Azerbaijan in Winter: Top Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Your Trip

Azerbaijan in winter is a holistic vibe, with Christmas lights twinkling everywhere and snow draped over the roofs of homes emanating the aroma of Azerbaijani cuisine. This season is for the adventure enthusiasts, without a doubt. The winter season begins in December and may extend till March, engulfing the country with cool weather and patches of snow. You are likely to witness snowfall at higher altitudes in the regions of the Caucasus mountains. With the arrival of snow comes the possibility of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and winter hiking.

I can sense your excitement as you picture yourself playing with snow with your people in the snowy regions of Azerbaijan. It’s time to get into what you can expect on your vacation and everything else you might want to know. You can also take a look at Pickyourtrail’s Azerbaijan tour packages to learn about the travel options, itineraries, and other exclusive inclusions.

Azerbaijan winter months

Azerbaijan during Christmas sounds cozy and nostalgic as you recollect the memories associated with illuminated lights and festive music. The shared enthusiasm is contagious, and it is a great time to experience the beautiful custom of people coming together. Your heart lights up with joy as you witness people coming together to celebrate the occasion with a blend of Christian and Islamic traditions. Being part of festivities is a cool way to mingle with people and learn more about their culture and traditions. It’s simply a perfect time to be in Azerbaijan.

Weather varies in different parts of the country due to its geographical location. Typically, the winter months in Azerbaijan are December, January, and February. The North and Northeast parts of Azerbaijan are relatively more cold and prone to snowfall than the rest of the parts.

• Weather on the Caspian Coastline: The regions on the Caspian Coastline, including Baku, have a milder climate with 5°C to 10°C during the daytime and rarely below 5°C at night. You better carry an umbrella when you roam around, as it is a coastal area with occasional rainfall. Beware of strong cold winds and don’t forget to cover yourself with warm layers of clothes.

• Weather in Caucasus region: The mountainous regions of the North are colder and more likely to witness snowfall. Regions such as Sheki and Gabala have about 0°C to 5°C during the daytime, and the temperatures can drop to -5°C to -10°C or even lower at night. You might have to wear layers of clothing to keep yourself warm.

Places to visit in winter in Azerbaijan

1. Baku

The first place that comes to your mind when you think about Azerbaijan is Baku. Baku experiences a mild winter with temperatures from 2°C to 8°C with occasional rainfall. Winter festivities are the best part of visiting Baku at this time of year. The whole city is filled with festive cheers, with brightly illuminated Christmas markets, New Year celebrations, and crowds of joyous people coming together. Snow in Baku is extremely rare, which makes it an ideal place to visit for quiet and dreamy sightseeing tours.

Must-visit places in Baku

• Icherisheher (Old City)
• Heydar Aliyev Center
• Baku Boulevard
• Flame Towers
• Gobustan National Park
• Nizami Street

2. Sheki

Sheki is a perfect place to witness a picturesque backdrop with the surrounding caucasus mountains, making it a well-loved place among travelers. You have the possibility of enjoying a magnificent view of snowfall and experiencing snow activities in the nearby mountains. The well-preserved historical architecture of Sheki is a serene beauty to look at with a limited crowd during winters. You never know the warmth of the spot until you try their authentic cuisine. Sheki is the right choice to experience in winter.

Must-visit places in Sheki

• Sheki Khan’s Palace
• Museum of Sheki Khans
• Sheki’s Old City (Icherisheher)
• Church of Kish
• Chalabosh Waterfall

3. Gabala

Gabala becomes a magical snow land in the Azerbaijan winter months as it is in the midst of Caucasus mountains. Gabala ski resorts are one of the best to attract travelers around the world for winter sporting activities. From beginners to professionals, everybody has a chance to ski or snowboard through the slopes. This cozy little town houses the highest peak of Azerbaijan, Mount Bazarduzu. You can also visit the popular historical sights at this time for a more intimate experience.

Must-visit places in Gabala

• Tufandag Mountain Resort
• Nohur Lake
• Gabala Heydar Aliyev Center
• Seven Beauties Waterfall
• Chalabosh Waterfall

Activities that shouldn’t be missed in Azerbaijan winter

1. Skiing

The mountainous regions of Azerbaijan attract skiers around the world with their charm. There are plenty of mountain resorts, such as Shahdag Mountain Resort and Tufandag Mountain Resort, that have amazing options for winter sports. The slopes covered with bright snow offer different trails from easy to difficult for skiers. Are you someone who wants to try skiing at least once in your life? This is the right place for you to start with. You can either be a professional or a novice; you will definitely have fun here.

Top places to ski in Azerbaijan

• Tufandag Mountain Resort, Gabala
• Shahdag Mountain Resort, Qusar
• Quba Qayak Center, Quba

2. Hiking

Hiking is a refreshing way to connect with the natural world and become one with it. Winter hiking is a must if you love to look at picturesque mountains covered with blankets of snow. It ranges from easy to tough based on the trails you choose, but there is no way you will miss out on the beauty. You can have a dreamy experience of hiking through charming woods, exploring frozen lakes, and end up having the best stargazing experience. It sounds impressive, right?

Top places to do winter hiking in Azerbaijan

• Gobustan National Park
• Gabala Mountain Trails
• Quba and Qusar Mountains
• Khinalug (Xinaliq)

3. Hot springs

In chilly weather, all you would wish for is a warm, relaxed bath in a tranquil setting. Hot springs in Azerbaijan are known for their therapeutic properties and mineral-enriched sources of water. These thermal springs naturally come in various concentrations, sulfur levels, and organic substances that allow you to recuperate. Imagine soaking in a hot spring on a cold evening with a cup of hot chocolate. What more could you ask for?

Top hot springs in Azerbaijan

• Ganja thermal springs
• Quba thermal springs
• Balakan hot springs
• Lahiji hot springs

4. Paragliding

Step out of your comfort zone to soar high above in the sky to witness the breathtaking snowy wonderland of Azerbaijan. It’s time to check off paragliding from your wishlist, and it’s also the best time to do it. The thrill of stepping off the edge and experiencing the wind hit your face are all worth a lifetime of memories. You needn’t worry, as you will have a certified professional with you. Watch the snow-capped mountains and picture-perfect landscapes of Azerbaijan with a rush of adrenaline.

Top paragliding spots in Azerbaijan

• Shahdag Mountain Resort
• Radar Hills
• Besh Barmag Mountain

Travel essentials for your winter in Azerbaijan

Have you heard of the phrase, “Good shoes take you to good places.”? The things you pack are as important as other things you consider for your travel. When it comes to vacation during the winter months, it is always good to pack accordingly. Better safe than sorry.

You are good to go, if you have 

• Warm layers of clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm and waterproof pants
• Insulated gloves
• Few pairs of woolen socks
• Trekking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Moisturiser
• Water Bottle 
• Portable charger
• First aid kit

If you are up for this trip, don’t waste a minute thinking twice. Get ready for an adventure in the scenic destination sandwiched between Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan is a stunning destination for a honeymoon as well. You can opt for one of our Azerbaijan honeymoon packages to enjoy an exclusive blend of itineraries, accommodations, and activities to make cherished memories. Go make some memories!