A Saudi Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Azerbaijan’s Seasons

A Saudi Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Azerbaijan’s Seasons

Azerbaijan changes beautifully with the seasons, and each one brings its own charm. As a Saudi traveller, you’ll enjoy how the country shifts from snowy mountains in winter to green valleys in spring, sunny beaches in summer, and colourful forests in autumn. Renting a car here is one of the best ways to explore because it helps you reach scenic spots and travel at your own pace. If you wonder when is the best time to visit Azerbaijan, it depends on what you want to see and do. Our guide will show you the most popular places to visit in the country by season.

4 Best Road Trips in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is one of the best countries for road trips because its landscapes change greatly across seasons. From the Caspian coast to high mountain villages, each region has its own climate, altitude, and cultural highlights.

1. Baku

Baku is Azerbaijan’s capital on the Caspian Sea coast, famed for its modern skyline and ancient Old City. The Old Town, or Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow alleys, caravanserais, mosques, and the famous Maiden Tower. Walking here gives you a glimpse of centuries of history beside the city’s Flame Towers. The city lies 28 metres below sea level on the Absheron Peninsula, with a semi-arid climate featuring hot summers and cool, windy winters.

• Spring (March to May): Spring in Baku is mild and fresh. Late March brings the Novruz Bayram holiday, and by April, the parks are in bloom. It’s a perfect time to explore the Old City and seaside boulevard in comfortable 15 to 20°C weather before the summer rush.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is hot (often 30°C or more), but Baku buzzes with energy. Major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and international music festivals liven up the city, and people head to the Absheron Peninsula’s beaches to swim in the Caspian Sea. Plan indoor sightseeing during midday heat and enjoy the cooler evenings when the city’s illuminated skyline and bustling night markets come alive.
• Autumn (September and November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine. September and October (around 15 to 25°C) are ideal for wandering Baku’s streets, visiting museums, or taking day trips to nearby wine regions during the grape harvest. Cultural events like the Baku Jazz Festival often take place in autumn, and by November, you’ll want a jacket as the famous winds pick up.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are chilly in Baku (average 4 to 8°C) with occasional gusty winds and rare snow. The city feels festive in December, with New Year decorations and markets in Fountains Square. It’s low tourist season, which means there are lower hotel rates and smaller crowds. You can enjoy indoor attractions like the Carpet Museum. If you want real snow, go to the ski resorts in the mountains because it doesn't snow much in Baku.

2. Gabala

Gabala (Qabala) is a scenic mountain region in northwestern Azerbaijan, about 214 km from Baku. Situated in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains at around 900 metres elevation, Gabala has cooler temperatures year-round. It’s known for attractions like Nohur Lake, the Seven Beauties Waterfall, and the Tufandag.

• Spring: As winter snows melt, Gabala’s valleys turn green and wildflowers bloom. Mild days (10 to 20°C) in April and May are perfect for easy hikes or picnics by Nohur Lake. Spring is also the best time to see waterfalls at their fullest – the “Seven Beauties” cascades near Gabala roar with spring water. It’s a quiet season before the summer rush. You can explore ancient Gabala ruins or wander mountain villages as they come back to life after winter.
• Summer: Saudi travellers in Azerbaijan can head to Gabala in summer to escape the extreme heat back home. Even in July, daytime highs in Gabala hover around 25°C. The mountains are lush and alive with activity, from forest hikes to family fun at Gabala’s amusement park. Take a cable car up Tufandag for panoramic views and attend the Gabala Music Festival. Lakeside resorts and mountain hotels are in full swing, so it’s the busiest season.
• Autumn: Autumn in Gabala is crisp and colorful. September brings warm days and cool nights, which are great for enjoying the forests as they turn golden and red. It’s harvest time, too. Local orchards brim with apples and persimmons, and nearby vineyards in Shamakhi and Ismayilli are busy with grape picking. In October, driving through the Gabala region shows off beautiful fall colors. Temperatures drop a lot by November, and the first snow dustings may appear on the peaks. This makes for pretty views while you drink tea by the fire.
• Winter: Gabala becomes a winter wonderland. From December through February, the resorts in Tufandag open for skiing and snowboarding. It typically operates from late December to March. Even if you don’t ski, riding the cable car in winter provides amazing snowy mountain vistas. Remember to pack warm clothing and proper boots for the snow. Winter is low season here, so you can find good deals and enjoy attractions without crowds, making it a cosy retreat in the Caucasus.

3. Sheki

Sheki is a historic city in the southern foothills of the Caucasus, about 88 km from Gabala. It is about 500 metres higher than the capital, so it has slightly cooler summers and more snow in the winter. The Palace of the Sheki Khans and the Caravanserai, an 18th-century roadside inn that became a hotel, are two of the area's most famous attractions.

• Spring: Sheki’s spring is mild and green. By April, daytime temperatures around 15°C and blooming mulberry trees make wandering the cobbled Old City delightful. It’s a great time to visit the Khan’s Palace with its stained-glass windows shimmering in spring light. Spring holidays like Novruz bring local festivities and special pastries.
• Summer: In summer, Sheki is warm (mid-20s °C) but not sweltering. This is peak season for tourists exploring Sheki’s rich history. Tour the cool interiors of the Palace of the Sheki Khans and then relax in the shade at the old Caravanserai. The long summer days are perfect for browsing local craft workshops or hiking in the surrounding hills. By evening, the temperature drops to a comfortable level. This is perfect for sitting at an outdoor teahouse, sipping Azerbaijani black tea with lemon and halva.
• Autumn: Sheki is painted in gold tones in the fall. September is still warm and sunny, making it feel like late summer. It's a great time to see the nature in Sheki. For instance, driving to nearby forests will reward you with beautiful fall colors, especially in October. During the harvest season, local markets are full of fresh nuts, honey, and pomegranates. There are fewer tourists in the winter than in the summer, so you can explore Sheki's historic sites and catch a cultural music event.
• Winter: Sheki's winter is the off-season, and it can be very cold, with temperatures often close to 0°C. The rooftops of the Old City and the mountains around it often get a light dusting of snow. There aren't many tourists, so you might have museums and caravanserai mostly to yourself. Now is a great time to try traditional Azerbaijani food, like piti (a rich lamb stew) that will warm you up. Just dress warmly; if you're driving, be careful on mountain roads in case of ice or snow. People who like history in a quiet, cozy setting will love the quiet charm of Sheki.

4. Guba and Shahdag

Northern Azerbaijan’s Guba and Gusar regions offer mountain adventures and a glimpse of traditional mountain life. Guba (Quba) lies about 181 km north of Baku and is known for its apple orchards and carpet weaving. Further north, the Gusar region is home to the country’s largest ski area. A star attraction up here is Khinalig, an ancient mountain village in Guba, perched at 2,300 metres above sea level. It is reachable by a scenic road trip through the Caucasus.

• Spring: In early spring, high-elevation places like Khinalig are still thawing out. By late April and May, the lower valleys around Guba turn green and apple trees blossom. It’s a lovely time to drive through Guba’s countryside. Waterfalls such as Afurja are full from the snowmelt. Khinalig might become accessible towards late spring, offering crisp air and panoramic views of flower-carpeted mountain pastures. Pack for mixed weather, as a sunny morning can turn into a chilly, misty afternoon in these hills.
• Summer: Summer is the best time to explore the Guba region fully. The road to Khinalig is usually open, and the village welcomes visitors who are curious about its unique culture and stone houses. You’ll enjoy cool temperatures in Khinalig (around 15°C in August, when Baku might be 35°C). You can trek between tiny villages or just take in the views of the Caucasus peaks. Don’t miss tasting their famous apples and pastries in Guba town. Over in Shahdag, ski resorts become a summer activity centre with mountain biking, horse riding, and cable car rides over emerald-green slopes. Many Gulf visitors hire a local guide or driver in Guba to handle the mountain roads, so they can sit back and soak up the scenery.
• Autumn: Autumn in the north is breathtaking. In late September, the forests around Guba and the slopes near Shahdag turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold. The weather is cool and clear, which is perfect for photography or a scenic road trip. It’s also apple harvest season. Guba’s markets fill with dozens of apple varieties Driving to Khinalig in early autumn is still feasible. The village is surrounded by autumn colours under snow-dusted peaks. Snow often arrives on the highest mountains by late October. By November, temperatures drop sharply. Only the lower areas of Guba are comfortable to visit, and higher roads might close during the first heavy snowfall.
• Winter: Winter is high time for ski resorts. From December to March, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and other snow fun with modern facilities. Gusar’s hotels fill up with winter sports enthusiasts, including many families from Baku and abroad. Meanwhile, Guba town also experiences snow. The road to Khinalig is usually impassable in winter due to heavy snow, so plan to return in summer if that’s on your list. Instead, you can enjoy lower-altitude spots. For example, visit Yanar Dag on your way back south. Seeing natural flames on a hillside is especially impressive on a cold winter evening. If you’re driving in winter, stick to the main highways like Baku to Guba, which are kept clear, and drive cautiously on any icy stretches.

Driving Tips and Best Routes for Road Trips in Azerbaijan

Driving around is one of the best ways to see the many different types of landscapes in Azerbaijan. Most of the time, the roads from Baku to important places are in good shape and well-marked. You can rent a car in Azerbaijan if you have an international driving permit. Gas is also not too expensive. Here are two well-known road trip routes to take on your road trip:

• Baku to Sheki via Gabala (Silk Road Route): To get from Baku to Sheki via the historic Silk Road route, drive west from Baku through Shamakhi, where you can visit the Juma Mosque. Continue to Ismayilli, with an optional detour to the mountain village of Lahij, a place famous for its crafts. Stop by Gabala’s Nohur Lake or one of its waterfalls before reaching Sheki’s old caravanserai and palace. Plan this road trip for the best weather and scenery over two to three days in late spring or early autumn.
• Baku to Guba and Khinalig (Caucasus Route): From Baku, head north for about 3 hours to reach Guba. From there, continue on a steep mountain road that requires a 4x4 vehicle to access the high village of Khinalig. You’ll pass through striking canyons and wide mountain pastures along the way. In Khinalig, you can take in sweeping views of the Caucasus and experience traditional village life. This trip is safest when roads are clear in summer or early autumn. During winter, you can still drive to Guba or enjoy skiing at resorts in Gusar, but the road to Khinalig usually closes due to heavy snow.

Travel Tips for Saudi Visitors

• Visas and Entry: Saudi citizens can obtain an Azerbaijan e-visa online or a visa on arrival within a few days. Direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Baku are available.
• Halal Food and Culture: Azerbaijani cuisine is predominantly halal, with plenty of grilled meats, stews, and rice dishes. The country is secular in governance but culturally respectful of Islam, and you’ll find mosques in every city. Alcohol is available, but it’s easy to avoid. Tea is the local favourite drink.
• Weather and Clothing: Expect a cooler climate than Saudi Arabia, especially in winter. If visiting in cold months or travelling into the mountains, pack a warm coat, gloves, and boots. Summers are warm but not as extreme as Gulf heat, so light, modest clothing is suitable. There’s no strict dress code, but modest attire is appreciated in rural areas or when visiting mosques.
• Language and Communication: Azerbaijani, which is very close to Turkish, is the main language. Russian is widely spoken, while English is limited outside tourist spots. Learning a few basic Azeri phrases or using a translation app can help.

Takeaway

Exploring Azerbaijan by road is an adventure filled with changing landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. From the windswept streets of Baku to the high villages of Khinalig, every season offers something unique for Saudi travellers. To make your trip stress-free, rent a car in Azerbaijan with Final Rentals. You’ll find many vehicles to match your plans, from compact city cars to sturdy 4x4s for mountain roads. Final Rentals offers clear pricing, no hidden fees, and easy pick-up at Baku Airport or Gabala International Airport.