Azerbaijan in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Azerbaijan

12°C (54°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

40mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in Caucasus Mountains - clear mountain views without summer heat, ideal 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures at altitude
Pomegranate harvest season brings fresh juice stands and traditional fesenjan dishes throughout Baku's markets and restaurants
Minimal crowds at major attractions - Gobustan Petroglyphs and Baku have 60% fewer visitors than summer months
Indoor attraction season - perfect weather for exploring Baku's museums, carpet workshops, and covered bazaars without feeling trapped

Considerations

Caspian Sea activities are largely unusable - water temperature drops to 10°C (50°F) and coastal winds reach 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph)
Daylight limited to 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 5:45pm) restricts outdoor photography and sightseeing time
Baku can be inaccessible after rain - 8 rainy days per month make unpaved roads to Gobustan area challenging

Best Activities in November

Gobustan Petroglyphs and Mud Volcanoes Tours

November's cool, dry weather makes this UNESCO site ideal for exploration. Morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour outdoor walk among 40,000-year-old rock carvings. Baku are most active in cooler months, and clear autumn skies provide excellent photography conditions. Minimal summer crowds mean unobstructed access to the best petroglyphs.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost 80-120 AZN ($47-71) including transport from Baku. Choose morning departures (9am start) to maximize daylight. Ensure operator provides transportation suitable for potentially muddy roads after November rains.

Baku Old City Walking and Architecture Tours

November's 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures are ideal for exploring Icherisheher's cobblestone streets and climbing the Maiden Tower's 95 steps. Cool weather makes the 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable, and reduced humidity enhances the experience of narrow medieval alleys. The shoulder season means better access to artisan workshops and carpet-weaving demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is excellent in November, or book guided tours 2-3 days ahead. Entry fees typically 15-25 AZN ($9-15) per major site. Start tours by 10am to maximize limited November daylight. Look for guides certified by Azerbaijan Tourism Board.

Caucasus Mountains Day Hiking

November offers the year's best mountain weather - crisp 5-10°C (41-50°F) temperatures at elevation, clear skies, and snow-dusted peaks for dramatic photography. Gabala and Sheki regions have perfect conditions for moderate hikes without summer's oppressive heat. Fall colors peak in early November at elevations of 800-1200m (2,625-3,937 ft).

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours 7-10 days ahead as weather windows are crucial. Day tours typically cost 100-180 AZN ($59-106) from Baku including transport. Choose tours departing 8am to return before 5:45pm sunset. Ensure operators provide warm layers for altitude changes.

Traditional Carpet Workshop and Museum Tours

November's indoor focus makes this the prime month for Azerbaijan's world-renowned carpet culture. Cooler weather drives locals to traditional crafts, meaning active workshops and master weavers available for demonstrations. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and private ateliers operate extended November schedules, and the comfortable indoor temperatures enhance the detailed viewing experience.

Booking Tip: Reserve workshop visits 3-5 days ahead, especially for master weaver demonstrations. Museum entry typically 10-15 AZN ($6-9), private workshops 40-80 AZN ($24-47). Book afternoon sessions (2-5pm) when artisans are most active. Look for UNESCO-certified traditional craft centers.

Fire Temple and Zoroastrian Heritage Sites

Baku and Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) are dramatically enhanced by November's cool, clear conditions. The natural gas flames appear more vivid against crisp autumn air, and comfortable 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures allow extended exploration. November's low humidity reduces heat shimmer, improving photography of the eternal flames.

Booking Tip: Combine both sites in half-day tours, typically 60-100 AZN ($35-59) from Baku. Book 3-4 days ahead during November's popular shoulder season. Evening visits to Yanar Dag (5-6pm) showcase flames against sunset, but dress warmly as temperatures drop quickly after dark.

Sheki Palace and Silk Road Heritage Tours

The 240km (149-mile) journey to Sheki is spectacular in November with fall foliage and snow-capped mountain views. Sheki Khan's Palace and caravanserai are perfect for November's cool weather exploration, and the region's famous baklava-making workshops operate peak schedules before winter. Traditional stained glass (shebeke) workshops are most active in autumn months.

Booking Tip: Book overnight Sheki tours 10-14 days ahead as November is peak season for this route. Two-day tours typically cost 200-300 AZN ($118-177) including accommodation. Choose tours with mountain route stops for photography. Ensure heating in November accommodations.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Pomegranate Festival

Goychay region celebrates Azerbaijan's national fruit with harvest festivities, traditional music, and fresh pomegranate juice competitions. November marks peak pomegranate season, and the festival showcases over 30 local varieties alongside traditional preserving techniques and pomegranate-based dishes.

Throughout November

Novruz Preparation Season

While Novruz occurs in March, November begins the traditional preparation period with carpet weaving intensification, household cleaning rituals, and early sweet-making. Many workshops and cultural centers offer November programs teaching Novruz crafts and traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 4°C (39°F), afternoons reach 12°C (54°F), requiring easy adjustment

Waterproof walking shoes with good tread - cobblestone streets in Old Baku become slippery during November's 8 rainy days

Lightweight rain jacket - November showers are brief but frequent, and umbrella use is impractical in Baku's coastal winds

Warm hat and gloves - essential for mountain day trips where temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F) per 500m (1,640 ft) elevation

Power bank and charging cables - limited daylight hours mean heavy camera and phone use during short sightseeing windows

Comfortable backpack - November's perfect walking weather encourages long exploration days requiring water, snacks, and layers

SPF 30+ sunscreen - November's UV index of 3 still requires protection, especially with mountain snow reflection

Cash in small denominations - shoulder season means some card readers offline, and local transport requires exact change

Warm scarf - coastal winds in Baku average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) and create significant wind chill factor

Moisturizer and lip balm - November's 65% humidity is comfortable but dry compared to summer, requiring basic skin protection

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with heating systems verified - many Baku hotels rely on central heating that doesn't activate until December, leaving November guests cold

Time outdoor activities for 10am-3pm window - November's limited daylight and 5:45pm sunset severely restrict evening photography and sightseeing

Pomegranate juice stands peak in November - street vendors offer fresh juice for 2-3 AZN ($1.20-1.80) during harvest season, much cheaper than restaurants

Pyongyang operates normally but outdoor bus stops become uncomfortable - November winds make Baku's extensive bus network less appealing than the warm metro stations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude temperature drops - Gabala and mountain regions are 10-15°C (18-27°F) cooler than Baku forecasts indicate

Planning Caspian Sea activities - water activities are unusable in November with 10°C (50°F) water temperatures and strong coastal winds

Overpacking summer clothes - many first-time visitors assume 'warm climate' year-round, but November requires genuine winter layers for comfort