Things to Do in Baku in December

December Weather in Baku

8°C (48°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

36 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like Flame Towers and Old City - expect 60% fewer visitors than summer months, shorter queues, and better photo opportunities
Hotel rates drop 40-50% compared to peak season - luxury properties in downtown cost ₼150-250 ($88-147) vs ₼300+ in summer
Perfect weather for exploring Gobustan petroglyphs and mud volcanoes - cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) walking circuits comfortable without overheating
Traditional carpet weaving workshops and indoor cultural activities are in full swing - artisans work longer hours during winter months with more time for detailed instruction

Considerations

Caspian Sea activities are limited - water temperature drops to 6°C (43°F) and most waterfront restaurants close their outdoor sections
Shorter daylight hours with sunset at 5:30pm - limits time for outdoor photography and sightseeing to 8.5 hours daily
Frequent light rain and overcast skies on 10+ days - can disrupt walking tours of Old City cobblestone streets which become slippery

Best Activities in December

Old City UNESCO Walking Tours

December's cool weather makes exploring the medieval Icherisheher perfect - no summer heat exhaustion while climbing the Maiden Tower's 29 m (95 ft) spiral staircase. Fewer crowds mean authentic interactions with local artisans in carpet shops and tea houses. Rain creates atmospheric lighting for photography of ancient stone walls.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed guides. Expect ₼40-80 ($24-47) for 3-4 hour tours. Look for guides with Ministry of Culture certification. Indoor components available during rain - see current tour options in booking section below.

Gobustan Rock Art and Mud Volcano Expeditions

December offers ideal conditions for the 65 km (40 mile) journey to Gobustan - cool temperatures make the outdoor hiking comfortable and mud volcanoes are most active in winter months. Clear winter air provides better visibility of the 6,000+ petroglyphs without summer heat haze.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ₼120-180 ($71-106) including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter scheduling is limited. 4WD vehicles essential - verify with operators. Tours run weather permitting.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Traditional Crafts Workshops

Winter is peak season for indoor cultural experiences. Master carpet weavers offer detailed 2-3 hour workshops during December when tourist numbers are low. Learn techniques passed down through generations while staying warm. December features special winter textile exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions cost ₼60-120 ($35-71) per person. Book 5-7 days ahead directly with museum. Morning sessions (10am-1pm) most popular. Private group sessions available for ₼200+ ($118+).

Flame Towers and Modern Baku Architecture Tours

December's shorter days mean the famous LED light show on Flame Towers begins at 5:30pm - perfect timing after afternoon sightseeing. Cool weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) modern city walking circuit comfortable. Indoor observation decks provide warm viewing spots.

Booking Tip: Architecture tours typically ₼50-90 ($29-53) for 2-3 hours. Evening tours including light show cost ₼70-130 ($41-76). Book 3-5 days ahead. Combination packages with traditional city tours offer best value.

Traditional Azerbaijani Cooking Classes

December features winter specialties like piti (lamb stew) and qutab (stuffed pancakes) that aren't taught during summer months. Indoor cooking schools are fully operational with heating. Perfect activity for rainy days, typically lasting 4-5 hours including market visits.

Booking Tip: Classes range ₼80-150 ($47-88) including ingredients and meal. Book 1 week ahead as winter class sizes are smaller (6-8 people vs 12+ in summer). Morning classes include traditional tea service.

Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag Eternal Flames

Winter visits to the fire sites are exceptional - the contrast between cold air and natural flames creates dramatic visual effects. December's low humidity means clearer flame visibility. The 30 km (19 mile) journey to Yanar Dag is more comfortable in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Combined fire sites tours cost ₼100-160 ($59-94) for full day including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead. Evening departure tours (2pm-7pm) are popular in winter. Verify sites remain accessible during rain.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

New Year Celebrations at Fountain Square

Baku's main New Year festivities center around Fountain Square with traditional Azerbaijani music, food stalls serving winter specialties, and fireworks at midnight. The celebration continues through January 2nd with cultural performances and craft fairs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof winter coat rated for 0-10°C (32-50°F) - December winds off Caspian Sea create significant wind chill factor

Sturdy waterproof walking boots - Old City cobblestones become extremely slippery when wet, ankle support essential

Warm layers including thermal underwear - indoor heating can be inconsistent in older buildings and museums

Compact umbrella - December rain comes in frequent light showers rather than heavy downpours, small umbrella sufficient

Power bank with 10,000+ mAh capacity - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased device usage

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with wind creates chapped skin conditions

Warm hat and gloves - essential for outdoor sightseeing, particularly at Gobustan and fire sites

Cash in small denominations - many traditional craft workshops and tea houses don't accept cards, carry ₼500+ in small bills

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery life 30-40% faster than normal

Comfortable indoor shoes - many cultural sites and homes require shoe removal, warm socks/slippers recommended

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near 28 May metro station - this puts you within 10 minutes of both Old City and modern Baku, avoiding cold weather commutes across the city

Visit carpet workshops between 2-4pm - this is when master weavers take breaks from complex pieces and have time to explain techniques to visitors

Carry a thermos for tea - locals drink tea constantly in winter and offering to share creates instant connections, particularly in Old City shops

December is when locals hunt for New Year gifts - join them at Taza Bazaar early morning (8-10am) for best selection of traditional crafts at pre-tourist prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold the Caspian Sea wind makes it feel - dress for temperatures 5°C (9°F) colder than forecast when near waterfront

Planning too many outdoor activities after 4pm - darkness falls quickly and many outdoor sites close early or have limited lighting

Not booking indoor backup activities - 10 rainy days means having museum visits and workshops pre-planned, not decided day-of