Travel time: Year-round
Yerevan, the "Pink City," is defined by a high-altitude, semi-arid continental climate. Situated in a mountain-ringed valley at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,300 meters, the city experiences dramatic seasonal swings, clear skies, and a unique rhythm of life dictated by the sun and the nearby peaks of Mount Ararat.
The city is characterized by extreme continentality. This means summers are intensely hot and dry, while winters are cold and often subject to temperature inversions. Precipitation is relatively scarce, totaling around 350-400mm annually. The majority of rainfall occurs during the "unstable" spring months, while summer and early autumn remain almost entirely dry.
In Yerevan, the time of day matters as much as the season:
Spring is a period of rapid transition. March can still see snow or biting winds, but by April, the city's many apricot trees explode into white and pink blooms. May is traditionally the wettest month, characterized by short, intense afternoon thundershowers that temporarily cool the air and leave the city smelling of fresh earth and rain-washed tuff stone.
Summer is long, sunny, and hot. July and August frequently see daytime temperatures surpassing 35°C (95°F), sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F). The heat is a "dry heat," which is manageable in the shade but intense under direct sunlight. This is the season of pulpulaks—the city’s ubiquitous public drinking fountains—which provide cold, mountain-sourced water that locals use to stay hydrated.
Many consider autumn the "golden" season. The heat breaks in mid-September, leading to a long, mild period of sunny days and cool nights. This is the time of the harvest, and the air is often clear enough to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat with perfect clarity. By November, the first frosts usually arrive, and the city prepares for the cold.
Winters are cold and stable. While snowfall is not constant, the valley topography can trap cold air, leading to grey, foggy days and freezing temperatures. In January, lows often drop to -10°C (14°F) or further during cold spells. However, the air is usually still, and when the sun does break through the fog, the city can feel surprisingly pleasant despite the cold.
Elevation plays a major role in how the weather feels. The city’s lower districts (Kentron and Shengavit) are significantly warmer than the upper residential areas like Nork-Marash or Zeytun. On a hot summer day, traveling from the city center up to the Monument or the Cascade can result in a noticeable 2-3°C drop in temperature. For more dramatic relief, locals head to the Hrazdan Gorge, where the river and canyon walls create a naturally cooler, shaded microclimate.
Locals have a symbiotic relationship with the weather. In the summer, the city effectively "hibernates" during the hottest hours. Life moves indoors or into the shade, only to burst into life during the Zov—the cool evening breeze. In winter, the focus shifts to hearty seasonal foods like Khash, a heavy, traditional garlic broth eaten early on cold mornings to provide warmth throughout the day.
During winter, Yerevan is prone to temperature inversions. Cold, heavy air settles in the Ararat Valley, trapping fog and pollutants near the ground while the surrounding mountains remain sunny and warm. It is not uncommon for the city to be shrouded in grey while the nearby ski resort of Tsaghkadzor is bathing in brilliant, warm sunlight.