What Weather to Expect in February

The average air temperature in the Republic during February is between -5 and -8°C, which is 10°C higher than the average temperature in January. The first ten days are characterized by lower temperatures, followed by a gradual increase.

February's average monthly temperature varies significantly across the territory of the Republic. Temperature decreases with elevation: at up to 800 meters (Ijevan, Alaverdi, Berd, Meghri), the average monthly temperature is positive, around +2°C; at 800-1000 meters (low-lying areas of Ararat Valley and Vayots Dzor), it ranges from -1 to -2°C; at 1000-1500 meters (the pre-mountainous regions of Lori, Ararat, and Syunik), it is around -2°C; and at 1500-2000 meters (the mountainous areas of Shirak, Ararat, and Kotayk, Gegharkunik), temperatures range from -4 to -6°C.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded in February was -41°C in Baghak, in 1947, and -40°C in Ashotsk, in 1946. In Yerevan, the average temperature in February is -0.9°C, while the absolute minimum recorded was -26°C in 1928 and -27°C in 1972.

Severe cold months of February were noted in 1949, 1950, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1979, and 1986, particularly in 1976 when temperatures in various regions of the Republic were 6-8°C lower than the January average. In Gyumri and Baghak, the average temperature was between -16 and -18°C, which is 10-12°C lower than normal.

Between 1885 and 2010, very cold Februaries were recorded 16 times in Yerevan, with an average monthly temperature of -8°C. Typically, February is warmer than January; however, in 15-20% of the years, the average monthly temperature in February has been lower than in January.

Warm Februaries were observed in 1955, 1963, 1966, 1979, 1986, 1987, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2010. In those years, the average monthly temperature in the lowlands of Armavir, Ararat, Tavush, and Syunik was between +5 and +6°C, with the absolute maximum temperature in Yerevan reaching +20°C in 1955 and +26°C in Kapan, also in 1955.

February precipitation in the Republic averages 41 mm, which is 7% of the annual norm; however, the amount is distributed unevenly across the region. In the valleys of Tavush and Syunik, the average precipitation is 27-29 mm; in Armavir and Ararat regions, it is 21 mm; at elevations of 1200-2000 m, precipitation ranges from 32-37 mm; above 2000-2500 m, it can reach 40-50 mm, and can be as much as 80 mm in even higher altitudes. In Yerevan, the average precipitation is around 30 mm.

There is significant variation in precipitation amounts from year to year; in February 1975 and 1985, some regions received double the monthly norm, with certain areas receiving triple (e.g., Hrazdan, Sisian, Armavir, Gavar). February has seen heavy precipitation in the years 1928, 1938, 1952, 1956, 1984, 1990, 1997, and 2006.

Snowfall is primarily observed in the Republic during February; however, in valley regions, rainfall has been recorded in 20% of the years. In these areas, snow cover lasts for 8-14 days, with heights not exceeding 7 cm. In some years, snow may disappear by the first ten days of February, with no stable snow cover established in certain valley regions.

In mountainous areas, snow cover remains throughout the month and can reach heights of 20-40 cm, with up to 70-150 cm in higher mountainous regions. The average relative humidity during February is 72%. The number of foggy days averages between 1-8. Fog is mainly observed in mountain passes and low-lying areas; in Yerevan, fog is seen on average for 8 days in February (with 22 and 25 days recorded in 1974 and 1993, respectively).

February is generally windier compared to January, with a notable decrease in the number of calm days. Maximum wind speeds in select locations can reach 20-30 m/s, while in mountain passes and high-altitude areas, it can go up to 35 m/s, with gusts of up to 40 m/s. Blizzards are frequently observed in the mountains and mountain passes, averaging between 7-12 days.