Many travelers don’t desire to go to the Caucasus during the winter months because they are unsure of what to do. This is a guide to Yerevan in winter and it will showcase the many things to do in Yerevan during the colder season.
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If you have suggestions on what to do in Yerevan during winter, please drop them in the comments!
The Temperature in Yerevan in Winter
- Yerevan in December: high of 5C (41F), low of -2C (28F)
- Yerevan in January: high of 2C (36F), low of -5C (22F)
- Yerevan in February: high of -5C (42F), low of -3C (26F)
Best Things to Do in Yerevan in Winter
Yerevan can be extraordinarily hot during the summer. And Yerevan can be pretty cold during the winter. However, the city offers a lot to travelers who are passing through Yerevan in winter and this guide will showcase some of my suggestions.
As a person who works and spends most of his time in Yerevan, I am positive that the Armenian capital city has just as much to do in winter as it does in summer. Yerevan is Armenia’s pink capital city. The winters in Yerevan and the rest of Armenia vary from year to year.
There may be one year where the entire country is buried in snow and the next year’s winter may give you the impression that it is just an extended autumn.
Regardless of how harsh the winter in Yerevan is, the city still exudes a positive and fun vibe and the city is covered in lights and the businesses are ready to welcome customers in from the cold.
If you have additional suggestions of what to do in Yerevan during December, January, and beyond… please drop it in the comments for us!
Winter Activities in and around Yerevan
Armenia has a mountainous terrain in most parts and it lends itself to winter activities. I am listing a couple of wintery day trips from Yerevan as well as some places to go ice skating in and around the capital city.
1. Ice Skating at Swan Lake
In the center of Yerevan, you will find the popular Swan Lake. It entertains locals and travelers all year long. In the summer months, it is a nice and cool place to hang out as it is a fountain area and they often screen movies right on the lake.
But in the winter months, Swan Lake is frozen with special equipment and it becomes an ice-skating rink. While it is a small area, it is still entertaining to put on a pair of skates and cruise around on the ice.
If you’re not down for ice skating, you can simply explore the area as there is always something happening around Swan Lake and the Yerevan Opera House.
Working Hours: all week from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Swan Lake
2. Go Skiing or Snowboarding in Tsaghkadzor
One of the most well-known ski resorts in the Caucasus is Tsaghkadzor in the Kotayk Province of Armenia, Tsaghkadzor makes for a great day trip from Yerevan as it is located only 40 minutes away.
There is an abundance of things to do for winter sports lovers there. You will find high-quality services and amenities, and the entire experience on the slopes and in the town is superb.
In Tsaghkadzor itself, you will find a cozy mountain town that has an ancient church, delicious restaurants, cafes with traditional Armenian food, a beautiful square, and many charming cottages to stay in.
The nature in the area is mind-blowing, so bring your camera and snap away.
3. Walk Through a Winter Fairytale at Yeraz Park
This park is located about 25 minutes away from the center of Yerevan. It is a little wonderland that operates all year round. During the winter months, Yeraz Park is covered in lights making it feel like a fairytale world.
At the park, you will find ice skating, cafes, troll houses, Santa Claus’s house, and many other activities that make this place perfect for couples, individuals, and families who come to Yerevan in winter.
Address: Yeraz Park
4. Visit the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex
Known for being a Soviet architectural masterpiece, the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex is far more than a brutalist beauty with a cool design. It is located about 15 minutes away from the Yerevan city center, and it is home to a large indoor ice skating rink.
While many other skating rinks in Yerevan are small are difficult to navigate around… this is a professional one that is spacious and well-maintained.
Not only does the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex have ice skating opportunities for visitors, but there are also shows and competitions there. This complex is a must-visit for those visiting Yerevan in winter that are ice skating enthusiasts.
Address: Tsitsernakaberdi 1
Yerevan Winter Day Trips
5. Take a Day Trip to Garni Temple
Garni is as beautiful in winter as it is in summer. It is one of the most historic places to visit in Armenia and is a pagan temple in a country of Christian monasteries.
The Garni Temple is located about 40 minutes away from the Yerevan city center. Once you’re in the Garni village, you will find a lot of charming shops, restaurants, cafes, and much more.
It is worth taking a Yerevan taxi out there if you don’t have a rental car to visit the temple and its surroundings. During the winter in Armenia, you will likely see snow-covered mountains surrounding the area. It truly is a nice escape from Yerevan.
6. Day Trip to Dilijan
Often referred to as Armenian Switzerland, Dilijan is a resort and park area that is surrounded by tree-covered mountains, and in winter… these mountains become unspeakably beautiful with heaps of white snow covering them.
The scenery is dramatic and mesmerizing, especially when the snow is fresh. You can stay overnight in Dilijan, but you can also go there on a day trip from Yerevan.
If you do either, you can pass by Lake Sevan, which is also extremely gorgeous during the winter months. Once in Dilijan, you will be surprised to find extremely charming cobblestone walkways, luxury and budget hotels, guesthouses, and many delicious restaurants.
Be sure to stop by our favorite cafe in Dilijan, Cafe #2.
Events During Winter in Yerevan and More
7. Attend the Pomegranate Blessing Ceremony in Echmiadzin
A really interesting and unique event held close to Yerevan takes place in my hometown of Echmiadzin. Twenty kilometers (approximately 12 miles) from Yerevan, Armenia’s holy city holds the Pomegranate Blessing Ceremony on New Year’s Eve.
Pomegranate is one of the national symbols of Armenia and the area this takes place in is a UNESCO World Heritage Site… all the more reason to venture out to Echmiadzin and check it out.
8. Go to the Yerevan Christmas Market
Northern Avenue is one of the most well-known pedestrian avenues in Yerevan and in winter, it is decorated with gorgeous lights and small shopping cabins from the top of it to the bottom of it.
Republic Square is one of the most beloved places by both locals and tourists alike. These stalls sell food, coffee, souvenirs, and more.
The Yerevan Christmas Markets are special in their way as it is chilled and there will be a lot of concerts happening during this time of year. This is a can’t-miss if you’re in Yerevan during Christmas or the time leading up to Christmas.
9. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Yerevan
If you are flexible with your dates of traveling to Armenia, try to come during New Year’s. On New Year’s Eve, I can assure you that you will have an unforgettable time.
All of Yerevan is a party, including Republic Square where there are concerts and neon lights everywhere. The Christmas tree will be lit up and fireworks will take place as a new year emerges upon us.
Armenian hospitality may get the best of you, however, and you may end up at a stranger’s house partying, eating, and drinking until the wee hours of the morning with their friends.
Many bars, pubs, and clubs are working 24/7 during this time and it is fun to hop around and see Yerevan take in another year.
Cultural Things to Do in Yerevan in Winter
10. Go to the Yerevan Opera Theatre
One of the finest pieces of architecture in Yerevan is the Yerevan Opera Theatre. Not only is it an opera house, but it is also one of the most popular meeting points in the Armenian capital city.
The Armenian Opera House has been welcoming guests from all over the world and it is the perfect place to escape from the winter temperatures if you like opera and going to cultural events in a city.
Address: 54 Tumanyan St, Yerevan
11. Check out the History Museum of Armenia
Armenia has an unbelievably rich history, and one of the best ways to get familiar with its history is by visiting the History Museum of Armenia, which is situated on Republic Square in Yerevan.
It is a very spacious building located next to the singing fountains in summer and the Christmas tree and other decorations during the Yerevan winter. The museum spans multiple floors and gives a detailed experience of Armenia’s turbulent and extraordinary history.
Yerevan in winter can scare people away… but places like the History Museum of Armenia and other museums in Yerevan are perfect excuses to still travel to this country and enjoy it from the inside of a museum.
Working Hours: all week from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays
Entrance Fee: 2500 AMD (7.25 USD)
Address: Republic Square
Yerevan Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
Naturally, one of the best things to do in a city during the winter is to eat, drink, or enjoy a hot coffee. Fortunately, Yerevan delivers on all fronts and you can do all in the city!
These are some of my favorite places to go in Yerevan during winter and I hope you have the chance to add some of them to your Yerevan itinerary.
12. Eat Ghapama at Yerevan Pandok
One of the most popular dishes to eat during winter in Armenia is “ghapama”. Armenian cuisine is a mixture of many flavors, all rich, and with a variety of herbs and spices thrown in.
Ghapama is best enjoyed at one of the most popular establishments in Yerevan called Yerevan Pandok. They specialize in Armenian and Caucasian cuisine.
Ghapama is a dish that is a pumpkin with rice, dried fruits (like raisins), and butter cooked inside of it. It is symbolic of Armenia during the colder months, and I highly recommend you try this Armenian winter dish when you’re around.
Try to reserve a table at Yerevan Pandok a day before as they are often packed due to their popularity. If you’re unable to get into Yerevan Pandok, try to head to Lavash, where you can enjoy a ghapama even as a solo diner.
Address: 91 Teryan St, Yerevan 0009
13. Have Wine on Saryan Street
One of the best places to visit in Yerevan is Saryan Street, or Yerevan’s ‘wine street.’ On Saryan, you will find bar after bar serving up some delicious Armenian wine.
During the warmer months, it is home to Yerevan Wine Days, a wine street festival celebrating the drink and its history in Armenia.
During the winter, it is best to head inside and enjoy a glass in a cozy place. One place I like on Saryan Street is InVino, a cozy wine bar with many varieties of wine and cheese.
14. Have an Ararat Cognac Cocktail at Epicure
Many people may not know this, but Armenia is extremely well-known as being a cognac-producing country and our cognac was so popular that Stalin and Churchill both used to enjoy the beverage because of its high quality.
Lately, using this famous drink to make delicious cocktails in Yerevan has become pretty trendy. One of my favorite places to enjoy an Ararat cocktail is Epicure, a chilled-out cafe in Yerevan where I enjoy eating and having coffee.
Their skilled bartenders will amaze you with the different tastes and flavors they can infuse with cognac… and trust me, your night will become a whole lot more interesting.
My other favorite cocktail bars in Yerevan:
- Bar Phoenīx (based on Ararat Brandy cocktails)
- Simona (dive cocktail bar)
- Minas (beautiful cocktail room)
- Roza Bar Yerevan (in the old historical building)
15. Have a Wintry Craft Beer at Dargett Brewpub
One of the most popular places in Yerevan for beer lovers is Dargett Brewpub. The bar is located on Aram Street, close to Saryan Street (if you’re enjoying some wine beforehand).
Dargett has started to sell beer in Yerevan at several establishments but there is truly nothing better than getting a pint at their main bar.
They have many different options and you can always find a dark, wintry beer or ale on the menu.
Address: 72 Aram St, Yerevan 0001
16. Sip on a Warm Coffee at a Cafe
There is nothing better to start your winter day off than with a steaming cup of fresh, hot coffee. Traditional Armenian coffee is available pretty much everywhere from sidewalk cafes to older, small, and family-run establishments.
If you’re looking for something that is not Armenian coffee, check out my favorite Yerevan Coffee shop that I discovered at the end of 2019 called The Coffee 23.5.
It is located on Saryan Street and they roast coffee in-house. They serve a variety of drinks and have some stools to sit on. They import beans from all across the world and you can even take a bag home with you.
There are many great cafes in Yerevan worthy of being on this list… find the one that you connect with most and enjoy!
Things to Do in Yerevan in Winter (On a Map!)
What to Pack for Winter in Yerevan
Yerevan in winter can bring unpredictable weather but the sun is usually shining, which is a change from many places in western and northern Europe. However, the temperatures are chilly and chillier than most travelers expect.
These are a few things I recommend bringing to Yerevan in winter:
- Boots: Wear comfortable walking boots with thick socks.
- Mobile power bank: Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged. I recommend a power bank with 25000mah.
- Stylish beanie: Wear a beanie or winter hat to keep your head warm
- Guidebook: Consider purchasing a guidebook for your trip. I recommend the Lonely Planet book “Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yerevan Cold in Winter?
The water in Yerevan in winter can be described as mildly dry and cold. The winter in Armenia varies each year. Some years the sun can shine all winter, but there will also be a year that the sky will be mostly cloudy. Is it cold in Yerevan in winter? Yes, but it’s manageable cold.
Is it Worth Visiting Yerevan in the Winter?
During the wintertime in Yerevan and Armenia in general, it’s possible to enjoy many activities, including festivals, New Year’s celebration events at the public square, day trips to places like Khor Virap or Garni, and skiing or snowboarding at the Tsakhadzor or My ler resorts. It’s absolutely worth visiting Yerevan during the wintertime.
Does it Snow in Yerevan?
It depends on the year. Usually, there isn’t much snow in Yerevan in winter. However, there are years when it snows heavily. I still recommend dressing appropriately for winter, as you might end up in a snow-covered Yerevan.
Where to Stay in Yerevan
Yerevan has a variety of great options for places to stay, but I recommend staying in the city center or within a short walking distance of it. These are my recommended hotels and places to stay in Yerevan. I have stayed at or been inside all of them.
The Alexander (Splurge): This is Yerevan and Armenia’s premier hotel. The top-quality option is situated in the heart of Yerevan and is luxury at its finest.
You can stay there or even enjoy a drink in its bar or cigar lounge if you already have a place to stay. Nevertheless, this is an epic place to stay in Yerevan.
>> Click here for rates and availability
Daniel Boutique Hotel (Mid-range): This boutique hotel in Yerevan has exceptional ratings and rightfully so- it is hospitable and boasts a fantastic location.
You will get to experience Armenian hospitality and a clean, modern place to stay in the capital of Armenia.
>> Click here for rates and availability
Ivy Boutique Hotel (Budget): This is one of the nicest hostels to stay at in the Caucasus the location is near the city center and the hospitality is fantastic.
The rooms are spotless and spacious, and they have a variety of rooms from dorms to privates. This is an unbeatable place in Yerevan.
>> Click here for rates and availability
I hope this guide will encourage you to book a ticket to Yerevan in the winter to see all the great things there are to do in Yerevan and its surrounding area despite colder temperatures.
Other Yerevan Articles
- How to Get From Yerevan Airport to the City Center
- Things to do in Yerevan
- Day Trips from Yerevan
- Two Days in Yerevan Itinerary
- Best Wine Tasting in Yerevan
- Yerevan Coffee shops
- Yerevan Taxi Tips
- Yerevan Wine Days Festival
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