Seasons in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan: an overview for tourists

Located close to the border between Europe and Asia the South Caucasus region meets all four seasons with bright saturated colours, special aroma and flavour. And despite the common opinion that it is better to visit the region in the warm months, when there are lots of juicy fruits and vegetables, most travelers admit that it really does not matter when you will go on a journey, in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan there is always something exclusive and interesting that can be experienced or tried. Below you can explore the unique features of all four seasons in the Caucasus and find out what each of them brings to our country:

Winter begins in Armenia in late November / early December. It does not last long, and the weather is generally mild, not severe, sometimes snowy. In Armenian capital, Yerevan, the average daily temperature in December ranges from +5 to -5 C. Sometimes it snows, and although the snow does not stay for a long, the city plunges into a real winter wonderland. In December, the capital completely changes: everywhere you will feel Christmas atmosphere, the city is decorated with festive lights, and the people are gradually beginning to prepare for the upcoming holidays. With the onset of winter, the locals prefer to wear warm coats and jackets, hats are not very common, but many people prefer. If you dress warmly, you can stroll through the festive streets of Yerevan, see the central Republic Square with its main Christmas tree, visit the colourful Christmas fair on the Northern Avenue, ice skate at the rink near the Opera and Ballet Theatre or participate in city events and concerts. If you get cold, you can warm up in the cosy cafes and restaurants of Yerevan, which you will meet all the time.

In January, the temperature slightly decreases and it may snow more often. At this time, the country is preparing for one of the most important Christian holidays – Christmas, which is celebrated on the 6th of January. On Christmas Eve many churches held celebratory service, and if you drive out from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin, the religious centre of all Armenians, you can take part in the main Christmas liturgy of the country.

In February, the temperature in the capital starts rising a little, and by the end of the month, there is already an aroma of approaching spring. Even at this time the weather is unstable, and it may fall and suddenly get colder.

Winter holiday in Armenia is especially exciting in mountainous areas, namely in ski resorts, which offer excellent opportunities for extreme lovers. In contrast to Yerevan, the temperature from December to January in these regions is lower, for example in Tsakhkadzor – the most popular ski resort in Armenia, it ranges from +3 to -10 C. From the mid-December it snows a lot, and the snow stays till the end of February. Due to such favourable weather, the whole winter you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and sledging.

As you can see, the winter vacation in Armenia is no less attractive than in other seasons. The country has a lot to offer to its guests for an interesting pastime. More detailed and interesting options for the winter holiday in Armenia can be found in our previous article, and if you want to spend the New Year holidays here, we recommend our fascinating New Year Tours.

Spring is a season of love and beauty. From the 1^st of March, you can feel in the capital the approaching of warm weather, the temperature starts increasing and people pass to less warm clothes. The rainy period starts with an average temperature +10 / +14 C. Considering the weather in Yerevan as a starting point, do not forget that the weather in Armenia will vary from region to region. In March, all begin to prepare for the International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on the 8th of March, the shops begin selling the first spring flowers, among which the most favourite are snowdrops.

With the beginning of April, it is getting warm, the trees blossom and get green. These wonderful spring days when it is getting warm, nature awakes from its long sleep, and everything is blooming, Armenians celebrate the National Day of Maternity (7 April) and congratulate their mothers, grandmothers, sisters and wives and give them beautiful gifts and warm wishes. On this day, the country holds special events, concerts, children’s competitions and exhibitions.

If you will be visiting Armenia between April and May, we recommend going to the most beautiful corners of the country, enjoy the fresh spring air, the warm rays of the Armenian sun, beautiful meadows, which are beginning to be covered with flowers. You can go to the resort town of Dilijan, travel to the Stepanavan Arboretum, to the Ararat region and enjoy the view of Mount Ararat.

Summer is the perfect time for taking a vacation and going on an unforgettable journey. In this season, Armenia offers a package of interesting tourist attractions: hiking, trekking, climbing, paragliding, beach holidays, tours and more. Please note that the summer starts here since the middle of May. In June, everything is filled with lush green colours, the weather is warm with an average temperature of + 23 / + 26 C. In July it gets really hot especially in the capital, and the average temperature is + 26 / + 35 C, and a peak heat is usually in August.

This time in order to escape from the dry heat of the city, locals go to the countryside where the air is fresher and you can relax in the lap of nature. An excellent option is a holiday at Lake Sevan – the pearl of Armenian nature, a trip to the resort town of Dilijan, Jermuk, and Aghveran.

Summer is also a period of the great variety of bright and juicy fruits and berries in Armenia. Counters are bursting with peaches, apricots, plums, apples, raspberries, blackberries and many others.

More detailed interesting options for summer holidays in Armenia you can find in one of our previous articles, and also we want to note that our company offers excellent Summer Tours to Armenia. Summer is also an excellent time to enjoy the Hiking Tour in Armenia. At this time of the year, we also advise you about making a trip not only in Armenia but also in Georgia.

The beginning of autumn is the perfect season in Armenia. Nature starts changing its colours, and the extreme heat is replaced by gentle weather. The rains are rare, and every day pleases its residents and guests with sunlight.  Both in the capital and surrounding areas, it is warm, but not hot with an average temperature of + 23 / + 27 C, and it almost never rains during this period. Markets are full of seasonal vegetables and fruits, among which the main place is occupied by delicious Armenian grapes. Grapes in Armenia are incredibly delicious, and there are special sorts from which Armenians make wine. If you want to get acquainted with the winemaking in Armenia you can visit the vibrant wine festival, which takes place annually from 2 to 3 October, in the village of Areni, and is accompanied by a vivid parade of the best winemakers, as well as dancing and singing.

Since mid-October, it is getting gradually colder, cloudy and the weather is rainy with an average temperature of + 19 / + 23 C. But despite this, in October too, you can find a lot of interesting ideas for the holidays. The country organizes another no less bright and cheerful festivals during which guests can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the country. On October 10, in the village of Khachik in Vayots Dzor region, a festival takes place dedicated to the baking of Armenian national sweet – gata. Guests can try different kinds of that tasty national delicacy, learn the secrets of cooking and witness the preparing of the biggest gata in the world. On October 11 it is held a harvest festival, and the second Sunday of the month is widely and colourfully celebrated City Day “Erebuni-Yerevan”.

For those wishing to spend their autumn vacation in Armenia, we offer interesting and rich Autumn Tours. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy the Wine Tour in Armenia.

If you haven’t loved winter before visiting Georgia, you will simply fall in love with snow and winter views once and for all. Snowy winter is all around the country with an average temperature of -2/-30C. Of course, the temperature is much lower in the mountains. Rare snows are in Tbilisi so for snow-covered views you’d better visit other cities.

The weather starts getting colder by the end of November. December pleases with moderate cold weather on the plains while the mountainous regions are already enjoying snowy winter. December is first of all New Year eve, all the buzz around the holiday the sweet taste of kozinaki and aroma of tangerines. It is worth to spend days in festive Tbilisi; it is so beautiful when decorated with festive lights.

January is A season for winter activities in the ski resort. Luckily Georgia has a great potential for active sports. Heavy snow and bright weather set up to positive vibes and all you have to do is to enjoy your days in one of the resorts. The options are Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Kazbegi.

Starting from March the spring flair is already felt in the air. The average temperature for the first half of spring is +150C. It is perfect weather to enjoy city walks and tours around historical monuments. Starting from April you can already feel the warm wind on your face. The temperature rises up to +200C yet the weather is still unstable.

May is the wettest month of spring but with the rains, nature fully blooms and regains its beauty. Starting from May all hiking directions in Georgia are now open. Trekking in the mountains is quite comfortable with cool nights and warm days. At last, spring is the time for life. Georgians celebrate Mother’s Day on March 3 and International Women’s Day on the 8th of March. One of the most important holidays of Georgia, Independence Day is celebrated on the 26th of May.

The real fun starts in summer. The temperature rises noticeably already in the first days of June. The average temperature for June and July is about +270C. In Adjara, the Black Sea resort region the temperature is a little higher, just perfect for beach holidays. The temperature reaches its peak for August. The average temperature is +300C and sometimes +350C, water temperature is +250C. In case of heavy showers, they may last for a couple of days.

Summer is the season of all the tastiest fruits, sunkissed skin, colorful dawns by the beach, romantic nights under stars, long night walks and crazy beach parties. If you are a lover of camping and trekking, pack your bag and find an isolated beach in Adjara.

Fall is no less beautiful in Georgia. The first half of September is the Velvet Season in Georgia. The average temperature is +270C. In Tbilisi, it is still hot while for beach holiday it is a wonderful time to enjoy the warm sun without getting burnt. September is the season of grape harvesting, one of the most important holidays in Georgia. It is definitely worth to visit Kakheti, the land of winemaking and take part in traditional harvesting. Plus, you can still go for trekking in the mountains till October.

Starting from the second half of October the weather makes us feel the fall is coming. The temperate is +18/+200C. The nature bursts into multi-colored trees, the cool wind brings the aroma of dried fruits and wine. It is already cold in the mountainous regions with nigh frost and showers. Closer to November, the weather becomes even more unpredictable. A sunny day can be changed into heavy a shower with a cold wind. It already snows in the mountains.

Winter in Azerbaijan is mild with rare snowfalls in Baku and the Caspian Sea coast. In plain lands, winter begins in the second half of December while in the mountains it is already rather cold in November. In December the temperature is above 0C with strong winds.

January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -100C. In the mountains, the temperature may drop up to -200C. In Absheron Peninsula, it may be warmer.

For winter months it is worth visiting new ski resorts The Shahdag and Tufandag. Two resorts are extremely popular among the natives and guests who are looking for comfort and a beautiful view. Modern resorts are equipped with new cable cars, all the hotels offer a high level of service, plus, the slopes are equipped with snow generators to elongate the ski season. Tufantag is a more isolated resort where you can enjoy amazing views of snow-covered mountain ranges. The ski season in both resorts lasts from the end of December to the end of March. 

Spring is definitely the best season to visit Azerbaijan. From the very first days of March, you can feel spring in the air. The temperature slowly rises but the nights are still cold. Starting from April it is getting warmer in the mountains. The average temperature for March and April is +150C. While May is almost summer in Absheron peninsula where the daily temperature may rise about +220C. The last week of the month is already hot.

Besides of pleasant weather, there is another reason to visit Azerbaijan in spring. One of the most important holidays, Novruz Bayramy is celebrated in March. On the 21st day of the spring equinox, the whole nation starts celebrating. Novruz has nothing to do with Islam. The religious holidays of Muslims are Ramadan and Kurban Bayramy. The best part of the holiday is a festive table with the tastiest national dishes, pastries, and sweets.

Azerbaijan enjoys a long and hot summer. Sometimes it is too hot here, so make sure you are protected from the sun. From the very first days of June, the temperature rises up to +270C. In coastal areas, there is a fresh and cool breeze. For July the temperature reaches up to +350C while August is a bit cooler.

The best thing to do in summer is to enjoy beach holidays on the Caspian Sea coast. There are clear and modern beaches not far from Baku so you can easily enjoy your day on the beach and party at night in Baku.

Summer is also a great season to visit Naftalan, the most popular health resort in Azerbaijan. The unique value of the resort is healing oil. By the way, Naftalan is the only source of such kind of healing oil in the world. This natural oil stimulates the functions of all organs and accelerates wound healing. 

The first half of September is as hot in Azerbaijan as in August so you can do any summer activity. For the second half, the temperature drops to +200C and there is no summer heat anymore. In the mountains, it is true autumn with colourful leaves and cool wind.

Rains start from October in the mountains and plains while November brings true cold wind and showers. It is often cloudy and dull in Baku. The first two months of fall are still great for trekking in the plains. Other activities are the celebration of Independence Day on the 18th of October and city tours.

Choose the Tour to Armenia you like most and tour-operator Arara will organize your amazing Holiday in Armenia. Travel to Armenia with the local agency.