlight. Rainfall starts to decline further from 13mm (0.51") in March to 8mm (0.31"), marking a notable shift in hydrological conditions. The drop in humidity, increase in daily sunshine, and clear visibility facilitate outdoor activities such as sightseeing, picnics, and hikes. Baku in April pulls in visitors with its pleasant weather, impeccable views, and cultural attraction sites.
Temperature
With the onset of April, Baku observes a minor temperature ascent, with the average high-temperature adjusting from March's cool 11.3°C (52.3°F) to a moderate 15°C (59°F). The nights of April cool down to an average low of 10.1°C (50.2°F), subtly lower than daytime highs.
Humidity
In Baku, the average relative humidity in April is 67%.
Rainfall
In Baku, Azerbaijan, during April, the rain falls for 6.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 8mm (0.31") of precipitation. In Baku, Azerbaijan, during the entire year, the rain falls for 80.8 days and collects up to 149mm (5.87") of precipitation.
Snowfall
April through October are months without snowfall in Baku.
Sea temperature
In Baku, the average seawater temperature in April is 11°C (51.8°F).
Note: Staying in 11°C (51.8°F) waters for just a few moments at 13°C (55.4°F) can be harrowing, and below 10°C (50°F) poses breathing and cold shock risks, depending on individual tolerance.
Daylight
The average length of the day in April is 13h and 18min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 19:05. On the last day of April, in Baku, Azerbaijan, sunrise is at 05:40 and sunset at 19:35 +04.
Sunshine
The average sunshine in April is 9.6h.
UV index
The average daily maximum UV index in April is 5. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a moderate threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum daily UV index of 5 during April translates into the following directions:
Safety measures are advised. Light-skinned individuals may experience burns in under half an hour. Being exposed to the midday Sun can have harmful effects due to strong UV radiation; always take precautions. Counter UV radiation's ill effects with clothing designed for sun safety and
Frequently asked questions
What are the temperatures in Baku in April? - an average high-temperature, in April, in Baku, is 15°C (59°F) and the average low-temperature is 10.1°C (50.2°F).
What is the average humidity in April in Baku? - The average relative humidity in April is 67%.
How much does it rain in Baku in April? - In April, in Baku, Azerbaijan, the rain falls for 6.7 days. Throughout April, 8mm (0.31") of precipitation is accumulated.
When it does not snow in Baku? - April through October are months without snowfall in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Does it snow in Baku in April? - In April, in Baku, Azerbaijan, it doesn't snow. March is the latest month when it typically snows.
What is the sea water temperature in April in Baku? - In Baku, in April, the average water temperature is 11°C (51.8°F). Swimming in 11°C (51.8°F) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 10°C (50°F) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.
What is the average length of the day in April in Baku? - The average day length in April is 13h and 18min.
When are sunrise and sunset in April in Baku? - On the first day of April in Baku, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 19:05. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:40 and sunset at 19:35 +04.
How long on average sun shines in April in Baku? - In April, the average sunshine duration in Baku, Azerbaijan, is 9.6h.
What is the UV index reading in April in Baku? - In Baku, the average daily maximum UV index in April is 5. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium hazard to health from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.