Armenia Climate

Situated in the deep interior of the northern part of the subtropical zone and enclosed by lofty ranges, Armenia’s climate is dry and continental, although with significant regional variations.

Most days of the year experience intense sunshine. Except in high-altitude areas, summer in Armenia is a largely long and hot period, with temperatures often becoming uncomfortable. During June and August, average temperatures in the plain hover around being 77° F (25° C). Winters are rather cold, and in January temperatures drop bellow freezing point in the plain and foothills (23° F or −5° C), dipping even lower in the mountains area (10° F or −12° C). On extreme occasions temperatures can dip even lower thanks to the occasional invasions of Arctic air. The lowest temperature on record is −51° F (−46° C). The mild and sunny disposition of the long autumn season makes it the most pleasant time of the year.

The inner regions of Armenia are protected by the invasions of humid air masses thanks to imposing presence of Lesser Caucasus mountain range. The mountain slopes, at elevations from 4,600 to 6,600 feet, receive yearly rainfall of 32 inches (800 millimetres), while in the sheltered inland hollows and plains they drop to 8 to 16 inches a year.

Elevation plays an integral part in the changes of the climate. In the plain the climate is dry subtropical, changing to dry continental in the foothills up to a height of 3,000 to 4,600 feet, and cold in areas above 6,600-foot.