Summer is hot, dry, and sunny, and is the longest season. Ganja, in the central plains, sees temperatures that reach 104F/40C. Mid-afternoon thunderstorms can occur. In the capital, it is slightly cooler due its position by the coast. Expect lots of sunshine with a summer breeze, with ideal swimming sea temperatures from July to September. Nakhchivan's arid climate makes it very hot, with heat that stays well into September.