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Here’s a guide to the best times to visit to help you plan your Azerbaijan adventure.
Best time to visit for winter and ski holidays
The epic Caucasus Mountains are perfect for skiing. Yet winter tourism here is just starting to blossom. That means more space for you, and better prices compared to popular ski destinations. You’ll also be able to enjoy the country’s pretty blend of European and Oriental architecture under a sugary layer of snow.
Skiing season in Azerbaijan is between December and March – here are some deals to get you on the slopes just in time for the action.
December deals:
January deals:
February deals:
Looking for your winter wonderland in Azerbaijan? Check out Shahdag Hotel & Spa and Qafqaz Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel.
Best time to visit for culture explorers
Want to see Baku at its most exciting? Visit toward the end of March, when the city is fired up for Novruz celebrations. It’s a time of plenty, and a feast for the senses. There’s fragrant pilaf and honey-sweet pakhlava, folk music accompanying dancers in sky blue and deep red outfits, and happy people visiting friends and family. You might even see people jumping through a bonfire!
In general, we would recommend the period between March-June to explore Azerbaijan’s cultural side. It’s warm but not hot, full of life but not in full holiday mode. We would also recommend that you don’t miss out on Sheki, a pretty city on the ancient Silk Road that’s perfect for a romantic getaway.
March deals:
April & May deals:
Best time for a refreshing summer holiday
The land of fire is home to hot, hot summers. Good news: it also has plenty of spots to cool off at. Starting with June, locals flock to beaches dotting the 500km Caspian Sea coast. Despite the name, the Caspian Sea also has the honour of being the world’s largest lake (by far). Whatever you call it, this saltwater giant is more proof that Azerbaijan lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
There are plenty of great options in the Absheron Peninsula – Bilgah Beach in particular is stunning, and only half an hour from Baku. You could also go to the beach town of Lankaran in the south, or find calm at Lake Goygol.
The height of summer is also a good time to explore the Caucasian highlands, with daytime temperatures in the 20s and cool evenings. You might even still see snow on the peaks of Khinalig in July. And after a long hike through the gorgeous Guba region, you can dip into a rock pool next to a waterfall near Griz.
Summer deals:
Best time to go for nature lovers
The best time to visit Azerbaijan if you’re planning to explore all shades of nature is in September and October, when the summer heat starts to fade away. You can meet the famous mud volcanoes of Gobustan, marvel at the sandstone and green landscapes of Gusar, or indulge yourself at a vineyard with a mountain view at Ismayilli. And if you’re at Lake Goygol, you can watch the magical transformation of its forests from deep green to fiery red and orange.
Speaking of which, a night-time visit to the eternal flames of Yanardag or Ateshgah Fire Temple fit perfectly to the season. Both are only a half hour drive from Baku city centre. Also half an hour away from Baku? A world-class golf course with the fitting name of Dreamland.
September deals:
October deals:
When to fly to get the best deals
There’s a reason to visit all year round – it’s really up to you to decide what you want the most. But if the best time to visit Azerbaijan for you means when you can save the most on costs, February and November are worth taking a look at.
Sure, it’s a bit cooler and rainier, but Azerbaijan has quite a dry climate. Plus, thanks to the Caspian Sea, winters are milder away from the mountains. Most importantly, there’s much fewer people visiting, meaning you can also find great hotel prices.
To get even more specific, you can use Skyscanner’s cheapest month function to see when exactly you can find the lowest prices.
Take a further look at Azerbaijan with these articles:
Why Azerbaijan offers the best of east and west
10 romantic spots in Azerbaijan couples will fall in love with
12 reasons why Azerbaijan will wow your family
*These prices were found on 05/11/2019 using Skyscanner’s “Cheapest Month” and “Whole Month” functions and may have changed since.
