Best Time to Visit Armenia

The best time to visit Armenia is during three seasons—autumn, spring and summer. Lying in the foothills of Mount Caucasus, Armenia is a blend of European and Asian cultures. This country is also the home of one of the earliest civilisations in the world. A trip to Armenia includes an intoxicating cocktail of nature and history.

Before you go on a trip, make sure to pick the best time to visit Armenia. Read this blog to learn about the various seasons in the country and the best activities to do in each season.

Autumn

• Period: September to November
• Average Temperature: 7.5-25°C
• Average Rainfall: Around 300 mm

As the summer temperature lowers from September, a change in the hue of leaves announces the arrival of winter. Armenia witnesses pleasant weather throughout autumn with little or no rainfall.

Various cultural festivals and activities make autumn a great choice for visiting Armenia. Tourist places in Yerevan and its countryside flock with tourists admiring the beauty of autumn.

Here is a list of the popular places to visit in Armenia during autumn.

1. Explore the Hrazdan Gorge to witness some exotic views

2. Explore the velvet woods of Ijevan on the banks of Aghstev river

3. Take a tour of Areni and its local wine yards

4. Relax in the resort town of Dilijan

5. Take a hike to Mount Ara

6. Explore the cave town of Goris

7. Taste craft beer at Dors

Spring

• Period: March-April
• Average Temperature: 7-19.4°C
• Average Rainfall: Around 50 mm

Spring in Armenia is a relief from the bitter winter as the snow melts and colourful flowers bloom. This season lasts for one month as summer sets in from May.

Armenian street foods stalls reopen again in spring after the winter break. People walk out of their homes to enjoy a warm spring day as the air fills with birds chirping. Armenia's architecture reflects a pink hue which enhances this country's beauty.

Springs are the best time to go for day trips to tourist destinations in Armenia. Below are a few interesting things to do in Armenia during spring.

1. Enjoy the festive mood of the Yerevan Jazz festival

2. Do not miss the delicious green Armenian dishes like Aveluk soup, Pasuc Tolma and Ghapama

3. Take a tour of the Haghpat Monastery

4. Take photographs at the Meghradzor waterfall

5. Visit the beautiful Shaki waterfall

6. Take a trip to the Kurtan Gorge in Lori region

7. Venture to the popular Lake Sevan

Summer

• Period: May to August
• Average Temperature: 11.2°C - 24.1 °C
• Average Rainfall: 42-296 mm

Before the autumn crowd enters, tourists can make a quick holiday in the summer. With clear skies, clean and cool lakes and warm sunny days, summer is the best time to visit Armenia for a relaxing vacation.

Owing to its altitude, hill stations are cooler than plains in Armenia. You can also go trekking to the highest mountain peak in this country. Also, do not miss tasting the juicy and delicious fruits in Armenia. There are many places in Armenia where you have open-air breakfasts and other meals.

Find below a few interesting things to do in Armenia during summer.

1. Pay your homage to the tragic genocide in Dzidzernagapert

2. Visit Armenia’s only Pagan temple Garni

3. Taste Armenian sweet bread Katah

4. Behold the mediaeval mountain monastery of Garni

5. Explore the sacred monastery of Khor Virap in Ararat

6. Visit the 13th-century church of Noravank

7. Ride the Wings of Tatev cable car in Tatev

Winter

• Period: December to February
• Average Temperature: -3 – 0.4°C
• Average Rainfall: 20 mm

January is the coldest month in Armenia, with temperatures falling way below freezing. As the winter season sets in in December, most parts of Armenia are covered with snow. Due to the low temperatures, very few tourists visit this country during the winter. Also, many tourist destinations in Armenia, like Amberd Fortress, stay closed due to heavy snow.

For tourists who plan to stay in Yerevan, it is better to visit this country in spring or autumn. Walking around the city can be quite uncomfortable due to bitter cold temperatures. Also, lowly maintained roads can hamper your tour to Armenia.

Therefore, to witness Armenia at its best, try avoiding the winter months. In contrast to winter, you will find multiple things to do in Armenia during summer, spring and autumn.

As Armenia is slowly developing its tourism, there are few infrastructures for tourists. Therefore, visiting here during the peak season can be an issue for tourists as most of the hotels are booked.

A growing number of tourists increases the expenses of touring this country during the peak season. Therefore, tourists need to pre-book a few rides and hotels in Armenia for travelling during this time. For those who want to take advantage of the quietness and low expenses of the off-season, summer is the best time to visit Armenia.

However, opt for the early summer season to enjoy a peaceful trip to the famous places in Armenia. This is because the temperature during late April and early May is cooler than the rest of summer. As tourist footfall begins in autumn, you will find very few tourists in Yerevan during early summer.

These early summer days are good for road trips in Armenia as the cities are not flooded with tourists. Therefore, your travel expenses will also be very convenient and pocket friendly during this time. In addition, it would be easy to make a reservation in hotels, motels or restaurants during early summer.

Following are the points you should know before visiting Armenia:

• Armenia is believed to be the first Christian country. People believe that Christ’s first disciple brought Christianity to Armenia.
• This country is still developing in the field of tourism. Therefore, infrastructural facilities can be fewer in number than in other countries.
• During WW1, 1-1.1 million were mass murdered by the Ottoman Government in the Armenian genocide.
• Owing to its location, Armenia is a blend of European and Asian cultures.
• Outside Yerevan, you will hardly find many English-speaking people. On rare occasions, you may meet some Russian-speaking people. However, English is rarely spoken in Armenia.
• Armenia is still at war with Azerbaijan; therefore, be cautious while mentioning the latter's name to Armenians.
• The Armenia-Turkey border and Armenia-Azerbaijan borders are now closed.
• Even amidst the war scenario, you can still visit Nagorno-Karabakh. However, you cannot address it with the former name. It would be best if you referred to it as “Artsakh", the official name given by the Armenian Government.
• Do not miss visiting the Soviet-era metro in Yerevan and learning about its origin story.
• The cathedrals and churches in and around Etchmiadzin are UNESCO-protected sites.

Along with basic knowledge about the best time to visit Armenia, you should be mindful of a few points for a pleasant trip. These basic travel tips will help you move safely to a foreign land and make new friends.

Following are a few travelling tips for tourists in Armenia:

• If you travel to Armenia from India, you can obtain an online visa within 3 days of application. However, US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Armenia.
• You can opt for hitchhiking or marshrutka minibuses as an alternative mode of transport to cars and buses.
• You can rent a car in Armenia if you are a confident driver.
• It will help if you put on modest attire and head scarves while going to Armenian Apostolic Conservative churches.
• Always carry an umbrella, sunscreen and shades to protect from sunburns during your day tour.
• It isn't easy to find ATMs in Armenia. Therefore, remember to carry cash when in Armenia.
• Pre-book your tickets for the Wings of Tatev.
• Try out the Ararat brandy before leaving Armenia.
• Take a snap of Armenian stone art Khachkars from the 4th century.
• Tap water is safe and drinkable in Armenia.
• Small B&Bs charge $17 per night. Therefore, if you are looking for a convenient residence to spend a night, you know where to go!
• Tolmas, Lahmajuns, Ghapamas and Tan are some of the delicious Armenian foods and drinks you should indulge in before leaving home.
• Since most restaurants do not have online booking systems, you need to make a telephone reservation.

Travellers must know some native language words and phrases when travelling to a new country. Similarly, knowing a few Armenian terms will help you receive an affectionate welcome from the locals.

Here are some local phrases for you to know to make communication easy in Armenia:

• Good morning: bari looys
• Yes: Ayo
• No: Voch
• Excuse me: knerek/ neroghootyun
• Please: Khndroom em
• Good evening: bari ereko
• I am sorry: Tsavum em
• Have a nice meal: bari akhorzhak
• Water: jhur
• May I have the bill? : Hashiveh kbereq
• Wine: gini
• Good luck: hadjoghootyun
• How much does it cost? : Inchqan eh
• I am from: Ess
• Can you help me? : Indz koqneq
• Where is the bathroom? : Vortegh eh zoqaraneh

On your tour to Armenia, you will get to experience the country’s ancient history, tragic war tales and natural beauty. As a country rich in culture, Armenia will surely be an enlightening journey for tourists travelling from India to Armenia. So, now that you know the best time to visit Armenia, it is time to plan a memorable trip. However, we recommend you purchase travel insurance for safety of yourself and your luggage during any journey.