Shaki
City in Azerbaijan
Shaki is a city in Azerbaijan with a 2017 population of about 68,000. Located 242 km from the capital, Baku, the city attracts visitors to its architectural heritage. The area includes sites recognized for their cultural significance.
What to see
Shaki features several historic structures that define its landscape. The Palace of Shaki Khans is a UNESCO-listed site and serves as a focal point for visitors. In addition to the palace, travelers often visit the Juma Mosque in Sheki. The city also includes the Upper Caravanserai, which remains a notable site for those interested in local architecture.
When to go
The climate in Shaki varies throughout the year. Winters are cold, with temperatures between -3 °C and 6 °C from December to February. Rainfall is present throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring in spring; May sees 114 mm of rain over about 14 days. Summer is warmer, with daily highs of 29 °C in July and August. These months also experience lower rainfall compared to the rest of the year. Autumn temperatures gradually decrease, reaching 11 °C in November.
Getting there
Travelers reaching Shaki by air have two primary options. The closest facility is Gabala International Airport, situated 63 km away. Ganja International Airport is also available at a distance of 87 km. The city is located 242 km from Baku.
Top sights in Shaki
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 29 °C. The wettest is May, with about 114 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 5 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 29 | 29 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 7 |
| Average low, °C | -3 | -3 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 3 | -1 |
| Rainfall, mm | 36 | 53 | 74 | 94 | 114 | 89 | 79 | 72 | 69 | 92 | 71 | 40 |
| Rainy days | 5 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Shaki (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Upper Caravanserai