Exploring Azerbaijan: Its Average Temperature Revealed

Azerbaijan's climate is highly varied, with nine out of eleven existing climate zones present in the country. The average annual temperature in Azerbaijan is 14–15 °C in the lowland areas, but this varies across the country. In Baku, for example, the average annual temperature is 3–4 °C, while in the western and northern areas, the average monthly temperature falls to between −5 °C and −10 °C during winter. During the summer months of July and August, the average temperature in Baku and other parts of the east and southeast reaches approximately 27 °C, while in the mountainous north and west, temperatures remain between 15 °C and 20 °C.

Baku's average temperature

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, experiences a diverse range of weather throughout the year. The city's climate is classified as a regional steppe climate, with minimal precipitation. The average annual temperature in Baku is 15.4°C (59.8°F), but this varies significantly throughout the year.

During the summer months, Baku's weather is hot, humid, arid, and clear. The hottest month is typically July, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 72°F. The warm season in Baku lasts for approximately 3.3 months, from June 3 to September 12, with temperatures often exceeding 80°F. This period is considered the best time for visitors to engage in outdoor activities, with clear skies and high temperatures prevailing.

In contrast, Baku's winters are long, very cold, dry, and partly cloudy. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 36°F and a high of only 45°F. The cool season spans 4 months, from November 25 to March 24, with daily high temperatures rarely climbing above 53°F. During this period, the city experiences its highest level of cloud cover, with January being the cloudiest month on average.

The temperature in Baku can vary from lows of 29°F to highs of 97°F, although these extremes are rare. The city's proximity to the Caspian Sea also influences its climate, moderating the impact of hot and dry air masses from Central Asia. The complexity of Azerbaijan's geography, including its mountainous regions, contributes to the diverse weather patterns experienced in Baku and throughout the country.

Azerbaijan's climate zones

Azerbaijan's climate is highly diverse, with nine out of eleven existing climate zones present in the country. The country is situated on the northern extremity of the subtropical zone, in the southeastern part of the Caucasus and the northwestern part of the Iranian plateau. Its complicated geographical location, landscape, and proximity to the Caspian Sea all contribute to its climatological diversity.

As a predominantly mountainous country, Azerbaijan is surrounded by the Greater Caucasus, Lesser Caucasus, Talysh, and North Iranian Mountains. The complexity of the landscape creates non-uniform formation of climatic zones and vertical climate zones. The country experiences a wide range of temperatures, from a minimum of −33 °C (−27.4 °F) to an absolute maximum of 46 °C (114.8 °F).

• Semi-desert and dry steppe climate: This covers the central lowlands, the Caspian zone, the plains of Nakhchivan along the Araz River, and the valleys of the Talish Mountains. Winters are usually cool, but can be cold in the plains and valleys. Summers can be extremely hot, sometimes exceeding 40 °C (104 °F).
• Moderate climate with mild, dry winters: This occurs in the south hills of the Greater Caucasus, the Ganikh-Eyrichay valley, and the north and east hills of the Lesser Caucasus. Winters are mild with low precipitation, while summers are moderately hot.
• Moderately warm climate with dry summers: The Lankaran-Astara region experiences this climate. Winters are cool, summers are hot and dry, and autumns are rainy. Artificial irrigation is often needed from May through August due to low rainfall.
• Cold climate with dry winters: This occurs in the southeast hills of the Greater Caucasus and the mountainous regions of the Lesser Caucasus. Summers are cool, and winters are mild.
• Cold climate with cool, dry summers: This climate is found in the middle and high mountains of Nakhchivan. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are cool.
• Moderate climate with equal distribution of rainfall: This occurs in the mountainous forests in the south and the northeast hills of the Greater Caucasus. Winters are cool, and summers are warm.
• Cold climate with heavy precipitation year-round: This is characteristic of the south hills of the Greater Caucasus, including forest, subalpine, and alpine zones. Winters are cold, and summers are cool.
• Alpine tundra: This occurs in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus above 2,700 meters, and Nakhchivan above 3,200 meters. Both winter and summer are cold, and snow may not melt until the following winter.

Seasonal variation

Azerbaijan's climate is highly variable, with nine out of eleven existing climate zones represented in the country. The northern part of the country is located in the temperate climate zone, while the southern part is subtropical. The country's complicated geographical location and landscape, proximity to the Caspian Sea, and surrounding mountain ranges contribute to its climatological diversity.

The seasonal variation in Azerbaijan is influenced by various factors, including the country's geographical location, landscape, and proximity to the Caspian Sea. The Greater Caucasus mountain range, located in the north of the country, protects Azerbaijan from the direct influence of northern cold air masses, leading to the formation of a subtropical climate on the foothills and plains. The complex landscape also creates vertical climate zones, resulting in non-uniform distribution of climatic conditions.

During the summer months, Azerbaijan experiences hot and humid weather, particularly in the lowland areas. The average maximum temperature on the coastal areas can reach around 30°C, and it can sometimes exceed 40°C. The hottest month in Baku, the capital, is July, with an average high of 88°F (31°C). The summer season is also characterised by high insolation rates, with bright sunshine lasting for 2,200 to 2,500 hours annually at altitudes over 3,000 meters.

In contrast, winters in Azerbaijan are moderate, with colder temperatures in the mountainous regions. The average monthly temperature in Baku during the winter months (December to February) ranges between 3°C and 4°C. In the western and northern areas of the country, temperatures can drop further, with averages between -5°C and -10°C. The coldest month in Baku is January, with an average low of 36°F (2°C to 3°C). The complex geography of Azerbaijan, including its surrounding mountain ranges, helps to shield the country from the full force of cold air masses, preventing temperatures from dropping even lower.

Spring and autumn in Azerbaijan can offer more moderate temperatures, although there is still a risk of extreme weather during these seasons. The best time to visit the country, especially for travellers interested in exploring beyond the coast, is typically considered to be spring and autumn, as summers and winters can be quite extreme.

Annual temperature change

Azerbaijan's annual temperature change is influenced by its unique geographical location and landscape. The country is situated at the northern extremity of the subtropical zone, in the southeastern part of the Caucasus and the northwestern part of the Iranian plateau. This complex geography, along with the proximity of the Caspian Sea, contributes to its diverse climate.

The average annual temperature in Azerbaijan varies across different regions. The southern part of the country falls under the subtropical climate zone, with warmer temperatures, while the northern part enjoys a temperate climate. The average annual temperature in the Kur-Araz Lowland, the coastal regions south of the Apsheron Peninsula, and the Lenkoran Lowland is around 14°C to 15°C. In Baku, the capital, and other parts of the east and southeast, the temperature reaches approximately 27°C during the hottest months of July and August. In contrast, the mountainous regions of the north and west experience cooler temperatures, with averages between 15°C and 20°C during the same period.

The temperature distribution in Azerbaijan is influenced by various factors, including the features of air masses entering the country, the regional landscape, and proximity to the Caspian Sea. The sea moderates temperatures in maritime areas, causing a decline in summer and a rise in winter temperatures. Additionally, cold continental and maritime air masses alter the properties of hot air masses from Central Asia, further influencing temperature dynamics.

Azerbaijan experiences distinct seasons, with hot summers and moderate winters. The southern and central lowlands, including the Caspian Sea coast, have a drier and hotter climate, with summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C. In contrast, the mountainous regions, such as the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, have lower average temperatures and higher precipitation. The highest and lowest temperatures in Azerbaijan were recorded in Julfa and Ordubad, with an absolute minimum of -33°C and an absolute maximum of 46°C, respectively.

The average annual temperature in Azerbaijan has been increasing over the years. Between 2002 and 2023, the average annual temperature rose from about 14.3°C to approximately 15.4°C, indicating a rise of about 1.1°C in less than 22 years. This trend is consistent with the global phenomenon of climate change, and Azerbaijan is taking steps to address and adapt to these changes, including hosting the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Monthly temperature differences

Azerbaijan's climate is highly varied, with nine out of eleven existing climate zones present in the country. The northern part of Azerbaijan is located in the temperate climate zone, while the southern part is subtropical. The country experiences hot summers, especially in lowland areas, and moderate winters.

The average monthly temperatures vary significantly between different regions and altitudes. In Baku and other parts of the east and southeast, the hottest months of July and August reach average temperatures of approximately 27ºC. In contrast, temperatures during these months remain between 15ºC and 20ºC in the mountainous north and west.

The winter months of December to February offer a similar contrast. While Baku experiences average monthly temperatures between 3ºC and 4ºC, western and northern areas drop to between −5ºC and −10ºC.

Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Azerbaijan due to the risk of extreme weather in summer and winter. However, for those travelling to the coast, summer can also be pleasant. The average maximum temperature on the coastal areas is around 30°C during the summer, and the low humidity makes the heat more bearable.

The hottest month in Baku is July, with an average high of 88°F (31°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C). The cool season lasts for four months, from November to March, with an average daily high below 53°F (11°C). The absolute minimum temperature in Azerbaijan is −33°C (−27.4°F), observed in Julfa and Ordubad.

Azerbaijan's diverse climate is influenced by its geographical location, proximity to the Caspian Sea, and landscape, which includes mountains, foothills, and plains. The Greater Caucasus mountain range in the north protects the country from the direct influence of northern cold air masses, contributing to the formation of a subtropical climate in many parts of the country.

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