Evening Shadows Fall Over Azerbaijan: When Does It Happen?

Azerbaijan is a country located in the northern hemisphere, which experiences noticeable differences in daylight duration between summer and winter. Baku, the country's capital, experiences the longest days in June, with approximately 15 hours of daylight, and the longest nights in December, with nights lasting almost 15 hours. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, and the duration of daylight varies across different cities.

Sunrise and sunset times in Azerbaijan

The sunrise and sunset times in Azerbaijan are determined by its moderate location in the northern hemisphere. While the days are longer in summer (June to September), with the longest days in June lasting about 15:10 hours, the longest dark nights are in winter (December to March).

On 23 October 2024, the sun rose at 6:59 am and set at 5:50 pm in Baku, the country's capital. In June, the sun shines for around 10:24 hours a day, while in December, it shines for about 6:40 hours a day. The duration of the sunset also varies depending on the distance from the equator, with sunsets near the equator lasting about 20 minutes and those in Azerbaijan averaging 34 minutes.

Azerbaijan observes Azerbaijan Time all year round and does not change clocks for Daylight Saving Time. The country's position in the northern hemisphere means that sunrise and sunset times differ from those in the Nordic countries and the equator, resulting in noticeable variations in daylight duration throughout the year.

Baku's longest and darkest days

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, experiences its longest and darkest days during the winter months. Located in the northern hemisphere, Baku's longest nights occur during December, with a December night lasting almost 15 hours. The days are significantly shorter, with the sun rising around 6:59 am and setting as early as 4:13 pm to 5:14 pm. This is in stark contrast to the summer months, particularly June, when Baku enjoys up to 15 hours and 10 minutes of daylight.

The variation in daylight duration throughout the year in Baku is due to its geographical position relative to the equator. Baku lies on the 40th degree of northern latitude, which is far from the equator. As a result, the sun's path appears more oblique, causing longer sunrises and sunsets compared to regions closer to the equator. The sun also never shines directly overhead in Baku, reaching its highest point at an angle of 73.1 degrees on June 21st.

The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night. This phenomenon happens when the Earth's poles are tilted at their maximum angle away from the sun. The winter solstice has been significant across cultures and is often marked by festivals and rites celebrating the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun.

In Baku, the longest and darkest days can be expected around the winter solstice and early December. The specific dates may vary slightly from year to year, but the overall pattern of longer nights and shorter days during this period remains consistent.

During these longest and darkest days in Baku, the sun may only be visible for about 6 to 7 hours, with the rest of the daylight hours obscured by cloud cover or other atmospheric conditions. This extended darkness can have a significant impact on the daily routines and activities of residents and visitors to the city.

Azerbaijan's time zone

Azerbaijan observes Azerbaijan Time (AZT) all year round. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes. AZT is four hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+04:00).

On 23 October 2024, the sun rose in Baku, Azerbaijan, at 6:59 and set at 17:50. In June, the days are longer, with up to 15 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. In December, the nights are longer, with days starting about three hours later. A December night in Baku lasts almost 15 hours.

The duration of sunset in Baku is determined by its distance from the equator. While a sunset near the equator lasts about 20 minutes, in Azerbaijan, it averages 34 minutes. In Baku, the sun shines from the south and is never perpendicular to the city, as it is located at 40 degrees north latitude. In December, the sun is 26 degrees above the horizon at midday, while on 21 June, it reaches its highest point at its zenith, shining down at an angle of 73.1 degrees.

Baku's sunset duration

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, experiences varying sunset durations throughout the year due to its moderate location in the northern hemisphere. On October 23, 2024, the sun rose at 6:59 h and set at 17:50 h, resulting in approximately 10 hours and 51 minutes of daylight. The length of daylight gradually decreases in the following months, with sunset occurring a few minutes earlier each day. For example, on September 29, 2024, the sun set at 6:25 pm, resulting in about 11 hours and 50 minutes of daylight.

The duration of sunset in Baku is influenced by its distance from the equator. Located on the 40th degree of northern latitude, Baku experiences longer sunset durations compared to regions closer to the equator. On average, sunsets in Baku last for about 34 minutes, with slightly longer durations in June (around 37 minutes) and shorter durations in December (approximately 32 minutes).

The longest days in Baku occur during the summer months from June to September, with the maximum daylight duration of about 15 hours and 10 minutes in June. In contrast, the shortest days and longest nights occur during the winter months from December to March. A December night in Baku can last for almost 15 hours, with the sun rising much later in the day.

The position of the sun in the sky also varies throughout the year. In December, the sun is at its lowest point, reaching only 26 degrees above the horizon at midday. In contrast, on June 21st, the sun reaches its highest point or zenith, shining down at an angle of 73.1 degrees.

The actual hours of sunshine in Baku may differ from the daylight duration due to factors such as cloud cover and other visual obstructions. For example, in June, the sun may shine for around 10 hours and 24 minutes, while the total daylight duration, including visual obstructions, is 15 hours and 6 minutes.

Azerbaijan's daylight duration

Azerbaijan's position in the northern hemisphere means it experiences longer days in summer (June to September) and shorter days in winter (December to March). The longest days occur in June, with up to 15 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. In contrast, December nights in Baku can last almost 15 hours, with the sun rising around 3 hours later than in June.

The duration of sunset also varies in Azerbaijan due to its distance from the equator. Baku, located on the 40th degree of northern latitude, experiences longer sunsets than regions closer to the equator. While a sunset near the equator lasts about 20 minutes, the average duration in Baku is 34 minutes, reaching up to 37 minutes in June and 32 minutes in December.

It is important to note that Azerbaijan does not observe Daylight Saving Time, maintaining Azerbaijan Time throughout the year.

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