Last updated: January 18, 2025
Yerevan, Armenia, experiences a humid continental climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Dfb and Dfa. This city faces a wide range of temperatures, with winter lows plummeting to a frigid -20°C (-4°F) in February, while summer highs can soar to an oppressive 40°C (103°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F), highlighting the climatic extremes that define this vibrant city. Such temperature variability influences not only local weather patterns but also the daily lives of Yerevan's residents.
Yerevan, Armenia, exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, marked by chilly winters and hot summers. January and February witness the coldest conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) and average lows around -3°C (26°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures experience a gradual rise, reaching an average of 8°C (47°F) in April and peaking at 24°C (75°F) in March. The transition into summer brings significant warmth, with average temperatures soaring to 20°C (68°F) in June and reaching a high of 40°C (103°F) in July. The warmth persists into August, before a gradual cool-down begins in September, where temperatures average around 18°C (65°F). Autumn arrives with falling temperatures, culminating in December where the average dips back to -1°C (31°F). This cyclical shift in temperature underscores the climate's continental characteristics, profoundly influencing both the environment and lifestyle in Yerevan.
In Armenia, the climate varies across different regions, with Argavand and Yerevan experiencing similar temperature ranges. Both locations have minimum temperatures plummeting to -20°C (-4°F) in February and maximums reaching up to 37°C (99°F) in July, as detailed in their respective climate links: monthly temperatures in Argavand and monthly temperatures in Yerevan. Conversely, Vardadzor experiences slightly milder summers, with its maximum temperature peaking at 25°C (78°F) in July, while also having a minimum of -20°C (-3°F) during February, as indicated in its climate link: monthly temperatures in Vardadzor.
Precipitation in Yerevan, Armenia, demonstrates a seasonal variability that aligns with the city's continental climate. January and February see relatively low rainfall, with 25 mm (1.0 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), respectively, and typically around 5 to 6 rainy days each month. As spring unfolds, March and April mark a notable increase in precipitation, averaging 77 mm (3.0 in), while each of these months experiences approximately 13 to 14 days of rainfall. The transition into May continues this upward trend, with a slightly reduced total of 73 mm (2.9 in) but maintaining a similar number of rainy days.
The summer months of June and July bring a decrease in precipitation, averaging 40 mm (1.6 in) and 42 mm (1.6 in), accompanied by about 7 rainy days in each month. August sees a slight drop to 33 mm (1.3 in), followed by September, which has 26 mm (1.0 in), indicating the start of the dry season. Autumn months, particularly October and November, bring moderate rainfall again, averaging 34 mm (1.4 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in), respectively. December closes the year with 44 mm (1.7 in), reflecting a return to wetter conditions, and an increase in rainy days to 8. This annual precipitation pattern highlights Yerevan's distinctive wet and dry periods, critically shaping its environment and ecology.
Yerevan, Armenia, experiences a distinct seasonal variation in sunshine duration, reflecting its continental climate. During the winter months, the city sees limited sunlight, with January recording only 210 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 268 hours in February. The transition into spring brings a marked increase, as sunshine hours climb steadily to 311 hours in March and reach 331 hours in April. This rise sets the stage for the warmer months, where daylight becomes abundant, culminating in May with 387 hours of sunshine.
The summer months of June and July are the pinnacle of sunshine in Yerevan, showcasing peak hours of 404 and 415 respectively. August maintains a high level of solar exposure with 395 hours, but as the year progresses into September, a noticeable decline occurs, dropping to 341 hours. The autumn months witness a further decrease, with sunshine hours declining to 314 in October, followed by 263 in November and a mere 252 in December. This consistent pattern of increasing sunshine from winter to summer and decreasing through autumn illustrates the dynamic climate of Yerevan, offering residents and visitors alike a vibrant display of seasonal light.
The UV Index in Yerevan, Armenia, varies significantly throughout the year, indicating fluctuations in solar radiation exposure. In the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, at 3 and 5, respectively, falling under the moderate exposure category where the burn time is approximately 30 minutes. As spring approaches, there is a dramatic increase in UV radiation, with March and April recording indices of 10 and 9—both classified as very high, necessitating reduced sun exposure with a burn time of just 15 minutes.
Summer months bring the most intense UV exposure, with the Index peaking at 12 in June and July, thereby classified as extreme. During these months, skin can burn within a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. August slightly reduces to 10, although it remains in the very high category, while September reduces further to 9. As autumn transitions in October, the UV Index drops to 7—high but still concerning with a burn time of 25 minutes—and continues to decrease in November and December, returning to moderate levels with indices of 4 and 3. This seasonal progression highlights the importance of sun protection practices, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure can pose significant risks to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Yerevan, Armenia, experiences noticeable variation throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. In January, the city enjoys approximately 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March, marking the onset of spring. As days continue to lengthen, April sees a significant jump to 13 hours, followed by May, where residents can bask in 14 hours of sunlight. This maximum daylight is sustained during June and into July, emphasizing the vibrant summer months.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight begins to taper off again, with August still providing 13 hours before dropping to 12 hours in September. October further decreases to 11 hours, heralding the approach of winter. By November and December, daylight returns to 9 hours as the year's end approaches. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only influences Yerevan’s climate but also plays a key role in shaping the daily routines and activities of its inhabitants, with longer daylight encouraging outdoor pursuits in the warmer months.
Argavand, Armenia experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can dip to -20°C (-4°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation peaks in spring, with March averaging 65 mm (2.6 in) and gradually declining through the summer months. Sunshine is abundant, especially in July with up to 416 hours, supporting an array of outdoor activities. For more details, visit Argavand climate.
The climate in Jrashen, Armenia, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures dropping as low as -19°C (-3°F), while July can reach up to 40°C (103°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months being March, April, and May, each receiving around 74-81 mm of rain. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer months, with July averaging 417 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Jrashen climate.
K'anak'erravan, Armenia experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C, while July sees highs around 37°C, making for a significant seasonal temperature range. Precipitation is highest in March and April, totaling 65 mm and 61 mm respectively, while summer months remain relatively dry with only about 9 mm. The region enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in July, which boasts 416 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit K'anak'erravan climate.
The climate in Vardadzor, Armenia, features cold winters and mild summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -18°C (0°F), with average highs around 3°C (37°F), while July sees much warmer conditions with averages of 16°C (60°F) to maximums of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation peaks in spring and summer, particularly in May with 136 mm (5.4 in) of rain; however, the region enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, boasting over 400 hours in July. For more information, visit Vardadzor climate.
Yerevan, Armenia experiences a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees average temperatures around -5°C (24°F) and significant precipitation of 22 mm (0.9 in), while July reaches average highs of 24°C (76°F) with much lower rainfall at 9 mm (0.3 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine, especially in summer, with July featuring approximately 416 hours. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn showcase moderate temperatures and variable rainfall, with May receiving 49 mm (1.9 in) and October 18 mm (0.7 in). For more detailed information, visit Yerevan climate.
In conclusion, Yerevan, Armenia, showcases a rich tapestry of climate characteristics that are defined by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the harsh, cold winters with limited daylight and moderate UV levels to the bright, hot summers when sunshine peaks and UV exposure reaches extreme levels, each season offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential not only for planning daily activities but also for enhancing awareness of the environmental factors that influence health and well-being in this vibrant city. As Yerevan navigates its distinct climatic patterns, the interplay of light and weather continues to shape its landscape, culture, and lifestyle.