Last updated: January 18, 2025
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences a semi-arid climate classified as BSk according to the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by a wide temperature range, the city endures minimum temperatures that can plunge to -5°C (23°F) in February, while summer peaks soar to a sweltering maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July. The average annual temperature hovers around 16°C (61°F), highlighting the region's notable seasonal contrasts. Such climatic conditions play a crucial role in shaping the local environment and influencing various aspects of life in Baku.
Baku, Azerbaijan showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. The year begins with January and February experiencing minimum temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F), gradually warming to average highs of around 6°C (44°F) in February. As spring unfolds, temperatures rise significantly, with March reaching an average of 8°C (47°F) and April climbing to 12°C (54°F), signaling the transition towards warmer months. By May, temperatures continue to escalate, hitting an average of 18°C (64°F) and peaking at 32°C (90°F). The summer months of June and July are notably hot, with July exhibiting maximum temperatures soaring to a scorching 39°C (102°F). August maintains similar warmth, while September introduces a gradual cooling trend marked by averages of around 23°C (74°F). Fall sees further decreases, with October and November averages ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 18°C (65°F). The year concludes with December bringing back cooler temperatures, culminating in a yearly cycle that effectively captures the diverse climate of Baku.
Baku experiences a temperature range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) in February to a sweltering maximum of 33°C (91°F) in August, making it a city of extremes in seasonal climate. Similarly, Qobustan records an even lower minimum of -3°C (27°F) in February, but heats up to a higher maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August. For more detailed information, you can visit the monthly temperatures in Baku here and in Qobustan here.
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the late autumn and winter months. January and February each receive 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain over approximately 4 to 5 days, marking the wettest part of the winter season. As spring approaches, March sees a slight increase to 29 mm (1.1 in), followed by a decrease in April and May, where rainfall drops to 14 mm (0.6 in) and 11 mm (0.5 in), respectively. The dry summer months of June and July witness minimal precipitation, with rain recorded at only 5 mm (0.2 in) and 2 mm (0.1 in) respectively, leading to a significantly arid climate during this period.
As fall arrives, Baku begins to see a resurgence in rainfall. In September, precipitation rises to 17 mm (0.7 in), followed by a notable increase in October with 20 mm (0.8 in). November stands out as the wettest month, with an impressive 42 mm (1.6 in) spread over approximately 8 days, signaling the onset of winter conditions. December also brings substantial rainfall, with 32 mm (1.3 in), which underscores the shift back to wetter weather patterns. This seasonal variation in precipitation plays a crucial role in shaping Baku's climate and landscape throughout the year.
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences a remarkable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a clear trend of increasing sunlight as the seasons transition from winter to summer. The year begins with January's relatively low 186 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 244 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues into spring, with March boasting 304 hours, and April further elevating this count to 343 hours, setting the stage for the sunniest months ahead. May marks the onset of peak sunshine, accumulating an impressive 396 hours, while June maintains a similar brightness with 400 hours.
The summer months are characterized by maximum sunshine, with July reaching its pinnacle of 409 hours—the highest of the year—before slightly tapering off in August to 385 hours. As the season transitions into fall, sunshine hours begin to decrease, with September recording 334 hours. October sees a further decline to 296 hours, while November and December are marked by shorter days and more overcast conditions, with only 231 hours and 211 hours of sunshine, respectively. This seasonal cycle highlights Baku's sunny disposition during the warmer months, contrasted by the dimmer winter months, providing a vivid reflection of the city’s climate dynamics.
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences significant variations in the UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes in sun exposure. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, with values of 3 and 4, respectively, both categorized as moderate. This allows for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of around 30 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index sharply increases to 7, entering the high exposure category, where the recommended burn time drops to 25 minutes. This trend continues into April and May, with UV levels reaching 8 and 9—both classified as very high—necessitating protective measures, as burn time reduces to just 15 minutes.
The summer months, particularly June and July, mark the peak UV Index levels at 10, indicating extremely high exposure risk; again, burn time remains a brief 15 minutes. While August sees a slight decrease to 9, the risk remains considerable. This high exposure persists into early fall, with September recording an 8 before the index begins to decline. October brings a return to moderate levels with a UV Index of 5, and November and December further diminish, registering 3 and 2 and allowing for longer burn times of 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. Understanding these trends aids residents and visitors in Baku to take necessary precautions against UV exposure throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences notable fluctuations in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the progression of the seasons. January starts the year with approximately 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight continues to extend, reaching 11 hours in March and further expanding to 13 hours in April. This upward trend peaks in May and June, where Baku enjoys a maximum of 14 hours of daylight, fostering a vibrant atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight hours begin to recede. July maintains the 14 hours seen in the preceding months, but by August, it decreases slightly to 13 hours. September witnesses a further reduction to 12 hours, and as October rolls in, daylight diminishes to 11 hours. The year rounds off with shorter days in November and December, where daylight returns to 9 hours. This cyclical variation in daylight duration significantly influences daily life and seasonal activities in Baku, emphasizing the importance of adapting to these changes throughout the year.
Baku, Azerbaijan experiences a semi-arid climate with warm summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C, while July sees highs of up to 32°C. Precipitation is relatively low, with the wettest months being November and March, receiving 45 mm and 29 mm, respectively. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 409 hours, which makes it a bright destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Baku climate.
Qobustan, Azerbaijan experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cool, with January temperatures averaging around 6°C (43°F) and peak precipitation of 29 mm (1.2 in) in March. Summers are hot, peaking in July and August with average temperatures of 28-27°C (82-81°F) and minimal rainfall around 2-3 mm (0.1 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, reaching up to 407 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Qobustan climate.
In conclusion, Baku, Azerbaijan presents a unique and dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences a warm semi-arid climate with hot summers and cooler winters, while rainfall patterns predominantly cluster in the autumn and winter months. As the year progresses, residents enjoy increasingly longer days and higher sunshine hours, particularly during the summer, leading to elevated UV exposure that necessitates sun protection. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for both locals and visitors, as they not only shape outdoor activities but also influence overall lifestyle and health considerations throughout the year.