Beaches · Baku · Azerbaijan
The best beaches in and near Baku
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Frokor, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Bilgah (About 40 km north-east of the centre). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–September.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Swimming season
- June–September
- Warmest sea
- 26°C (79°F)
The beaches
About 40 km north-east of the centre · Resort beach days in summer
1.Bilgah
Sandy beaches on the north shore of the Absheron Peninsula, mostly attached to resort hotels with sunbeds and facilities.
About 35 km north-east of the centre · Families staying at a resort
2.Nardaran
A north-shore stretch with resort developments and private beaches, generally cleaner than the beaches close to the city.
About 35 km east of the centre · A local summer beach day
3.Mardakan
A beach area near the village of Mardakan, with resort hotels and public beaches popular with locals.
About 10 km south of the centre · A quick sea view rather than swimming
4.Shikhov
The closest beach to the city, south of the centre; convenient but with oil installations nearby and variable water quality.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| February | 6°C (43°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| March | 7°C (45°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| April | 10°C (50°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| November | 13°C (55°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families and luxury
Absheron beach resorts
On the Absheron Peninsula's north coast, about 35–45 km from the centre, Bilgah, Nardaran and Mardakan have resort hotels with private beaches, pools and water parks, popular in July and August. They suit a summer beach stay combined with day visits to the city.
- Good
- Beaches and pools; Resort facilities; Cooler sea breezes in summer
- Watch out
- Far from the city; Quiet outside summer
- Nearby
- Bilgah, Nardaran, Mardakan
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — Baku Metro's lines connect the centre with residential districts; stations such as İçərişəhər, Sahil and 28 May serve the main sights.
- Bus — City buses also use the BakuCard and cover areas the metro doesn't reach, including the airport.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. None of them is peak season, so beaches stay manageable.
Beach safety
Baku is generally relaxed for visitors. Traffic is fast, so use underpasses and crossings, and agree fares or use apps for taxis. Avoid photographing government and military sites, and bring warm layers for strong winds. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Baku have beaches?
Yes: Bilgah, Nardaran, Mardakan and Shikhov.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Baku?
Usually June–September, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Baku?
Bilgah: Sandy beaches on the north shore of the Absheron Peninsula, mostly attached to resort hotels with sunbeds and facilities.