Azerbaijan in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Azerbaijan
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect fire temple conditions - Yanar Dag flames appear most dramatic against cold February air, visible from 200m (656 ft) away even during daylight hours
- Mud volcano season peak - February's cooler temperatures make Gobustan's 400+ Baku most active, with 5-10°C (41-50°F) creating optimal viewing conditions without summer heat
- Baku's Old City (Icherisheher) ideal for walking - temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) make exploring the medieval streets comfortable for 4-6 hours without overheating
- Pomegranate harvest festivities continue - February markets overflow with fresh pomegranates at 2-3 AZN per kg, and locals celebrate Novruz preparations with pomegranate-based dishes
Considerations
- Caspian Sea activities limited - water temperature drops to 6°C (43°F), making boat tours to Pirallahi Island uncomfortable and many coastal restaurants close
- Mountain regions inaccessible - Quba and Shahdag ski areas often have 50-80 cm (20-31 inches) of snow, requiring 4WD vehicles and potentially closing mountain roads
- Shorter daylight hours - sunset at 6:15 PM limits outdoor photography opportunities, particularly problematic for Gobustan petroglyphs which need good natural light
Best Activities in February
Gobustan Petroglyphs and Mud Volcano Tours
February's cool weather makes the 90-minute outdoor walking tour through 40,000-year-old rock art completely comfortable. Baku are most active in winter temperatures, bubbling every 3-5 minutes rather than summer's sluggish activity. The dramatic landscape photography benefits from crisp winter light and minimal heat haze.
Baku Old City Cultural Walking Experiences
February's 5-8°C (41-46°F) temperatures create perfect conditions for exploring Icherisheher's narrow cobblestone streets for 3-4 hours. Winter crowds are minimal, allowing better access to Baku and Shirvanshah Palace. Local carpet workshops and tea houses provide warm refuges every 200-300m (656-984 ft).
Absheron Peninsula Fire Temple Circuit
Yanar Dag eternal flames appear most spectacular in February's cold air, visible even in daylight hours. Ateshgah Fire Temple's indoor exhibits provide warmth between outdoor viewing areas. The 45km (28 miles) peninsula circuit takes 4-5 hours including Yanar Dag, Ateshgah, and traditional villages.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites
February's cooler weather makes indoor cultural exploration ideal. The National Carpet Museum's 2-hour tour includes hands-on weaving demonstrations, while Heydar Aliyev Center's flowing architecture provides dramatic winter photography opportunities. Multiple sites can be visited in single day with minimal weather exposure.
Traditional Azerbaijani Cooking Classes
February coincides with Novruz preparation season when locals teach traditional dishes like plov, dolma, and pakhlava. Indoor cooking sessions last 3-4 hours in warm kitchens, perfect escape from cold weather. Classes focus on pomegranate-based winter recipes using February's peak harvest.
Quba Region Day Trips
Weather permitting, Quba's Red Village (Krasnaya Sloboda) and apple orchards offer unique cultural experiences. February's clear mountain air provides spectacular Caucasus views on clear days. Indoor carpet workshops and traditional tea houses provide warming stops every 5-10 km (3-6 miles).
February Events & Festivals
Novruz Preparation Season
February marks intensive Novruz (Persian New Year) preparation period. Markets fill with traditional sweets, households begin spring cleaning rituals, and communities practice traditional dances. Visitors can participate in wheat growing ceremonies and sweet-making workshops in homes and cultural centers.
Pomegranate Festival Season
February celebrates Azerbaijan's pomegranate harvest with market festivals, cooking demonstrations, and juice tastings. Goychay region (90km/56 miles from Baku) hosts weekend celebrations featuring traditional pomegranate preservation techniques and medicinal preparation methods.