Things to Do in Yerevan in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Yerevan
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Snow-covered Mount Ararat views are at their most dramatic - clear visibility occurs 18-20 days in February versus 8-12 days in summer months
- Traditional winter festivals including Trndez fire-jumping celebration (February 13, 2025) offer authentic cultural immersion without tourist crowds
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to peak season - luxury properties in central Yerevan available for $45-65 USD versus $120-180 in summer
- Indoor cultural attractions like Matenadaran Manuscript Repository and National Gallery operate extended winter hours with minimal queues
Considerations
- Outdoor activities severely limited - hiking trails above 1,800m (5,905 ft) elevation remain snow-covered and inaccessible without specialized equipment
- Daylight hours restricted to 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 5:15pm) limiting sightseeing time significantly
- Public transportation becomes unreliable during snowfall - metro shuts down stations and marshrutka services reduce frequency by 30-40%
Best Activities in February
Underground Museum Tours and Soviet-Era Bunkers
February's harsh weather makes this the ideal time to explore Yerevan's extensive underground network. The Soviet-era bunkers beneath the city maintain consistent 12°C (54°F) temperatures year-round. These guided tours reveal Cold War history and provide fascinating shelter from winter conditions. Local guides share stories unavailable in any guidebook.
Traditional Armenian Cooking Classes
February coincides with traditional winter cooking season when locals prepare hearty stews and preserved foods. Classes focus on cold-weather specialties like khash (trotter soup) traditionally eaten only in winter months. Indoor venues provide warmth while learning techniques passed down through generations.
Cognac Distillery Tours and Tastings
February's cold weather enhances cognac appreciation and distilleries offer special winter tastings. The famous Ararat Brandy factory provides indoor warmth while showcasing Armenia's signature spirit. Winter tours include exclusive barrel rooms typically closed during tourist season.
Traditional Bathhouse Experiences
Soviet-era bathhouses (banya) become essential winter refuges in February. These authentic experiences offer mineral baths, traditional massages, and social interaction with locals. The contrast between -6°C outdoor temperatures and 40°C (104°F) bath temperatures creates an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Gallery Hopping and Art Studio Visits
February's indoor focus makes this ideal for exploring Yerevan's vibrant contemporary art scene. Many galleries host winter exhibitions featuring local artists working with themes of Armenian identity and diaspora experience. Studio visits provide intimate encounters with working artists in heated spaces.
Indoor Market Tours and Food Tastings
GUM Market and Vernissage flea market offer heated indoor exploration opportunities. February features winter specialty foods like churchkhela (walnut candy), dried persimmons, and aged cheeses. These markets provide authentic local interaction while staying warm and dry.
February Events & Festivals
Trndez Festival
Ancient Armenian fire-jumping celebration marking the end of winter. Locals build bonfires in courtyards and jump over flames for purification and good luck. Young couples participate in engagement traditions. Street celebrations occur throughout the city with traditional music and food vendors.
St. Sarkis Day
Traditional matchmaking festival where unmarried people eat salty cookies before bed hoping to dream of their future spouse. Churches hold special services and families gather for traditional meals. Cultural programs feature folk music and storytelling.