We've already shared a post where we describe all four seasons in the South Caucasus in detail. Today, however, we want to share brief information about the best months for travel to Armenia and Georgia from a tourist's perspective.
Best Time to Visit Armenia
Armenia experiences a subtropical, continental, and temperate climate. In some areas, summers are hot and winters are cold, while in others, both seasons are more moderate.
So, which season is best for traveling in Armenia? Of course, it depends primarily on the region and your preferances. For example, in Yerevan, the Ararat Valley, and the regions of Kotayk and Gegharkunik, the climate is continental. In other regions, such as Lori, Tavush, Shirak, and Syunik, a temperate climate prevails. Summers here are not as hot as in the Yerevan area, and the humidity is higher.
If you want to enjoy holidays in the lap of nature, climb mountains or travel around Armenian natural and historical sights then the late spring, summer and early autumn will be a good choice. In summer the weather in the countryside and in the mountains is much more pleasant and refreshing than in large cities. In July and August, in mountainous areas, the average temperature is around +20-22°C. However, we highly recommend visiting Armenia in early autumn as this is when many interesting festivals take place, and autumn is also the golden season with ripe, delicious fruits and vegetables. The air temperature in autumn usually stays around +22-26°C.
In winter, Armenia will attract ski enthusiasts, as the resort town of Tsaghkadzor offers all the necessary conditions for skiing and other winter sports.
If you want to visit the capital, Yerevan, you should keep in mind that the city has a continental climate, allowing you to experience and enjoy all four seasons. Expect a hot, sunny summer, a pleasant autumn with a mix of sunny and rainy days, a cold winter with only a few snowy days, and a delightful spring with thunderstorms in March. When it comes to the best time to visit, tourists should be aware that the most pleasant months for visiting Yerevan are late April, May, June, September, and early October. During this period, the weather is comfortable, with predominantly sunny days. The average temperature in spring and autumn ranges from +22 to +26°C. July and August are the driest and hottest months, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as +38-40°C. November can be rainy, damp, and cool. December is usually not a snowy month, and this is when the city begins to be beautifully decorated for the New Year. The end of December is a perfect time to enjoy the festive atmosphere and celebrate the New Year with joy. The average temperature in December ranges from +2 to -5°C.
Below, you can find a brief climate guide for Armenia by region, which will help you choose the best time for your visit:
Ararat Valley (Yerevan and surrounding areas)
- Climate: Continental.
- Summer: Very hot and dry, with maximum temperatures reaching +40°C in July and August.
- Winter: Cold but relatively mild, temperatures drop to -5°C, with rare frosts that can reach -7 to -10°C.
- Precipitation: 200-300 mm annually, with most rain in spring and autumn.
Mountainous Regions of Armenia (Central and Northern parts)
- Climate: Temperate continental, cool.
- Summer: Cooler, with temperatures around +15 to +25°C, with possible night frosts even in summer.
- Winter: Cold and snowy, temperatures often drop below -10°C, sometimes reaching -20°C.
- Precipitation: Up to 800 mm annually, mostly snow in winter.
Southern Armenia (Syunik Province)
- Climate: Subtropical and temperate, with mild winters and hot summers.
- Summer: Hot, with average temperatures of +25 to +35°C, sometimes higher.
- Winter: Mild, temperatures rarely drop below 0°C.
- Precipitation: 400-600 mm annually, mostly in spring.
Eastern and Western Armenia (Gegharkunik Province, Shirak)
- Climate: Cold continental.
- Summer: Cool, with temperatures around +10 to +20°C, especially in high-altitude areas.
- Winter: Harsh, with heavy snowfall. Temperatures can drop to -25°C or lower.
- Precipitation: 600-700 mm annually, with heavy snowfall in winter.
Lake Sevan and Surrounding Areas
- Climate: High-altitude continental.
- Summer: Cool and sunny, with temperatures around +15 to +25°C.
- Winter: Cold, with frequent frosts down to -20°C.
- Precipitation: 500-600 mm annually.
Best Time to Visit Georgia
The climate of Georgia is quite diverse, despite the country's small size. This diversity is due to Georgia's geographical location, its terrain, and the influence of the Black Sea. Georgia is divided into several climate zones, and the climate can vary significantly between regions. The country can be categorized into two main climate zones. In Western Georgia, a mild and rainy humid subtropical climate prevails, while Eastern Georgia experiences a transition from a subtropical to a temperate climate. In the central areas, the climate is drier and more continental.
Let’s start by discussing the best time to visit Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Tbilisi has a humid subtropical climate. Summers here are hot, with July being the hottest month. We recommend visiting Tbilisi in late spring or early autumn. September and October are especially ideal for a visit, as this time is perfect for those who want to enjoy cultural events and festivals, particularly wine festivals, since it coincides with the grape harvest season. The Tbilisoba festival, a popular celebration, also takes place in early October.
In summer, tourists primarily visit Batumi, a famous Black Sea resort and the center of the Adjara region. The peak season here is July and August. During this time, the sea is very warm, and there are fewer rainy days. However, it’s important to note that mid-summer can be very hot and humid, as well as crowded. Accommodation prices are also at their highest during this period. September marks the start of the "velvet season" when there are fewer people, prices are lower, and the weather is more pleasant, though you should be prepared for occasional rain. By mid-October, the sea cools down, and the season ends, with heavy rains arriving in November.
Georgia is also appealing in winter, as the country boasts two well-equipped ski resorts: Gudauri and Bakuriani.
Those who want to travel around Georgia, climb mountains or visit natural and historical sights should consider the late spring, summer and early autumn as a good season.
Below, you can find a brief climate guide for Georgia by region, which will help you choose the best time to visit:
Tbilisi Climate
- Climate: Tbilisi has a semi-desert, dry subtropical climate with continental features.
- Characteristics: The city is located in the eastern part of the country and is surrounded by mountains, giving it a unique climate. Summers are very hot and dry, and winters are mild with occasional snowfall. In the summer, temperatures can reach +35 to +40°C, especially in July and August. Winters are mild, though frosts can occur.
- Average summer temperature: +25 to +35°C.
- Average winter temperature: +0 to +5°C.
- Precipitation: 400-500 mm annually, making Tbilisi one of Georgia’s driest regions.
Western Georgia (Colchic Lowlands, Imereti, Samegrelo, and Adjara)
- Climate: Mainly humid subtropical.
- Characteristics: The western part of the country is heavily influenced by the Black Sea. There is significant rainfall, especially in coastal areas like Batumi and Poti. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are mild and rainy.
- Average summer temperature: +22 to +26°C.
- Average winter temperature: +5 to +10°C.
- Precipitation: 1500-2500 mm annually, with up to 4000 mm in mountainous areas.
Eastern Georgia (Kakheti, Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti)
- Climate: Subtropical but drier, continental.
- Characteristics: The climate in eastern Georgia is less humid. More continental features are evident, especially in regions further from the Black Sea. Winters can be colder, and summers hotter.
- Average summer temperature: +24 to +28°C.
- Average winter temperature: 0 to +5°C.
- Precipitation: 400-800 mm annually.
Mountainous Regions (Svaneti, Kazbegi, Racha)
- Climate: Mountainous, with cold winters and cool summers.
- Characteristics: Mountain regions of Georgia have a sharply continental climate. Winters can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes. Precipitation falls mainly as snow, which may cover the ground for much of the year. Summers are short and cool.
- Average summer temperature: +15 to +20°C.
- Average winter temperature: -10 to -2°C.
- Precipitation: 1000-1500 mm annually.
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