Winter in Yerevan, Armenia hits you with a clear shift in weather the moment you step outside. The city sits in a continental climate zone, so cold, snowy months show up every year.
You’ll usually see average daytime highs just above freezing, while nighttime lows often drop well below it.
Snow falls often from December through February, shaping both the streets and daily routines. While rain can happen, snow really defines the season.
Short daylight hours and higher humidity add to the chill, making winter in Yerevan something you really need to prepare for.
At the same time, this weather creates a unique atmosphere that some people actually enjoy. The crisp air, snow-covered views, and quiet city streets show a different side of Armenia’s capital.
If you know what to expect with temperatures, precipitation, and daylight, you’ll have a much better time and stay comfortable.
Overview of Yerevan’s Winter Climate
Yerevan’s winters bring cold air, frequent frosts, and occasional snow. The city’s continental setting, mountain surroundings, and elevation all combine to create sharp temperature drops and clear seasonal contrasts.
Continental Climate Characteristics
Yerevan has a continental climate, so winters get cold and summers can be pretty hot.
In winter, average daytime temperatures usually stay between -2°C and 2°C (28°F–36°F), while nighttime lows often fall to -6°C to -10°C (14°F–21°F). January is usually the coldest month.
Snow falls, but not all the time. Snow cover tends to stick around for short stretches, especially in January and February.
Precipitation is moderate, with winter months averaging 20–40 mm of moisture, usually as snow or freezing rain.
Humidity climbs higher in winter compared to summer. Relative humidity hits around 80% in January, making the cold bite a bit more.
The wind usually stays light, but calm air and low temperatures can make streets icy.
Clear skies appear often, so you get short but bright winter days.
Sunlight averages 3–4 hours per day in December, which is the darkest period of the year.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Yerevan sits in the Ararat Plain, surrounded by mountains on several sides. These ranges block warm, moist air from the west and trap colder air during winter months.
Because the city sits inland, you don’t get the moderating effect of big bodies of water. That’s why temperatures can swing quickly, dropping well below freezing at night even after a mild afternoon.
Cold air often settles in the valley areas, while higher neighborhoods might feel a bit milder.
This local variation matters if you plan to move around different districts in winter.
The city’s geography also gives Yerevan relatively dry winters compared to some other places with continental climates.
Snowstorms can hit, but long-lasting snow cover is less common in central Yerevan.
Elevation and Its Impact
Yerevan sits at an elevation between 900 and 1,200 meters (2,950–3,940 feet) above sea level. This height really shapes winter weather.
At this altitude, the air is thinner and temperatures run lower than in lowland parts of Armenia.
Higher elevation also means sharper nighttime cooling, so you’ll often see temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
In the central districts, around 1,000 meters, winter days might reach just above freezing, while nights dip well below zero.
Closer to 1,200 meters, it gets colder and snow tends to stick around longer.
Elevation also changes the wind. The city itself isn’t very windy, but higher ridges around Yerevan can channel breezes that make exposed areas feel colder.
If you spend time in the hills or outskirts, you’ll probably notice stronger wind chill compared to the city center.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Yerevan
Winters in Yerevan bring cold days and even colder nights, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The season runs from December through February, marked by steady chill, occasional snowfall, and sharp contrasts between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime temperatures in Yerevan usually range from 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F). These highs aren’t extreme, but the sun can make things feel a bit warmer on clear days.
At night, the city cools quickly. Average lows fall between -8°C and -4°C (18°F to 25°F).
January is the coldest period, when temperatures dip to their lowest.
The city’s elevation, around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), helps explain these sharp drops after sunset.
This difference between day and night makes warm clothing a must, especially if you’re out in the evening.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Winter temperatures shift gradually across the three months.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -4°C / 25°F |
| January | 1°C / 34°F | -7°C / 19°F |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F |
December starts with cold but manageable conditions, often paired with the first steady snowfalls.
January is the coldest month, with freezing nights and short daylight hours.
By February, temperatures start to rise a bit, though nights still stay below freezing.
This late-winter period feels a little less harsh, but it’s still definitely winter.
Record Lows and Extremes
Averages give you a general idea, but extremes show the real potential. Yerevan has recorded winter lows near -20°C (-4°F) during harsh cold snaps.
These events don’t happen every year, but they do show up sometimes.
Extreme cold is most likely in January, when Arctic air masses sweep into the region.
Such conditions make outdoor travel tough and require extra preparation.
On the other hand, mild winter days can push highs above 10°C (50°F), especially in late February.
These warmer spells don’t last long, but they show how unpredictable Yerevan’s winter can be.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter in Yerevan brings a mix of light to moderate snowfall and occasional rainfall. Moisture levels stay steady but not excessive, and most days remain dry and clear between precipitation events.
Rainfall and Snowfall Averages
Yerevan gets modest amounts of precipitation in winter, usually between 20 mm and 25 mm per month.
This comes as both rain and snow, though snow is more frequent from December through February.
Snowfall often begins in late November and continues into March.
On average, you’ll see several snow events each month, but accumulations are usually moderate thanks to the city’s relatively dry continental climate.
Rain is less common but pops up, especially during milder spells in December and February when temperatures climb above freezing.
| Month | Avg. Precipitation | Common Type |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~21 mm | Snow/Rain |
| January | ~20 mm | Snow |
| February | ~21 mm | Snow/Rain |
Number of Precipitation Days
You’ll see only a handful of days with measurable precipitation in Yerevan each winter. Usually, there are 5–7 wet days per month, so most days stay dry.
Snowfall events often last just a few hours and clear up quickly under cold, stable air.
Rain, when it does happen, is usually light and doesn’t stick around.
This pattern makes travel easier compared to wetter climates, since long stretches of rain or snow are rare.
Roads can get icy after snow, but frequent sunshine helps melt the top layer during the day, especially in December and February.
Seasonal Variations in Precipitation
Precipitation in Yerevan’s winter doesn’t swing dramatically month to month, but subtle shifts do happen. December often brings the first real snowfalls, while January is the coldest with the best chance of snow sticking to the ground.
By February, temperatures start to rise a bit, so you get more mixed precipitation.
Snowfall drops off gradually, and rain becomes more common, especially near the end of the month.
You’ll want to prep for colder, snowier conditions in January and expect a move toward wetter, less snowy weather by late February.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Yerevan means short days and limited sunshine. You’ll get fewer daylight hours and less solar energy compared to warmer months, with December and January being the darkest.
Average Daily Sunshine in Winter
During winter, Yerevan gets a lot less direct sunlight than in summer.
In December, you see about 3 hours of sunshine per day, which is the lowest of the year.
January is a bit better, averaging around 6 to 7 hours of sunshine daily, while February brings about 7 to 8 hours.
The reduced sunlight comes from the city’s continental climate and its spot in the northern hemisphere.
Clouds and short days combine to limit sunshine, especially in December.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect shorter windows of bright conditions.
Even on clear days, the sun stays low in the sky, which affects warmth and visibility.
If you crave daylight, February gives you noticeably brighter and longer days than December.
Monthly Daylight Duration
Daylight hours in Yerevan change quite a bit through the winter.
In December, the shortest month, daylight lasts around 9 hours per day.
By January, this bumps up slightly to about 9.5 hours.
In February, the day stretches to nearly 10.5 hours.
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | ~9.0 hours |
| January | ~9.5 hours |
| February | ~10.5 hours |
This gradual increase gives you more chances to explore the city as winter goes on.
While mornings stay late and evenings come early, the difference between December and February stands out, especially if you’re outdoors a lot.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Yerevan brings higher humidity, frequent cloud cover, and calm to moderate winds. These conditions change how cold the air feels and definitely affect your comfort outside.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity levels in Yerevan rise during winter. On average, relative humidity peaks in January at about 80–81%, making the air feel damper than in summer.
This higher humidity combines with freezing temperatures, so the cold feels sharper on your skin.
Mornings and evenings tend to feel more humid, especially when fog or low clouds form.
Snow falls often between December and February, and the extra moisture in the air helps support these conditions.
Days with heavy cloud cover show up frequently, cutting sunshine hours to as little as 3 hours per day in December.
Unlike summer, when humidity drops to around 47%, winter air feels heavier and less comfortable for outdoor activities.
If you plan to walk around the city, get ready for damp cold, especially in shaded spots and near the Hrazdan River valley where moisture hangs around.
Typical Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winds in Yerevan during winter usually stay light to moderate. Average speeds range from 5 to 10 km/h (3–6 mph), though occasional gusts can pick up, especially in open areas.
The surrounding mountains shield the city from extreme wind events, so you rarely deal with severe winter storms here.
Prevailing winds often shift between northwest and northeast directions, bringing colder air into the city.
These winds can drop the perceived temperature, making a day at 0°C feel several degrees colder.
Calm days are common, which sometimes leads to stagnant air and reduced visibility when fog forms.
If you’re sensitive to air quality, you might notice pollution lingers longer during these still conditions.
Packing a warm scarf or face covering helps with both wind chill and dry, cold air.
What to Expect: Winter Weather Effects on Daily Life
Winters in Yerevan hit hard with freezing temperatures, frequent snow, and those annoyingly short daylight hours. These factors really change how you get around, plan your day, and even what you throw in your suitcase if you’re visiting.
Snow Cover and Urban Conditions
Snow falls pretty regularly in Yerevan from December through February. Streets and sidewalks get icy fast, especially early in the morning or after sunset, when the temperature drops below freezing.
City workers clear the main roads quickly, but smaller neighborhoods often stay snow-covered longer.
You’ll usually see lows between -6°C and -10°C (21°F to 14°F), so icy buildup just becomes part of the routine. Public squares and parks keep their snowy coats, which look beautiful but make walking a bit risky.
Yerevan sits high, between 900–1200 meters, and that elevation helps the snow stick around longer than in other parts of Armenia. Central Yerevan stays busy even in winter, but you’ll notice slower traffic, drivers acting more cautiously, and everyone relying more on winter tires and salt.
Travel and Outdoor Activities
Cold and snow change the way you get places. Public transport keeps running, but heavy snow can slow down buses and minibuses.
Taxis are easy to find, although icy streets mean longer rides than usual.
You can still walk, but you’ll want sturdy shoes with solid grip. Sidewalks aren’t always cleared, especially away from the city center. Be ready to dodge patches of ice and slush along the way.
People don’t let the cold stop them from heading outside. Locals take winter walks around Republic Square or even visit ski spots just outside Yerevan.
Day trips to higher places get even colder, with stronger winds and deeper snow. Always check road conditions before you leave the city—seriously, it’s worth the extra minute.
Tips for Visiting Yerevan in Winter
Bring warm clothing—think insulated coats, gloves, scarves, and hats. Layering helps a lot because indoor heating can get intense, and you might want to peel off a sweater when you step inside.
Good footwear really matters. I always go for waterproof boots with non-slip soles, since icy sidewalks can get tricky. Sometimes snow turns to sleet, so I like to throw a small umbrella in my bag, just in case.
Keep in mind, daylight hours get pretty short in December, just over 9 hours or so. I try to squeeze sightseeing into the earlier part of the day. Evenings are perfect for checking out museums, grabbing dinner, or catching a cultural show indoors.