Climate & Weather Guide · AzerbaijanClimate & Weather Guide in Azerbaijan
Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times
Azerbaijan has a highly diverse climate for its size, with nine of the eleven world climate zones represented and strong contrasts between the lowlands, the Caspian coast, and the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountains. National climate normals for 1991-2020 are used in current climate datasets, and recent reporting notes that average annual temperatures have risen by 0.4-1.3 C over the past century. Lowland areas can be hot and dry in summer, while mountain districts are cooler, wetter, and often snowier in winter. For residents and expats, this means comfort depends heavily on location: Baku is windy and relatively arid, while northern and southern uplands offer milder summers and more precipitation.
Summer Average
25-35°C
Winter Average
-2-10°C
Climate Types
Semi-arid and Mediterranean and Continental and Mountain
200-1600 mm
2,200-3,000 hrs/yr
55-75%
Regional Climate Variations
Absheron Peninsula and Caspian Coast
This area, including Baku, is the driest and windiest part of the country, with hot summers, mild winters, and frequent breezes off the Caspian Sea. The climate is generally semi-arid, with limited rainfall and lots of sunshine, so outdoor life is easiest in spring and autumn. Summer heat is moderated by coastal winds, but humidity can still be noticeable at times. For expats who prefer a bright, relatively dry climate and urban amenities, this is one of the most practical regions.
Dry, sunny, and windy, with sharp seasonal contrasts softened by the sea.
Kura-Araz Lowland
The central lowlands are among the warmest parts of Azerbaijan, with long, hot summers and relatively mild winters. Rainfall is limited and evaporation is high, so the landscape often feels dry and steppe-like. This region has a distinctly continental to semi-arid character, making air-conditioning important in summer and heating useful in winter. It suits residents who can tolerate heat and prefer a bright climate with many dry days.
Hot, dry, and open, with strong summer heat and modest winter chill.
Greater Caucasus Foothills and Northern Slopes
The northern foothills and lower mountain zones are cooler and more humid than the lowlands, with a more comfortable summer temperature profile for many residents. Winters are colder, and precipitation increases enough to support greener scenery and more variable weather. This is a good option for people who want a more temperate feel without going into the highest mountains. Köppen patterns here are more continental and humid continental than in the lowlands.
Milder summers, colder winters, and noticeably greener landscapes than the plains.
Greater Caucasus High Mountains
The high mountain belt has the coldest climate in Azerbaijan, with short, cool summers and long, snowy winters. Weather changes quickly, and snow cover can persist for extended periods at higher elevations. This region is best for people who enjoy alpine conditions, cooler temperatures, and mountain scenery rather than urban comfort. It is also the area most likely to feel remote and seasonally restricted by weather.
Cool, rugged, and alpine, with snowier winters and brief, pleasant summers.
Lankaran Lowland and Talysh Mountains
The southeast around Lankaran is the wettest and most humid part of the country, strongly influenced by the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains. Summers are warm rather than extreme, and winters are mild compared with inland Azerbaijan. Rainfall is much higher here than elsewhere, supporting lush vegetation and a more humid, subtropical feel. It is appealing for residents who prefer greenery, softer winters, and less intense summer heat.
Humid, green, and mild, with the country’s most lush and rain-prone conditions.
Azerbaijan offers a wide climate range despite its medium land area, from dry, windy lowlands to wet subtropical southeast and snowy mountain regions. For residents and expats, the most comfortable areas are often the cooler foothills or the milder coastal zones, while the lowlands suit those who do well with heat and dry air.
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