Azerbaijan in Winter: Weather, Snow and Skiing

Winter in Azerbaijan is mild in Baku and snowy in the mountains. The capital averages roughly 9–11 °C by day in December and January, while Shahdag near Qusar and Tufandag in Gabala usually run their ski seasons from December into spring. One trip can easily combine city lights, the New Year market and a few days on the slopes.

Baku weather in December and January

According to long-term climate averages, December in Baku has highs of around 11 °C and lows of around 7 °C, with roughly 33 mm of rain. January is a little cooler: about 9 °C by day and 5 °C at night, with about 27 mm. These are approximate averages, and individual days can be warmer or colder.

Baku is nicknamed the City of Winds, and the north wind, khazri, makes the air feel colder than the thermometer shows. Pack a windproof jacket, a hat and shoes with a good grip for wet stone streets in the Old City.

New Year market on Fountain Square

Every year from December to 15 January, Fountain Square hosts a festive market. It has been held since 2013 as a charity fair and is the centre of Baku’s holiday evenings, with stalls, decorations and crowds after dark. See our events page for this season’s concerts and other winter events in the city.

Snow and skiing

Shahdag Mountain Resort is in the Qusar district, 212 km from Baku, below Mount Shahdag (4,243 m). The ski season usually runs from December to about mid-April, and the New Year holidays and January–February are the busiest weeks. The resort’s own website lists buses from Baku International Bus Terminal to Qusar every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00 (6.49 AZN), followed by a taxi of about 10–15 AZN up to the resort. Fares may change, so check before travel.

Tufandag in Gabala has slopes between 956 and 1,920 m, ten trails and four gondola and chair lifts. Its season usually lasts from early December to the end of March. Gabala can also be reached by train in about 3 hours 20 minutes; timetables change by season, so check ady.az for the winter schedule.

Quba lies on the road to Shahdag and is a pleasant stop for lunch and a walk. Further into the mountains, Khinalug sits at 2,180 m and is one of the highest villages in the region; it is beautiful in snow, but check road conditions before you go.

Winter driving tips

• Allow extra time. The mountain section after Qusar and the roads around Gabala can be slow in snow.
• Start early. Days are short in December and January, and mountain roads are easier in daylight.
• Check the weather and the resort’s updates the evening before.
• Keep water, snacks and warm layers in the car, especially with children.
• If you are not used to mountain roads in winter, a driver who knows the route is the calmer choice.

With 4T Transfer

4T Transfer runs private transfers to the snow at fixed prices per car. Baku to Shahdag costs $145 by sedan or minivan and takes about 3 hours in normal conditions, longer in heavy snow. Baku to Gabala costs $120 by sedan or $130 by minivan, about 3.5 hours. Baku to Quba is $100 / $120. If you want a taste of the mountains without staying overnight, the private Khizi–Quba–Shahdag day tour costs $145 for 10 hours. For skis and bulky luggage, choose a minivan. Drivers help with luggage, child seats are available on request, and we answer on WhatsApp 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Updated 5 October 2026. Prices and timetables of other companies can change — please check before you travel.