Armenia lies in the area of subtropical Mediterranean climate, but the weather varies greatly even in neighboring regions, which is explained by the dissection of the landscape and variations in altitude. Subtropical climate is characteristic of the southern and northeastern region, the rest of the regions are continental climate.
Due to territorial peculiarities, the climatic belts are arranged vertically. For every 200 meters of ascent to the mountains, the temperature decreases by one degree.
Annual temperature
The Ararat plain (Yerevan is located here) and the Arpa river basin have hot summers (up to +30 °С during the day, up to +20 °С at night) and snowy winters (+4 °С during the day, -5 °С at night). The climate is dry continental. Precipitation is not numerous, 350 mm fall out per year. Snow cover is unstable, its height is minimal – 5-10 cm.
The heights less than 1000 m (Meghri in the south, Noyemberyan in the north-east) are characterized by manifestations of dry subtropical climate, within which Armenia lies. Summers are hot (+24 °С in July), winters are snowy (0 °С in January). There are 300-400 mm of precipitations per year.
At altitudes from 1000 to 1500 m the climate is temperate. In summer the air warms up to +24-25 °С in the daytime (+10 °С…+12 °С at night). In winter it is 0 °С in the daytime and -10 °С at night. The annual norm of precipitation is 600-700 mm. In the middle mountains in the south-east and north-east – 300-400 mm.
At altitudes from 1800 to 3000 m there is humid, moderately cold climate. In July the air warms up to +16 °С. The average temperature in January is -14 °С (sometimes up to -20 °С). The annual amount of precipitation is 800-900 mm. The thickness of snow cover can reach 1.5 m.
Mean annual air temperature is +5.5 °C. Sharp deviations from the norm are rarely recorded.
Annual precipitation in Armenia varies greatly depending on the altitude: from 200 mm in lowland areas to 1500 mm in the highlands.
The periods of intensive precipitation are spring and early summer. The minimum amount is observed in winter and late summer.
The frost-free period lasts 135 days in the Lake Sevan region, 253 days in Meghri, 220 days (at an altitude of 1000 m) and 118 days (at an altitude of 2,000 m) in the north-eastern regions, 220 days in the Ararat Valley and 170 days in Shirak.
The number of sunshine hours in Armenia is 2,700 per year.
The wind direction changes depending on the season: in the warm period it blows from the south and east, in the cold period – from the north and west. Winds in the passes are 1.5-2.5 times stronger than in the plains. Strong gusts are characteristic of mountain peaks and flat highlands. In summer the wind blows stronger in the lowland belt, in winter – in the highlands.
Best time to visit Armenia
The ideal season in Armenia depends on your vacation plans. History buffs will appreciate the late spring and early fall, while skiing fun should be enjoyed from December to March. In the fall there is a lot of fruit, in the summer there is a rich cultural life. Also in summer you can relax on the shores of Lake Sevan, swim and sunbathe.
The best time to visit Armenia according to experienced tourists is in the middle of spring, September, October. Spring is fleeting, and mild, sunny fall, on the contrary, is prolonged. Fans of ski vacation (Tsakhkadzor) come in December – February. For recreation in the mountains (trekking, rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing) the period from June to September is good. Thermal and mineral resorts (Jermuk, Dilijan) are open all year round.
The most unsuitable months are dank and cloudy March and November.
Weather in Armenia by seasons
Detailed information on each month is presented on separate pages: day and night temperatures in different parts of the country, precipitation, wind speed, etc.
Weather in Armenia in summer
In the plains the calendar summer starts in late May, slightly ahead of the calendar summer. In the mountains, warming occurs in the middle or end of June. Summers are hot and rainy, especially in June. The weather is often changeable. Winds blow mainly from the south and west. The hottest month is July: +28 °C in the Ararat Valley, +20 °C in the Lake Sevan region, +16 °C at an altitude of up to 3,000 meters.
In early summer it is warm, clear, very sunny, beautiful and fragrant – peach, almond, pomegranate trees blossom and the whole Armenia is fragrant like a wonderful garden. If you prefer higher temperatures, come in June. At this time it is almost hot, but it can be rainy, stock up on an umbrella. The thermometer reads around +30 °C during the day, but at night the temperature can drop to +15 °C.
If you are planning trips to the mountains, even in summer, bring a warm sweater, it is quite fresh in the mountains. The hottest summer month is July. At this time it is very warm everywhere – in the mountains, Yerevan, Ararat Valley and on the coast of Sevan. There is almost no precipitation, it is very sunny and sultry.
August weather is similar to July, you have little chance to get caught in the rain, but it is very easy to get a heat stroke. Be sure to buy a hat, use sunscreen (especially in the mountains) and drink more clean water. Moreover, the water in Armenia is of excellent quality!
By the way, about water. August is an ideal time to relax on the shore of Sevan. There are recreation centers, hotels and restaurants for the guests of the republic. And the ancient temples and monasteries are responsible for the cultural program.
Weather in Armenia in fall
The beginning of fall on the plains shifts to the end of September. It is a wonderful time for walks: not hot, sunny, the air warms up to +23 °C during the day. In the mountainous areas, the weather changes already at the end of August: it becomes cooler, everything turns yellow, and the daytime temperature drops to +15 °C. In October it is rainy and cold in the mountains.
Autumn in Armenia is a beautiful season. September is considered to be a continuation of summer, but not so hot. Both September and October in Armenia are good: it is the time of walks, gastronomic festivals, sightseeing tours and active rest. Tourists go on mountain hikes, relax at thermal springs and taste fall fruits – they are magnificent. Also don’t forget to appreciate the young wine, it is just ripening by October. If you want to try the original version, order the pomegranate one.
For bright fall colors you should go to Armenia in November. Mountain slopes are colored in the whole palette of scarlet and gold, pleasing the eyes of tourists. However, if in the middle of October it is still very warm, up to +20 °C, in November the temperature drops sharply. During this period you can have an inexpensive vacation in sanatoriums or thermal resorts.
Weather in Armenia in winter
Calendar winter coincides with the climatic winter only on the plains. In the mountains a noticeable cooling is felt already in the middle of November, a lot of snow falls, the snow cover lasts until the middle of spring; the rivers freeze. The coldest month is January: -5°C in the plains, -12°C in the midlands, up to -25°C in Erivan. In February, the average daily temperatures gradually increase.
In general, the weather in winter is pleasant – clear, sunny, with little precipitation. The coldest month of the year is January, the average temperature at this time is -5…7 °C.
In Sevan the winter temperature drops to -10 °C, and in the mountains -20 °C. This is a great time for skiing vacations, December is the start of the snow season in the mountains – explore the slopes of Tsakhkadzor.
On New Year’s Eve and in early January many tourists come to Armenia. Be aware of this moment when planning your vacation – the price tag for accommodation and services will increase significantly. If you want to save a little money, choose February.
This way you will be able to combine walks in almost spring Yerevan with trips to the snow-covered mountains. The continental climate causes a rapid change of seasons.
Weather in Armenia in spring
Spring begins in March on the plains and in the mountains – in April. Spring is a short period when the nature is rapidly released from snow, wakes up and fills with new life. On the plains in April everything is in bloom, and in May it is already quite warm. In the highlands, the timing is a little shorter; the snow melts by mid-spring.
At the beginning of March nature wakes up: in the cities the first leaves and flowers are pleasing to the eye, in the mountains the snow melts and rivers and waterfalls once again burst. The thermometer reads up to +10°C – spring is coming.
Spring nature is even more beautiful in April – many flowers, aromas and colors. During this period it is great to travel around the country, studying the history and ancient culture of Armenia. It is already more than +15 °C during the day, and the price tag for flights, hotels and services is still very loyal.
Read also: Weather in Armenia in May