Baku and Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) sit on the Caspian Sea shoreline at sea level (3 m elevation), giving the city a moderate semi-arid climate with hot dry summers, mild winters, and famously persistent winds — Baku’s nickname is “the City of Winds” for good reason. This page summarises what to expect by season, what to pack, and where to check live conditions.
Live current conditions
For real-time temperature, wind speed and forecast at the airport, check:
Climate by season
15–25°C daytime · cool nights · windy · best season for sightseeing · light rain possible
25–35°C · dry heat · strong onshore winds afternoons · peak season · UV high
10–20°C · pleasant warm days · cool evenings · beautiful clear light · low rainfall
0–10°C · cold but rarely below freezing · strong wind chill · occasional snow · grey skies
The Khazri wind
Baku is famous for the Khazri — a strong, dry, cold north wind blowing in from the Caspian and the Caucasus, especially fierce in winter and spring. Gusts of 30–50 km/h are common; occasional storms exceed 100 km/h. The Khazri can affect flight operations at GYD: most disruptions are minor delays during severe gust events, but tail-wind takeoffs and crosswind landings on Runway 16/34 can require runway changes. Carry a windproof outer layer year-round.
Time zone
- Azerbaijan Time (AZT) — UTC+4
- No daylight saving — clock stays on UTC+4 all year
- 4 hours ahead of London (GMT/BST)
- 5 hours ahead of New York (in summer DST)
- 1 hour ahead of Moscow
- 5 hours behind Tokyo
Packing checklist by season
- Year-round: windproof outer layer · comfortable walking shoes · universal plug adapter (Type C/F, 220V, 50Hz) · sunglasses
- Spring/autumn: light layers · light jacket · scarf for windy days · light rain shell
- Summer: breathable lightweight clothing · sun hat · high-SPF sunscreen · refillable water bottle
- Winter: warm coat · scarf and gloves · waterproof boots · thermal base layer for wind chill
- For religious sites (Old City mosques, Bibi-Heybat): modest clothing covering shoulders and knees · women may want a light scarf to cover the head
Best time to visit Baku
The shoulder seasons — April–May and September–October — offer the most comfortable temperatures, lowest wind, and best photographic light. Summer is excellent for Caspian beach trips along the Absheron peninsula but uncomfortably hot for prolonged Old City sightseeing. Winter is quietest and cheapest; Baku can be magical under a fresh dusting of snow but the wind chill is harsh.