Things to Do in Baku in February

February Weather in Baku

7°C (45°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Flame Towers and mud volcanoes create dramatic winter landscapes - photography conditions are exceptional with clear, crisp air and moody skies
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from peak summer prices, with luxury Caspian Sea view rooms available for $80-120 instead of $200+
Baku's renowned tea culture is at its peak - traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) are cozy refuges serving fresh pomegranate tea and pakhlava
February coincides with Novruz preparation season - witness carpet weaving, traditional sweet-making, and cultural workshops leading up to Persian New Year

Considerations

Harsh Caspian Sea winds averaging 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) make outdoor sightseeing brutally cold - windchill often drops feels-like temperatures to -5°C (23°F)
Limited daylight hours (9am-6pm) restrict outdoor photography and sightseeing time, particularly problematic for Gobustan petroglyphs visits
Many outdoor attractions like Yanar Dag (burning mountain) become uncomfortable to visit for extended periods due to wind exposure

Best Activities in February

Old City (Icherisheher) Historical Walking Tours

February's cold weather makes Baku's UNESCO World Heritage Old City perfect for exploration. The narrow stone streets provide wind shelter, and medieval buildings like Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace are heated. Winter light creates dramatic shadows on 12th-century architecture. Crowds are minimal, allowing intimate access to historical sites.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed cultural operators for 40-60 AZN ($24-35). Tours typically run 2-3 hours with indoor stops for warming. Look for operators offering traditional tea breaks in historical caravanserais. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Cultural Center Visits

February is ideal for Baku's world-class indoor cultural attractions. The Carpet Museum, National Art Museum, and Heydar Aliyev Center offer perfect climate-controlled environments. February coincides with traditional carpet weaving season, with live demonstrations and workshops available. Winter exhibitions often feature special collections.

Booking Tip: Museum combination passes cost 15-25 AZN ($9-15) for multiple venues. Book cultural workshops 1 week ahead as February workshops fill up with locals avoiding outdoor weather. Premium guided experiences range 50-80 AZN ($30-47). Check current workshop schedules in booking section below.

Traditional Hamam and Spa Experiences

Baku's Soviet-era and traditional Turkish baths are essential February experiences. After cold outdoor sightseeing, traditional hamams provide authentic warming relief. Many offer traditional treatments using Caspian Sea minerals and local honey. February is peak season for locals using these facilities.

Booking Tip: Traditional hamam sessions cost 20-40 AZN ($12-24) for basic service, 60-100 AZN ($35-59) for premium treatments. Book 2-3 days ahead as February demand is high among locals. Look for facilities offering tea service and traditional scrubs. Current spa options available in booking section below.

Gobustan National Park Petroglyphs Tours

Despite cold weather, February offers exceptional visibility for Gobustan's 40,000-year-old rock art. Clear winter air provides perfect viewing conditions, and minimal crowds mean unobstructed access to UNESCO sites. Tours include visits to nearby mud volcanoes, though viewing time is weather-dependent.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 80-120 AZN ($47-71) including transportation and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm tours include vehicle heating and indoor facilities. Tours run 4-5 hours with limited outdoor exposure time. Weather-dependent cancellation policies essential. See current options in booking section below.

Caspian Sea Coastal Drive and Seaside Restaurant Tours

February transforms Baku's Caspian coastline into a dramatic, moody landscape. Heated vehicle tours along the Baku Boulevard (Dənizkənarı Milli Park) showcase winter seascapes and Soviet-era architecture. Tours include stops at heated seaside restaurants serving traditional Caspian fish dishes and warming Azerbaijani soups.

Booking Tip: Coastal tours with restaurant stops cost 60-90 AZN ($35-53) for 3-4 hours including meal. Book through operators with heated vehicles and flexible itineraries for weather conditions. Premium tours with traditional music and tea ceremonies range 100-150 AZN ($59-88). Current tours available in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Novruz Preparation Workshops

Throughout February, traditional craftspeople offer workshops preparing for Persian New Year (March 20-21). Learn carpet weaving, traditional sweet-making (pakhlava, shekerbura), and henna painting. These intimate cultural experiences happen in heated workshops across Old City.

Mid to Late February

Baku Jazz Festival Winter Series

Indoor jazz performances at heated venues like Mugham Center and International Mugham Center. February features international artists and traditional Azerbaijani jazz fusion. Perfect indoor entertainment during cold evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated for temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) - Caspian winds make it feel much colder than actual temperature

Windproof outer shell - sustained 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) winds are constant along coastal areas

Waterproof boots with good tread - cobblestones in Old City become slippery when wet from frequent light rain

Warm, moisture-wicking base layers - indoor heating is inconsistent, and you'll move between cold outdoor and warm indoor spaces frequently

Insulated gloves that work with phone screens - essential for photography and navigation in cold weather

Wool or synthetic warm hat covering ears - wind chill protection is crucial along exposed coastal areas

Compact umbrella - light rain occurs on 10+ days but showers are brief and wind can break larger umbrellas

Lip balm and moisturizer - low humidity (70%) combined with indoor heating causes skin dryness

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery life faster, critical for navigation and translation apps

Cash in small bills - many traditional establishments prefer cash, and ATMs may be limited during winter tourism low season

Insider Knowledge

Local families begin intensive Novruz preparations in February - visit neighborhood bakeries between 3-6pm to see traditional sweet-making and often receive free samples

Baku Metro stations serve as warm refuges between outdoor sightseeing - the Soviet-era stations are architectural attractions themselves and provide 20-25°C (68-77°F) warmth

Traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) offer all-day seating for 5-10 AZN ($3-6) - locals use these as social clubs during cold months, providing authentic cultural immersion

Book accommodations near 28 Mall or Ganjlik Mall - these provide warm indoor spaces for meals and shopping when weather becomes unbearable for outdoor activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill factor - tourists pack for 2°C (36°F) but don't prepare for feels-like temperatures of -5°C (23°F) due to coastal winds

Planning full outdoor days - February daylight is limited to 9 hours, and weather often forces indoor refuge breaks every 2-3 hours

Booking coastal activities without weather backup plans - Yanar Dag and Gobustan tours frequently get shortened due to wind exposure limits