Azerbaijan in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Azerbaijan

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) are ideal for exploring the Caucasus Mountains without summer's intense heat
Rose season in full bloom - Sheki's rose gardens and Lahijan's tea plantations are at their most spectacular in May
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates are 30-40% lower than peak summer months, and domestic flights average $50-80 vs $120+ in July
Caspian Sea activities begin - water temperatures reach 18°C (64°F), perfect for coastal walks and early season water sports without summer crowds

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - May sees 10 rainy days with sudden downpours that can disrupt mountain hiking plans for 2-3 hours at a time
Mountain roads still clearing - some high-altitude routes in Quba and Qusar regions may have snow patches above 2,000m (6,560 ft), limiting access to remote villages
Variable temperatures - daily swings of 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon require layered clothing and careful packing

Best Activities in May

Gobustan Petroglyphs and Mud Volcano Tours

May's mild temperatures make this UNESCO site perfect for exploration. The 2-hour walking circuit across rocky terrain is comfortable in 22°C (72°F) weather, and mud volcanoes are most active after spring rains. UV index of 8 requires sun protection but isn't oppressive like summer months.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours 5-7 days ahead, typically costing 40-60 AZN. Look for operators including transportation and English-speaking guides. Avoid midday tours - 9am or 3pm starts are optimal. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Sheki Silk Road Heritage Walking

May is peak season for Sheki's historic architecture tours. The Khan's Palace gardens are in full bloom, temperatures are perfect for the 3km (1.9 mile) Bratislava walking route, and traditional craft workshops operate with doors open. Spring light creates ideal photography conditions for the intricate stained glass work.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Baku cost 80-120 AZN including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as May is popular with domestic tourists. Multi-day options include traditional guesthouse stays. Check current availability in the booking section.

Greater Caucasus Mountain Hiking

Prime trekking season begins in May with snow melting below 1,800m (5,905 ft). Quba and Qusar regions offer day hikes with 15°C (59°F) temperatures at altitude. Wildflower season peaks, and mountain villages are accessible via newly cleared roads. Perfect conditions for multi-day treks without summer heat stress.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides cost 60-100 AZN per day for groups up to 6. Book through licensed mountain tourism operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Equipment rental available in Quba town. Weather can change rapidly - ensure guides carry emergency communication.

Caspian Sea Coastal Experiences

May marks the beginning of Caspian season without summer crowds. Lankaran's subtropical climate reaches 24°C (75°F), perfect for bird watching at Kizil-Agach Nature Reserve. Beach towns like Nabran start operating seasonal restaurants. Water is too cool for swimming but ideal for coastal hiking and photography.

Booking Tip: Coastal region tours run 100-150 AZN for full days from Baku. Book accommodations in seaside towns 1-2 weeks ahead as domestic tourism increases. Spring migration makes this peak time for bird watching tours.

Baku Old City Cultural Immersion

May's comfortable temperatures make extensive walking in Icherisheher ideal. The 1.2km (0.75 mile) walls circuit is pleasant in morning hours, and rooftop dining becomes viable as evenings warm to 18°C (64°F). Traditional carpet workshops and artisan studios operate with optimal natural lighting.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 25-40 AZN for 3-4 hours. Combine with traditional bath house visits and artisan workshops. Book evening tours to catch sunset over the Caspian. Private guides available for 80-120 AZN for personalized experiences.

Apsheron Peninsula Fire Temple Circuit

May's clear weather provides excellent visibility for the Baku and Yanardag eternal flames. Comfortable temperatures make the outdoor sites pleasant for extended visits, and spring air clarity offers better photography conditions than summer haze. Natural gas flames are more visible in May's moderate light conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day peninsula tours cost 50-80 AZN including both sites plus transport. Combine with Bibi-Heybat Mosque for full cultural experience. Evening visits to Yanardag show flames more dramatically. Book through operators offering small group sizes.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Baku International Jazz Festival

Annual festival featuring international and local jazz artists across multiple venues in Baku. Outdoor concerts take advantage of May's pleasant evening temperatures. Mix of ticketed concerts and free performances in Old City courtyards.

Early May

Novruz Spring Celebrations Extended Season

While Novruz proper occurs in March, regional spring festivals continue through May in mountain villages. Traditional music, dance, and seasonal foods celebrate the full arrival of spring weather. Most authentic in Sheki and Quba regions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with base layers as mornings can be 15°C (27°F) cooler than afternoons in May

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for mountain regions where trails may have mud and snow patches above 1,800m (5,905 ft)

Compact rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month and last 1-2 hours with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires strong protection, especially at altitude where intensity increases

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Light wool sweater - evenings cool to 20°C (68°F) and mountain regions drop further with elevation

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Old City and uneven mountain trails require solid footing

Portable umbrella - more practical than heavy rain gear for brief May showers in urban areas

Insect repellent - spring mosquitoes emerge near Caspian coastal areas and mountain streams

Power bank and universal adapter - longer daylight hours mean more photography opportunities requiring battery backup

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights by early April - Azerbaijan Airlines increases May frequencies but prices jump 60% after April 15th as locals book spring travel

Mountain weather changes within hours - locals in Quba and Sheki check conditions twice daily and postpone hiking if clouds build over peaks after 2pm

Traditional tea houses switch to outdoor seating in May - arrive by 4pm for best courtyard tables as locals gather for extended evening tea sessions

Baku Metro extends evening hours starting May 1st for spring season - last trains run until midnight instead of 11pm, perfect for returning from dinner in Old City

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - May temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) daily catch tourists unprepared for cool mornings and mountain conditions

Booking mountain tours without weather contingencies - 40% of high-altitude excursions get delayed by late snow or sudden storms requiring flexible itineraries

Underestimating rain gear needs - tourists assume low rainfall totals mean no preparation needed, but May's 10 rainy days can disrupt outdoor plans without proper equipment