Azerbaijan
Country · Asia, Western Asia
Azerbaijan is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Turkey. The nation covers 86,600 square kilometers and has a population of about 10.2 million. The capital is Baku.
Highlights
This guide covers 11 sights. In Baku, points of interest include the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Ateshgah of Baku, and Nizami Street. Outside the capital, the Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape provide historical sites. The city of Shaki contains the Palace of Shaki Khans and the Juma Mosque in Sheki. Additional locations include Yanar Dagh and the Gandzasar monastery.
Food and drink
Local cuisine includes Piti, Aush, Kuku, Ajapsandali, and Dovga. Meat dishes include Lula kebab, Bozbash, Qutab, and Chigirtma. Desserts feature Sheki halva and Badambura.
When to go
Based on the weather in Baku, the summer months from June through August are warm, with daily highs between 24 °C and 28 °C and minimal rainfall. May is mild, with highs around 19 °C. Winters are cooler, with daily highs ranging from 7 °C to 13 °C and higher rainfall, particularly in November.
Practical notes
The currency is the Azerbaijani manat. The official languages are Azerbaijani and Azerbaijani Sign Language. The electrical system operates at 220 volts using plug types C and F. Traffic moves on the right side of the road. The time zone is UTC+04:00.
Cities
Food and drink to try in Azerbaijan
- Piti
- Aush
- Kuku
- Ajapsandali
- Dovga
- Lula kebab
- Bozbash
- Qutab
- Chigirtma
- Sheki halva
- Badambura
Top sights in Azerbaijan
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, with an average high of 28 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 7 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 19 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 9 |
| Average low, °C | 5 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 7 |
| Rainfall, mm | 17 | 22 | 26 | 25 | 18 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 19 | 31 | 38 | 23 |
| Rainy days | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Baku (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Alinja Tower
- Altyaghach National Park
- Amaras Monastery
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
- Baku Boulevard
- Besh Barmag Mountain
- Church of Kish
- Dadivank
- Fountains Square, Baku
- Garabaghlar Mausoleum
- Juma Mosque, Shamakhi
- Momine Khatun Mausoleum
- National Art Museum of Azerbaijan
- Noah's Mausoleum
- Tigranakert of Artsakh
- Upper Caravanserai