Things to Do in Baku in May

May Weather in Baku

23°C (74°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures (14-23°C/58-74°F) make walking the Old City's cobblestone streets comfortable all day without the summer heat that hits 35°C+ (95°F+) by July
Flame Towers illumination runs until 11pm during longer May daylight hours, giving you extra golden hour photography time and evening terrace dining at Boulevard restaurants
Caspian Sea breeze keeps humidity manageable at 70% - locals emerge for evening promenades along Seaside Park that are impossible during winter winds
May coincides with Azerbaijan's spring produce season - fresh pomegranates, figs, and Gabala trout appear in bazaars, while tea gardens in Lahij reopen after winter closures

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings mean you'll experience 20°C (68°F) mornings and 23°C (74°F) afternoons in the same day - pack layers or face uncomfortable sightseeing
10 rainy days create muddy conditions at Gobustan petroglyphs site - the 60 km (37 mile) drive becomes challenging and viewing platforms get slippery
May is shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% more than March/April but you don't get peak summer services like extended museum hours or full restaurant menus

Best Activities in May

Old City Walking Tours and Carpet Weaving Workshops

May's mild temperatures make exploring Icherisheher's narrow medieval alleys comfortable for 3-4 hours without summer's exhausting heat. The 70% humidity keeps carpet workshops bearable, and spring light streaming through Maiden Tower's windows creates perfect conditions for photography. Local artisans are more active after winter, demonstrating traditional techniques.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed cultural guides. Tours typically cost 80-120 AZN ($47-70) including workshop access. Look for guides certified by Azerbaijan Tourism Board. Reserve morning slots (9-11am) to avoid afternoon crowds.

Caspian Sea Waterfront Cycling and Seaside Park Routes

The 15 km (9.3 mile) Boulevard cycling path is perfect in May when Caspian breezes counteract the 70% humidity. Morning temperatures of 14°C (58°F) make the ride comfortable, while afternoon warmth allows for seaside café stops. Bike rentals reopen fully after winter maintenance.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost 15-25 AZN ($9-15) per day through waterfront operators. Book morning rentals (8-10am) for coolest conditions. Look for operators offering helmets and route maps in English.

Gobustan Petroglyphs and Mud Volcano Day Trips

May's variable weather creates dramatic skies perfect for photographing 40,000-year-old rock art. However, the 10 rainy days mean muddy access roads to mud volcanoes - check weather 24 hours before booking. The 60 km (37 mile) drive is manageable in dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Book flexible tours 5-7 days ahead with weather cancellation policies. Tours typically cost 150-200 AZN ($88-118) including transport and guide. Choose 4WD vehicles for mud volcano access, especially after rain.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Handicraft Center Visits

May's comfortable indoor conditions make spending 2-3 hours exploring carpet collections enjoyable without summer's air conditioning battles. Spring exhibitions often feature new acquisitions, and natural light through museum windows enhances textile viewing.

Booking Tip: Entry typically costs 8-12 AZN ($5-7) with audio guides for additional 5 AZN ($3). Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Morning visits (10am-12pm) offer best lighting conditions.

Flame Towers Observation and Upland Park Cable Car

May's clear morning visibility reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) across the Caspian, perfect for panoramic photography. The cable car operates comfortably in mild weather, and extended daylight hours mean golden hour shots until 7-8pm. Spring haze is minimal compared to summer.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 6-8 AZN ($3.5-4.7) return. Visit late afternoon (4-6pm) for best light conditions and Flame Towers evening illumination preparation. No advance booking required but expect 10-15 minute waits on weekends.

Absheron Peninsula and Ateshgah Fire Temple Tours

The 30 km (18.6 mile) peninsula drive is pleasant in May's mild weather, avoiding summer's harsh sun reflecting off barren landscapes. Fire temple visits are comfortable without extreme heat, and natural gas flames are more visible against May's variable lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 120-160 AZN ($70-94) including Ateshgah and Yanardag. Book 5-7 days ahead with licensed operators. Choose afternoon tours (2-6pm) to see fire flames against darkening skies.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Baku Jazz Festival

International jazz artists perform across multiple venues including Heydar Aliyev Center and smaller clubs. Features both outdoor and indoor concerts perfect for May's variable weather, with evening performances taking advantage of comfortable temperatures.

Late May

Azerbaijan Carpet Week

Annual celebration of traditional carpet weaving featuring master craftspeople from regions like Karabagh and Shirvan. Includes workshops, exhibitions, and sales at venues across the city, coinciding with spring renovation of carpet workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layers - essential for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings between 14°C (58°F) mornings and 23°C (74°F) afternoons

Packable down vest or fleece jacket - Caspian winds can make 14°C (58°F) feel much colder, especially during evening Boulevard walks

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - 10 rainy days create slippery conditions on Old City cobblestones and Gobustan's rocky terrain

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers typically last 30-45 minutes but can be intense

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8, and Caspian Sea reflection intensifies exposure during waterfront activities

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, especially during indoor bazaar and museum visits

Comfortable walking shoes broken in before travel - expect 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of daily walking on varied terrain from cobblestones to modern pavements

Light scarf or shawl - required for mosque visits and useful for wind protection during evening promenades

Portable phone charger - May's longer daylight hours mean extended sightseeing and photo sessions drain batteries faster

Small daypack with water bottle - May temperatures make 4-6 hour walking tours comfortable but require regular hydration

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid Gobustan trips on rainy days because mud roads become impassable - always check weather 24 hours ahead and have indoor backup plans like Carpet Museum or Nizami Street shopping

May is pomegranate season - visit Teze Bazaar early morning (8-9am) when vendors display the freshest fruit, and try fresh pomegranate juice for 2-3 AZN ($1.20-1.80) instead of tourist restaurant prices

The best photography light at Flame Towers occurs 45 minutes before sunset when May's clear skies create dramatic backgrounds - most tourists arrive too late and miss golden hour

Book Shahdag or Gabala day trips for late May when mountain roads fully reopen after winter - early May can still have snow at higher elevations affecting access to hiking trails

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - May mornings at 14°C (58°F) catch tourists unprepared, especially during early morning Old City walks or Caspian waterfront visits

Booking Gobustan tours without weather flexibility - 10 rainy days mean muddy, potentially dangerous conditions at petroglyphs site and mud volcanoes that tourists underestimate

Expecting full summer services - many rooftop restaurants and some tour operators run reduced schedules in May, leaving tourists with limited evening dining options