BAKU, July 18, 2025 — The first month of summer in Azerbaijan brought unusually cool and rainy weather, and tourism experts say it may have been a key factor behind the decline in travel activity across the country.
According to meteorological data, June’s average temperature was just 23°C—only slightly above the seasonal norm but noticeably lower than in previous years. In 2024, June’s average was 26.7°C, while in 2023 it stood at 24°C. Maximum temperatures also dropped this year, peaking at 33.6°C, compared to 37.6°C and 35°C in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
“This summer, many Baku residents who typically escape to the mountains to avoid the heat simply stayed put, as even the capital remained unusually cool,” said Rahman Guliyev, a tourism industry expert. “The unstable weather, combined with frequent rain and wind in certain regions, deterred both domestic and international travelers.”
He noted that the reduced tourist flow had tangible effects on regional economies, especially in areas where tourism is a primary revenue source. “Restaurants and service providers lost customers, and some workers faced temporary layoffs,” Guliyev explained, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and flexible tourism options, particularly in liberated territories undergoing reconstruction.
Meteorologist Gulshad Mammadova from the National Hydrometeorology Service confirmed the dip in temperatures. “June was noticeably cooler compared to previous years, which affected travel patterns and outdoor activity planning,” she told Media.Az.
Tourism analyst Kenan Hanifayev echoed this sentiment, adding that weekend and holiday getaways were significantly disrupted. “Compared to last summer, we’ve seen a decline in both international arrivals and domestic tourism, largely due to weather uncertainty,” he said.
Beyond meteorological factors, geopolitical tensions have also played a role. Expert Jeyhun Ashurov pointed to strained India–Pakistan relations and airspace disruptions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. “Flight cancellations and temporary route closures led to a drop in visitors from key markets like India and Pakistan, which had ranked among the top 10 for tourist arrivals,” he said.
However, there’s room for optimism. Forecasters predict that the second half of July and August will bring more typical summer heat. Temperatures in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula are expected to reach 35–37°C, with central Aran regions climbing to 40°C and mountain zones warming to 26–28°C.
Tourism professionals are hopeful that the warmer weather will revive travel demand in the coming weeks, helping offset the sluggish start to the summer season.
