Things to Do in Baku in November

November Weather in Baku

13°C (56°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like Flame Towers and Old City - you'll have Shirvanshah's Palace practically to yourself compared to summer months
Perfect weather for exploring Baku's extensive walking areas - cool 8-13°C (47-56°F) temperatures ideal for the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Boulevard walk without overheating
Peak pomegranate and persimmon season means incredible local produce at Teze Bazar, plus traditional fesenjan (pomegranate walnut stew) appears on restaurant menus citywide
Caspian Sea is still accessible for coastal activities with dramatic November storm watching from Baku Boulevard - locals consider this the most photogenic month for seascapes

Considerations

Strong Khazri winds from the north can reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) making outdoor market browsing and waterfront walks uncomfortable 3-4 days per week
Daylight hours shrink to just 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:30am, sunset 5:00pm) limiting time for outdoor sightseeing and photography
Intermittent rain on 10 days means indoor backup plans essential - many rooftop restaurants and outdoor cafés reduce operating hours

Best Activities in November

Gobustan Petroglyphs and Mud Volcanoes Day Tours

November's cool temperatures make the 65 km (40 mile) journey to Gobustan comfortable without summer heat. The ancient rock art site and nearby mud volcanoes are perfect for November exploration - no sun glare for photography and comfortable hiking temperatures. Mud volcanoes are most active in cooler months, offering better viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing 80-120 AZN ($47-70). Look for tours that include both Gobustan and mud volcanoes in one trip. Most operators provide warm vehicle transport which is essential in November wind. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Baku Old City Walking and Museum Tours

November is ideal for exploring Icherisheher (Old City) as cool weather makes the steep cobblestone streets comfortable for extended walking. The Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower are perfectly climate-controlled, offering warm refuge during rain. Low tourist season means unobstructed views and photo opportunities at key sites.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but guided tours (40-60 AZN/$24-35) provide crucial historical context. Book indoor museum entries in advance during November as some reduce hours. Combination tickets for multiple sites offer best value at 15-25 AZN ($9-15).

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Cultural Experiences

Rainy November days are perfect for Baku's world-class museums. The Carpet Museum's unique building and collection shine without summer heat discomfort. November coincides with traditional carpet-weaving season when local artisans demonstrate techniques. Other cultural sites like Heydar Aliyev Center offer climate-controlled exploration.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entries cost 10-15 AZN ($6-9). Multi-museum passes available for 35-50 AZN ($20-30). Photography permits usually additional 5-10 AZN. Book cultural workshops 5-7 days ahead as November is popular with locals for indoor activities.

Traditional Azerbaijani Cooking Classes

November marks the start of comfort food season when traditional dishes like plov, dolma, and fesenjan are most popular. Local cooking schools offer hands-on classes using seasonal ingredients like fresh pomegranates and walnuts. Perfect indoor activity for rainy November days.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost 60-100 AZN ($35-60) for 3-4 hour sessions including meal. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as November is peak season for culinary tourism. Look for classes that include market visits to Teze Bazar for ingredient selection.

Flame Towers and Modern Baku Architecture Tours

November's shorter daylight hours mean you can see both daytime architecture and the famous Flame Towers light show starting at 5pm. Cool weather makes the uphill walk to Highland Park viewing area comfortable. Clear November air often provides excellent city panorama visibility.

Booking Tip: Highland Park access is free, but organized architecture tours cost 50-80 AZN ($30-47). Evening tours timed for light show are most popular. Flame Towers observation deck tickets are 20-30 AZN ($12-18). See current architectural tour options in booking section below.

Absheron Peninsula Day Trips

November weather is perfect for visiting Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) as cool temperatures make outdoor exploration comfortable. The eternal flames are more visible in November's shorter daylight hours. Coastal areas like Mardakan offer dramatic November seascapes.

Booking Tip: Full peninsula tours typically cost 70-120 AZN ($40-70) including transport and entry fees. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators with heating in vehicles. Some tours combine with Gobustan for full-day experience. Check current options in booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Baku Jazz Festival

Annual international jazz festival featuring both local and international artists across multiple venues including Heydar Aliyev Palace and Jazz Club. November's indoor focus makes this perfect timing for music enthusiasts. Performances typically span 4-5 days with various ticket options.

Late November

Pomegranate Festival

Celebration of Azerbaijan's national fruit during peak harvest season. Traditional music, pomegranate-based foods, and cultural performances throughout the city. Many restaurants offer special pomegranate menus during this period. Coincides with when pomegranate dishes like fesenjan are most commonly served.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Windproof jacket - Khazri winds reach 40+ km/h (25+ mph) and make temperatures feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than actual

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Old City cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 3-5 km (2-3 miles) daily

Layered clothing system - temperatures can swing from 8°C (47°F) at dawn to 13°C (56°F) afternoon, plus indoor venues are well-heated

Compact umbrella - November rain comes in short bursts but can be heavy, and wind makes large umbrellas useless

Warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) - essential for early morning and evening activities when wind chill factor increases

Power bank and waterproof phone case - shorter daylight means more navigation/translation app usage, and rain protection crucial

Cash in small denominations - many local markets and smaller attractions don't accept cards, typical daily spending 50-100 AZN ($30-60)

Moisturizer and lip balm - Caspian Sea winds and 70% humidity create surprisingly dry skin conditions

Comfortable day backpack - you'll carry extra layers, umbrella, and camera gear while sightseeing 6-8 hours daily

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of 'dead season' pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to summer months, and many hotels offer November-specific packages including breakfast and transport

Use the November wind patterns for photography - morning calm (7-10am) is perfect for Caspian Sea shots, while afternoon winds create dramatic sky conditions at Flame Towers viewpoint

Book restaurant reservations for Friday-Sunday evenings - locals dine out more in November comfort weather, making popular spots like Sahil Bar & Restaurant and Chinar busier than expected

Utilize Baku Metro system extensively in November - it's heated, efficient, and connects all major tourist areas while avoiding surface wind and rain, plus locals are more willing to help tourists in quieter season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind impact - tourists dress for temperature but forget windchill makes it feel much colder, especially during Boulevard walks and Highland Park visits

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 9.5 hours of daylight and 10 rainy days, having 2-3 indoor backup options per day is essential

Expecting summer opening hours - many outdoor restaurants, some museum wings, and tourist services reduce November hours, always verify before traveling across the city