Azerbaijan in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Azerbaijan
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak oil field season in the Caspian Sea creates dramatic flare displays visible from Baku's coastal promenade, especially striking during August's longer twilight hours around 8:30pm
- Pomegranate and fig harvest season in Ganja and Sheki regions means local markets overflow with fresh produce and traditional preserves are made daily in guesthouses
- Caspian Sea temperatures reach their annual peak at 26°C (79°F), making it the only month truly comfortable for swimming without wetsuits
- Mountain hiking conditions in Quba and Gabala are ideal with 15°C-18°C (59°F-64°F) temperatures at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation, providing relief from Baku's humidity
Considerations
- Baku experiences its most humid month with 70% average humidity, making midday walks along the Old City's stone streets feel oppressive between 11am-4pm
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur on 10 days throughout the month, typically lasting 45-60 minutes and flooding Baku's lower-lying neighborhoods temporarily
- Peak domestic tourism season means accommodations in Sheki and Gabala cost 40-60% more than shoulder season, and mountain guesthouses book solid on weekends
Best Activities in August
Caspian Sea Coastal Activities
August offers the warmest sea temperatures of the year at 26°C (79°F), making it perfect for swimming, beach volleyball, and waterfront dining. The Bilgah Beach area comes alive with local families during weekends, while weekday mornings offer quieter experiences. Evening beach walks are particularly pleasant with sea breezes cooling the humid air.
Mountain Village Hiking Tours
Escape Baku's humidity with day trips to Quba and Gabala regions where temperatures drop to a comfortable 15°C-18°C (59°F-64°F) at elevation. August is perfect for multi-hour treks through walnut forests and alpine meadows without the spring mud or autumn rain. Local shepherds move flocks to high pastures, creating authentic cultural encounters.
Traditional Carpet Weaving Workshops
August heat drives artisans indoors, making it peak season for intensive carpet weaving courses in Quba's traditional workshops. Cooler morning hours (7am-11am) are dedicated to intricate knotting techniques, while afternoons focus on dye preparation using summer herbs and fruits at their peak potency.
Mud Volcano Expeditions
August's dry conditions make accessing Gobustan's mud volcanoes significantly easier than rainy months. Early morning visits (6am-9am) avoid peak heat while still allowing comfortable exploration of these unique geological features. The contrast between cool mud and warm air creates a therapeutic experience locals have enjoyed for centuries.
Old City Evening Cultural Tours
August's extended daylight hours until 8:30pm create perfect conditions for exploring Baku's UNESCO Old City when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Traditional tea houses open their rooftop terraces specifically during summer months, offering panoramic views while sampling seasonal preserves made from August's fruit harvest.
Sheki Silk Road Heritage Tours
August coincides with mulberry season in Sheki, when traditional silk production reaches its peak activity. Workshops demonstrate the complete silk-making process using fresh cocoons, while the famous Sheki Khan's Palace offers extended evening hours to showcase its intricate stained glass during golden hour lighting.
August Events & Festivals
Baku International Jazz Festival
This annual festival transforms Baku's coastal venues into intimate jazz stages, with international and Azerbaijani musicians performing against the backdrop of the Caspian Sea. Evening concerts take advantage of August's perfect outdoor weather and extended twilight hours.
Pomegranate Harvest Festival in Goychay
While the main festival occurs in October, August marks the beginning of early variety harvests with local tastings, traditional preservation demonstrations, and folk music performances in village squares. Visitors can participate in picking and learn traditional drying techniques.