Close to two million tourists visit Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, every year. A city that lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the history of Baku goes back to the 5th century AD, although evidence shows that human settlement in the area existed right from 4th millennium BCE. But what makes Baku even more interesting is it seamlessly blends ancient and modern, in the form of its attractions. Apart from this, Baku is known for its cultural attractions, including its numerous festivals. With so many things to see and do in Baku, it is quite usual to think about the best time to visit the city. Here we have a detailed guide on the best time to visit Baku, depending on the weather as well as the experience.
Best Time to Visit Baku Season-Wise
Baku, lying on the shores of the Caspian Sea, has a mild, semi-arid climate throughout the year. Baku enjoys four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The best seasons to visit this city of Azerbaijan is Spring and Autumn, when the temperatures are wild. But each season has its specialty. Let us see what awaits you in Baku in each of the four seasons.
Baku in Spring (March to May)
March marks the beginning of Spring in Baku. The cold temperature of winter gives way to a mild and pleasantly warm climate. The temperature in Baku during the months between March and May is 10-degree C to 20-degree C. It is the time when the locals start venturing out more. Baku is filled with colorful blooms, giving it a vibrancy like no other. It is the perfect time to explore the outdoors and enjoy fun picnics in the parks of the city. It is also the right time to visit the major attractions of the city. You can pick one of the Baku tour packages to see all the important places in the city.
Celebrations: The Navruz Bayram or the Persian New Year is the most important festival celebrated in Baku in March. It is celebrated to mark the beginning of Spring season and usually falls on spring equinox (the day when both night and day are equal). Several fun games and activities are associated with this festival. Apart from this, you will also be a part of the Flower Festival and International World of Mugham Festival in Baku during the Spring season.
Featured
Featured
Featured
Baku in Summer (June to August)
Summer season in Baku falls between June and August. With the temperature between 25-degree C and 35-degree C, it is quite warm and dry in Baku during these months. This also makes it the perfect time to enjoy the beaches in the city. As it is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is home to numerous beautiful beaches. These are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. You can also indulge in various sports like kite surfing, wave boarding, and more. Visiting the water parks in Baku is also a great way of staying cool during the summers in the city. Visiting Baku Boulevard, a seaside promenade where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Caspian Sea, going on a cruise, and enjoying numerous dining and shopping opportunities are the best things to do in Baku during summer season. It is also a great time to explore the city’s nightlife.
Celebrations: Baku is known for hosting some of the most epic music festivals, and The Dream Fest is one you can enjoy in the summer season. Hosted in July, it is an international open-air music festival that takes place at the Sea Breeze Resort, complete with music, dancing, and some great vibes.
Baku in Autumn (September to November)
September to November is when the weather transitions from summer to winter in Baku. These months are considered autumn, when the climate is cool but not chilly. The best part is that you will see less of the summer tourist crowd, giving you the chance to explore the place in relative peace. This is one of the best times to visit all the important tourist attractions in the city, without wasting time in long queues and crowds. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Old City Baku, Flame Towers, Baku Eye, Martyr’s Lane, Fountain Square, Bibiheybat Mosque, etc., are some of the best places to visit in Baku.
Celebrations: One of the reasons why people visit Baku in autumn is to attend the Baku International Jazz Festival. It happens in September/October, where jazz maestros and jazz lovers from all around the world gather around to enjoy some incredible performances, workshops, and more. Baku International Film Festival is another sought-after festival that happens in Baku in October. While the focus is on Azerbaijani cinema, you will also get to see selected international as well as independent movies. You will get to celebrate Azerbaijani festivals like Pomegranate Festival and Grape & Wine Festival in Baku.
Baku in Winter (December to February)
December to February is officially off season in Baku. Winter season in Baku is chilly, with the temperature between 0-degree C to 10-degree C. The capital of Azerbaijan also experiences occasional rains and snowfall during these months. While tourists generally do not prefer visiting Baku in these months due to the cold climate, there are some advantages of visiting the city during the season. The first advantage is that it is much less crowded. Moreover, as very few tourists visit the city during this month, you will find good discounts on accommodation and tickets during this season.
This is the best time to visit the major indoor attractions in the city like its museums, especially Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Museum of Miniature Books, Hyder Aliyev Centre, Azerbaijan State Museum of Art, Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, and more. It is also a great time to devour warm Azerbaijani delicacies along with the special Azerbaijani tea.
Celebrations: Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Baku, the city celebrates the festival with great pomp. You will see a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree at Fountain Square. Apart from this, you will find plenty of festive Christmas markets at shopping malls as well as in and around the old city and important street markets in the city. Then there are the New Year celebrations, which are considered some of the best in the world. On New Year’s Eve, you can indulge in street festivities and carnivals, view the countdown at Flame Towers, and watch the fireworks that happen in different parts of the city at midnight.
Tips for Visiting Baku
Here is a Baku travel guide that will give you some important tips on visiting the city.
- It is important to book your flight tickets and hotel reservation in advance while visiting Baku, irrespective of the time of the year.
- Almost all foreign nationals need an Azerbaijan visa to visit the country. So, ensure that you apply for one well before traveling to the city.
- Pack your bags as per the season you are planning to visit. For summer, you must pack comfortable cotton clothes. In the winter season, warm sweaters, thermal underwear, woolen socks, winter coats, etc., should be in your backpack or suitcase. As spring and autumn have pleasant climates, you can pack lightweight clothes. But do bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
- Do not forget to pack a sturdy pair of walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved while exploring the city of Baku.
- It is important to take sunscreen, hat, moisturizer, sunglasses, and your toiletries when traveling to Baku.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which season is the best to visit Baku?
The best season is Spring and Autumn, when the climate is pleasant, not very cold and not very warm.
2. Which season is the best to travel to Baku for budget travelers?
If you are a budget traveler, it is best to travel to Baku during winter season. However, visit the city during New Year if you want to save money.
3. When is it safest to visit Baku?
Baku is safe to visit throughout the year, although the strong winds in winter may hamper your time outdoors.
4. Is Baku humid in summer?
Baku is not very humid in summer. Rather, it is a semi-arid place, and you would find some dryness. You must drink lots of water, apply sunscreen, and avoid the outdoors in the afternoon in the summer season.
The best time to visit Baku would depend on your interests, expectations, and requirements. If you are looking for a budget-friendly holiday, winter is a good choice, while for the perfect climate, autumn and spring are the best. On the other hand, if a beach holiday is what you have in mind, you must visit Baku in summer.
