Winter in Baku feels different from most other cities nearby. You get chilly days with average highs in the mid-40s °F (7–9°C), and nights usually dip just above freezing.
Winters here are cold, dry, and often cloudy, with only occasional rain or snow.
The season runs from late November to March. Frost sometimes shows up, but extreme cold is pretty rare.
Strong winds blow in from the Caspian Sea and make the air feel even colder, so mild temperatures can still feel pretty brisk. At the same time, Baku doesn’t get much rain, so you probably won’t have to deal with heavy storms or long stretches of wet weather.
If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll notice shorter days and more clouds than in other seasons. Still, clear days do pop up, and those moments let you really see the city and the sea.
It helps to know how temperature, wind, and cloud cover all come together in winter, so you can plan for comfort and a bit of adventure.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Baku
Baku’s winters bring mild, cool weather compared to other cities at the same latitude. Temperatures rarely drop far below freezing, and snow doesn’t happen much, but the damp air and steady winds can make it feel colder than you’d guess.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs in winter usually stay between 44°F (7°C) and 52°F (11°C). Nights are colder, with lows from 36°F (2°C) to 43°F (6°C).
January is the coldest month. Highs average around 44°F (7°C), and lows sit near 36°F (2°C).
Freezing temperatures below 32°F (0°C) almost never happen, so icy roads and heavy snow aren’t something you need to worry about in the city.
Because the Caspian Sea is right there, the weather feels damp and breezy. Even when the numbers seem mild, the wind can make it feel colder, especially along the coast.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From December to February, temperatures don’t change much. December often starts with highs around 48°F (9°C) and nighttime lows near 40°F (4°C).
January stays chilly, with highs at 44°F (7°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C). By February, things warm up a little, with daytime readings around 47–49°F (8–9°C) and nighttime lows close to 38–40°F (3–4°C).
This pattern means temperatures stay pretty steady all winter. You won’t see wild swings, just a slow, gentle warm-up as spring gets closer.
Record Winter Temperatures
Even though winters are mild, Baku has seen some colder days. Rare cold snaps have brought temperatures down to the 20s°F (-3°C to -7°C).
These cold outbreaks don’t last long and don’t really define Baku’s climate. On the flip side, some winter days get warmer than you’d expect—sometimes above 55°F (13°C)—when southern winds blow in.
These extremes are unusual, but they do show that Baku’s weather can surprise you now and then.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Baku’s winters bring a mix of precipitation, but not much of it. Rain is more likely than snow, and the total amount stays low compared to many other places.
You’ll get light rain here and there, and sometimes heavier bursts, but nothing too dramatic.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall in Baku during winter is pretty modest. The city usually gets 20–30 mm of precipitation per month from December through February.
That’s not much, but it does mean you’ll see a few wet days every month. Expect about 4–6 days of rain per month.
Most of the time, rain comes as light or moderate showers. Prolonged storms almost never happen.
Rain often falls in quick intervals, thanks to the Caspian Sea’s maritime climate and the winds that bring in moisture.
Heavy rain is rare, but sometimes moist air from the west meets cold air and brings a quick downpour. Baku’s semi-arid climate helps the ground dry quickly, so puddles don’t stick around for long.
Probability of Snowfall
Snow does fall in Baku, though not every winter. The city’s average annual snowfall is low, and snow events are usually brief and light.
When snow comes, it melts quickly—daytime temperatures usually stay above freezing. You might see 1–3 days with snow in a typical winter.
Snow rarely piles up more than a few centimeters. The sea and the city’s coastal spot keep snow from sticking around.
Colder air from the north or east can sometimes bring heavier snow, but those days are rare and don’t last long. If you’re hoping for a snowy Baku, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Types of Winter Precipitation
Winter in Baku brings rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Rain is the most common, but sometimes you’ll get a mix when temperatures hover near freezing.
Sleet and freezing rain can happen during cold snaps, and they make roads and sidewalks slippery, especially if the wind picks up.
Snowfall, when it happens, is usually light and gets mixed with rain. Baku’s dry and windy climate means precipitation comes in short bursts—not in long, drawn-out storms.
So, winter weather here isn’t severe, but it can change from week to week.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Baku’s winters are known for overcast skies. You’ll notice shorter days and not much direct sunshine.
Typical Cloudy Days
Cloudy or mostly cloudy days are common in winter. Skies stay overcast about half the season, with cloud cover at 50–60% most of the time.
From December to February, gray skies are the norm. Summer brings more clear days, but winter in Baku feels subdued because of all the clouds.
The city’s spot on the Caspian Sea shapes this pattern. Moist air blows in and mixes with cold air, creating lots of low clouds. Bright blue skies are a rare treat this time of year.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect less sun. You might get lucky with a clear day, but cloudy weather is just part of Baku’s winter.
Average Sunshine Duration
Winter sunshine in Baku is limited. Most days only bring 2–3 hours of direct sunlight, way less than in summer.
Each month—December, January, and February—you can expect 70 to 90 hours of sunshine. That’s less than half the sunlight you’d get in late spring or early fall.
Shorter days and frequent cloud cover both cut down on sunlight. Even when the sun rises, it often hides behind clouds for most of the day.
This lack of sunshine makes the city feel cooler and a bit dim. If you want to spend time outside, plan for shorter, darker days.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Baku’s winter brings a mix of damp air and steady winds, thanks to its spot on the Caspian Sea. You’ll notice higher humidity than in summer, and the wind often makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Average Humidity Levels
During winter, humidity in Baku usually reaches 70–75%, with February at its highest. The air isn’t oppressively damp, but mixed with cool temperatures, it can feel chilly—especially in the mornings and evenings.
Summer humidity drops closer to 54%, but winter air feels heavier and holds more moisture. Outdoor plans can feel less comfortable if you’re not dressed for it.
A light drizzle or mist is more common in winter, adding to the damp vibe. Humidity stays pretty steady from December through February.
It’s not tropical, but the mix of cool air and moisture means you’ll want to wear layers to keep warm and dry.
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| December | ~72% |
| January | ~73% |
| February | ~75% |
Prevailing Winter Winds
Baku’s known for its persistent winds, and winter is no exception. The city’s name even means “city of winds,” which says it all.
In winter, winds mostly blow from the north and northwest, bringing in colder air over the sea. Average speeds hit 20–25 km/h (12–15 mph), but gusts can go over 40 km/h.
These winds make it feel colder, especially by the coast. High humidity mixed with brisk winds boosts the chill factor, so it’s smart to dress for conditions that feel harsher than what the numbers say.
Wind shapes Baku’s climate, so bringing a wind-resistant jacket is just as important as keeping warm.
Daylight and Seasonal Changes
Winter in Baku means shorter days and long nights. Daylight hours hit their lowest in December.
The city sits on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, so sunrise and sunset times shift as the season goes on.
Day Length Variation
In December, you get about 9 hours of daylight each day. That’s the darkest time of year.
By January, days lengthen a bit, and by February you’ll see closer to 10.5 hours of light.
This gradual change matters if you want to spend time outdoors. With winter temps between 36°F and 50°F, the short days can make it feel even cooler and limit your sightseeing.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight hours in winter:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | ~9 hours |
| January | ~9.5 hours |
| February | ~10.5 hours |
From December to February, evenings start to last a bit longer, and you’ll notice the difference.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In mid-December, the sun rises around 8:15 AM and sets near 5:15 PM. That’s your shortest window for daylight.
By late January, sunrise shifts to about 8:00 AM, and sunset stretches to 5:45 PM.
In February, sunrise comes at 7:30 AM and sunset hits 6:00 PM. That adds more than an hour of daylight compared to December.
If you’re visiting, it’s smart to plan city walks or seaside strolls around midday, when the sun’s highest. That’s when you’ll get the best light and the warmest part of the day.
Comparing Baku’s Winter Climate
Baku’s winter weather is all about its coastal spot on the Caspian Sea and its semi-arid climate. Temperatures stay cool, not harsh like inland areas, but the city’s constant winds often make the air feel colder than what you see on the thermometer.
Baku vs. Other Cities in Azerbaijan
If you take a closer look at Baku alongside other big cities in Azerbaijan, you’ll spot some obvious differences. Baku’s average January temperature sits at about 5 °C (41 °F).
Inland cities like Ganja or Nakhchivan? Those usually dip below freezing during winter. Since these places don’t get the Caspian Sea’s moderating touch, their winters hit a lot harder.
Snow rarely makes an appearance in Baku. But if you head to the interior or up in the mountains, it’s a different story.
For instance, Sheki and Gabala are tucked into the foothills and get regular snow along with colder temps. Meanwhile, Baku deals with just a bit of light snow a few times each winter—nothing too dramatic.
Humidity in Baku stays pretty high, around 80–85%. That damp air can feel chilly, even if the thermometer doesn’t show it.
Inland regions, on the other hand, are drier but colder, which gives the cold a sharper bite.
| City | Avg. Jan Temp (°C) | Snow Frequency | Climate Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baku | 4–5 | Rare | Windy, humid, mild overall |
| Ganja | 1–2 | Occasional | Colder, less maritime effect |
| Sheki | -1 to 0 | Regular | Snowy, mountain influence |
Baku vs. International Destinations
When you compare Baku to other international cities at similar latitudes, its winter feels pretty mild. Athens, Greece, for example, usually hovers around 10 °C in January—a bit warmer than Baku, though it does get more rain.
Take Bucharest, Romania. It averages about -1 °C in January, so it’s definitely colder and snowier.
If you look east, Tbilisi, Georgia comes in with a January average close to 3 °C. That’s almost the same as Baku, but Tbilisi gets less wind and its weather feels more stable. I have to say, those Caspian winds in Baku really make the cold bite, even when the thermometer says otherwise.
Now, head farther north and you’ll hit Moscow, where January averages drop to -6 °C and snow just piles up. Baku stands out here—its semi-arid climate and spot on the coast keep things a bit warmer, but that wind, again, is something else.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll find Baku cold in winter, but honestly, it’s manageable. Compared to winters in continental Europe or Russia, Baku feels more accessible, with just a bit of snow and temperatures that rarely get extreme.