The weather in Azerbaijan is remarkably diverse, with eight distinct climate types spread across three main climatic zones. These zones consist of the area north of the mountainous regions, the area south of the mountainous regions, and the coast of the Caspian Sea.
You’ll encounter stark temperature variations between coastal and mountainous areas, where heavy snow blankets the winter landscape. In mountain regions, temperatures plummet to as low as 14°F (-10°C), while the Caspian coast stays milder at around 37°F (3°C). The sea acts as a natural temperature regulator, cooling coastal areas in summer and warming them in winter.
Summers in the capital of Baku, which hugs the shoreline, bring hot days with temperatures typically ranging from 68°F to 89°F (20°C to 32°C), although humidity stays relatively low in summer months. Baku's winters run cold with temperatures usually between 36°F and 50°F (2°C to 10°C). While November (which marks the transition from autumn to winter) is the rainiest month of the year, the core winter months of December through February are relatively dry.
You can pack light clothes for summer trips, but toss in a jumper for cool evenings by the sea. For winter visits, you’ll want proper cold-weather gear and an umbrella, particularly when heading to mountainous areas where snowfall makes some mountain passes impassable for up to four months yearly. The smart approach? Layer your clothing when travelling between regions, as temperatures can shift dramatically within short distances.