Cradled between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Armenia is a landlocked country that shares its borders with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Iran. With 90% of the country filled with the lesser Caucasus Mountain, Armenia is known for its volcanic peaks, rugged terrain, plateaus, and deep gorges. Moreover, Armenia’s ancient history and culture also make it worth visiting. But before you get your visa and make plans for your Armenia holiday, it is important to know the best time to visit Armenia to ensure that you have a memorable and hassle-free holiday.
Armenia Weather Overview
Armenia has a continental climate, where the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are extremely cold. The country has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Moreover, there are regional differences, thanks to its mountain terrain. The mountain areas or highlands are very cool with heavy snowfall in the winter, while the lowlands have extremely hot summers and mild winters. Here is a detailed breakdown of the different seasons of Azerbaijan.
Spring Season (March to May)
Spring is the season of transition when the snow melts and there are colorful blooms in different parts of the country. The spring temperature is somewhere between 10-degree C to 20-degree C. Along with warm sunshine, spring also brings occasional rains to the country, more so in April and May. The combination of sun and rain add to the glory of the place, making it a great time to visit Armenia if you are a nature lover.
Summer Season (June to August)
Summer in Armenia is extremely dry and hot. Rain is also less during this season. While the average temperatures are somewhere between 25-degree C and 35-degree C, the temperature in the lowland areas can go even above 40-degree C in peak summers. However, the weather in the highlands of Armenia is cooler and pleasant in summer. It is a great time to enjoy the mountain landscapes and indulge in hiking and other extreme sports.
Autumn Season (September to November)
Autumn is the interim season when summer transitions into winter. It is also considered to be the best season to visit Armenia. With the temperature between 15-degree C and 25-degree C, autumn brings a great respite from the unbearable summer. What makes autumn the best season to visit Armenia is the breathtaking autumn foliage that you will get to see all around the country. This is also the season of harvest festivals, making a visit in Armenia in this season extra special.
Winter Season (December to February)
Winter brings an extreme cold climate to this Eurasian country, with the temperature dipping below 0-degree C. The average temperature is between –5-degree C and 5-degree C, with even the lowlands experiencing little snowfall. The winter season is off-season in Armenia because of the ruthless climate, although it is a great time for skiing and other snow adventures.
Best Time to Visit Armenia on a Budget
The shoulder seasons, i.e., spring and autumn are the best time to visit Armenia on a budget. While the weather is pleasant, you will not find many tourist crowds during this month. As the tourist demand is less, you will find good discounts on flights and accommodation. Winter is also a budget-friendly season, as the climatic conditions are unfavorable. However, if you are ready to brave the cold and bundle up in layers, you can save quite a lot of money while visiting Armenia in winter.
Best Time to Visit Armenia for Sightseeing
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for sightseeing in Armenia. The weather is pleasant during both these seasons, making it possible to explore the outdoor and indoor attractions without being uncomfortable. Plus, you will not get to see the tourist crowds during these seasons, as most tourists arrive in Armenia during summer. Almost all attractions are open during this season, unlike the winters, when several attractions close due to the cold weather.
Best Time to Visit Armenia to Avoid Crowds
Summers in Armenia, although hot, are quite crowded, as it is holiday season for most of Europe and other western countries. If you want to avoid crowds in and around the prime tourist places, it would be best to visit during spring and autumn. The best part is that the weather during these seasons is agreeable, making it perfect for sightseeing without worrying about bumping into people.
Best Time to Visit Armenia for Cultural Events and Festivals
Some of the most interesting cultural events and festivals of Armenia happen in summer season, i.e., between June and August. You will get to be part of cultural celebrations, music concerts, and dance programs during this season. Many outdoor or open-air events happen during summer. Autumn sees harvest and wine festivals in Armenia, making it another great time to visit Armenia if you want to do more than sightseeing in the country.
Best Time to Visit Armenia for Adventures
Spring, summer, and autumn are great for outdoor adventures in Armenia. You can indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, and rock-climbing during spring and summer seasons. Autumn is great for off-roading, camping, horseback riding, and trekking as well. If you are visiting the country in winter, you must try skiing and other snow adventures.
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Featured Month-by-Month Travel Guide to Armenia
Although each season stretches for several months, there is slight variation in the temperature and climate in every month. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in Armenia in every month of the year.
Armenia in January (-4-degree C to 0-degree C)
January is the best time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Armenia. Head to Tsaghkadzor, the country’s most popular ski resort. If you are in Armenia in the first week of January, you will also get to celebrate Armenian Christmas (January 6), with a traditional Armenian Apostolic Church service. The country has numerous indoor attractions like museums and cultural spots, where you will get to know more about its history and culture. Do not forget to visit Swan Lake in Yerevan to enjoy some ice-skating fun right on the frozen lake.
Armenia in February (-7-degree C to 4-degree C)
The weather continues to be cold in February as well. To warm yourself, head to the thermal hot springs in Aghveran or Hankavan, which are known for their healing properties too. It is also a good time to visit the traditional sauna bathhouses of Yerevan. Indoor attractions like bookstores, museums, cafes, and art galleries would keep you warm when the weather outside becomes too much to handle. Skiing, snowboarding, and cable car rides are still popular during this month. You can also indulge in snowshoeing, tubing, and balloon-sledding in Armenia in February.
Armenia in March (-2-degree C to 9-degree C)
While the snow begins to melt in March, it is still cold in most regions of Armenia. Most ski resorts are still functional till mid-March, giving you the opportunity to indulge in skiing. You can also choose this month to visit the churches and monasteries set against gorgeous landscapes. March is a good time to explore the capital city of Yerevan, which is known for its parks, squares, museums, and more. Going for nature walks is one of the best things to do in Armenia in this month. You can also be a part of Women’s Day celebrations in Armenia on March 8.
Armenia in April (4-degree C to 16-degree C)
April is when you can see Armenia in full spring mode; it is the best month to visit Armenia in spring. To enjoy the beautiful spring nature, you must visit Dilijan National Park. Walking through Yerevan and Ararat Valley will give you the chance to enjoy the beautiful sights of cherry blossoms and apricot trees. Visiting the monasteries and historical sites in Khor Virap, Tatev Monastery, Garni, and Geghard is something you must not miss this month. You can also be a part of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, which includes cultural programs, exhibitions, etc.
Armenia in May (8-degree C to 21-degree C)
May is another month when nature walks in Armenia’s forests and national parks is a bliss. It is an amazing time to walk around Yerevan and enjoy its coffee, wine, and cheese. Yerevan, with its museums and libraries, is also a delight to visit in May. Choosing one of the Yerevan packages to explore the city would be a good idea. Hiking around the monasteries of Armenia will also give you the chance to relish the view of the spring greenery and wildflowers. May is also when the country celebrates some of the most important national days, namely Victory & Peace Day on May 9 and Republic Day on May 28.
Armenia in June (14-degree C to 31-degree C)
With Yerevan getting hotter in June, it would be a good idea to explore the mountains with hiking and camping expeditions. If you are in Yerevan at the beginning of the month, you can enjoy Yerevan Wine Days on Saryan Street, where you get to taste local wines, enjoy traditional delicacies, and groove on live music. This is the ideal time to visit Lake Serevan, where you can indulge in sunbathing and some water adventures like jet skiing and boating. Adventure lovers can also try paragliding available at Lake Sevan and on the outskirts of Yerevan.
Armenia in July (26-degree C to 42-degree C)
July is peak summer in Armenia, with the temperature being the highest in the country. This is the month of outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs. Apart from music concerts and theater shows, you will also get to enjoy jazz nights, folk festivals, and village festivals during this month. If you want to escape the heat in the cities and lowlands, you can head to the highlands. Dilijan, Syunik, Tavush, and Lori are the best places to visit this month. July is a good month to relax on the shores of Lake Sevan and enjoy kayaking, boating, and swimming in its waters.
Armenia in August (17-degree C to 31-degree C)
The summer weather continues in August, although the temperatures are a bit lower than in July. For a pleasant holiday, retreating to the mountains would be a great idea. Hiking and biking through the national parks, pine forests, meadows, and river gorges would give you the chance to admire the natural beauty of the country. If you want some adventure, you can head to Lake Sevan for jet skiing, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. August is also the month to attend the interesting festivals of Armenia. The Barbecue Festival in Akhlata and Honey and Berry Festival in Tavush are worth visiting. If you visit the remote villages and towns of the country, you may also get the chance to see some folk-dance shows and music festivals. August is also the ideal time to explore the nightlife of Yerevan and soak in its outdoor culture.
Armenia in September (13-degree C to 25-degree C)
As September marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter, the cities and towns of Armenia become quieter with the exit of the tourist crowds. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. This is the perfect time to explore the capital city of Yerevan, one of the must-visit places in Armenia. Hiking and camping in the mountains and national parks are also a great idea. Visiting the monasteries of Haghpat, Noravank, Tatev, Sevanavank, etc., is one of the things to do in Armenia in summer. The Areni Wine Festival with its sample homemade wines, local food, traditional dances, etc., are something you should not miss.
Armenia in October (22-degree C to 28-degree C)
October brings with it cool and crisp weather, although the temperatures are still quite bearable. You can continue to explore the various popular attractions without being jostled by the tourist crowd. If you are in Yerevan in October, you can visit the amazing museums, art galleries, jazz clubs, etc., without waiting in long queues. It is also a good time to visit the national parks, lakes, mountains, and monasteries of the country. Harvest season continues this month as well. Interesting village harvest celebrations like folk dancing, grape stomping, large feasts, etc., would give you a peak into the culture and life of the Armenians. The Pumpkin Festival in Tavush Province is also worth visiting.
Armenia in November (9-degree C to –1-degree C)
November is when winter officially begins in Armenia. While the temperatures dip down all over the country, it begins to snow in the mountains. You must visit the highland areas like Aparan, Tsaghkadzor, and Mount Aragats to see the first set of snow. November is also the time to indulge in sightseeing at some of the most popular historical and cultural sites of the country like Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard. When the climate outdoors becomes too cold, you can take time out to visit the indoor attractions, especially the museums. You can also visit the spa towns of Hankavan and Jermuk to take a dip in its thermal waters.
Armenia in December (5-degree C to –5-degree C)
December is peak winter season in Armenia, with almost all of the country experiencing snowfall. But it should not deter you from exploring the country, as there is plenty to look forward to. December is when you can indulge in winter sports like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and cable car riding in the wonderful ski resorts of the country. Taking a dip in the thermal waters of Hankavan and Jermuk is not only therapeutic but also relaxing. Cities like Yerevan are buzzing with jazz concerts, ballet performances, and opera shows, ensuring that you remain entertained even during the snowy days. Moreover, it is the month of festivities with the capital city filled with Christmas markets and New Year lights, enhancing the vibe of the place and adding to its charm.
Conclusion
Armenia sees two extreme climates, very hot summers and very cold winters. While there are myriads of reasons for visiting Armenia throughout the year, spring and autumn are perfect if you want to enjoy pleasant climate and fewer crowds. Still, the final decision on when to visit Armenia is yours. So, when will you like to visit Armenia and why? Let us know in the comments.
