Weather in Noravank

About Noravank

In a gorge of deep red stone, Noravank's medieval monastery clings to the canyon walls, its ornate khachkars carved with intricate symbolism barely visible in the shadows. The red rock rises in impossible formations, cathedral-like in their architecture. This is Armenian medieval art at its most exquisite, where master stonecutters created a spiritual fortress of extraordinary beauty.

Country

Armenia

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

AMD

Language

Armenian

Things to do in Noravank

Explore the 13th-century monastery with intricate stone carvings Hike the canyon trail with dramatic rock formations Visit the Amaghu waterfall hidden in the gorge Tour the monastery's museum of khachkar stones Photograph from multiple angles as light plays across red cliffs Stay in nearby Areni village famous for wine

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

Cold, with regular rainfall.

April

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

May

19C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

July

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

August

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

October

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

November

Cold, with occasional showers.

December

Cold, with occasional showers.

Noravank monastery sits at the end of a narrow gorge of deep red cliffs, its 13th-century churches built from the same rust-coloured stone as the canyon walls around them. The two-storey Surp Astvatsatsin church, reached by a famously narrow external staircase, is one of Armenia's most distinctive pieces of medieval architecture, and the surrounding Areni wine region — home to some of the world's oldest known winemaking sites — makes a natural pairing.

Best areas to stay in Noravank

Noravank Monastery

The main monastery complex, including the two-storey Surp Astvatsatsin church with its narrow external staircase.

Amaghu Gorge

The dramatic red-rock canyon surrounding the monastery, with short walking trails and striking rock formations.

Areni

A village in the wine valley en route to Noravank, home to the Areni-1 cave and several wineries offering tastings.

Yeghegnadzor

A small town near Noravank, a possible overnight base for those exploring the wider Vayots Dzor region.

Getting to Noravank

✈

Flights

Fly to Yerevan (EVN) from London via connecting hubs such as Vienna, Paris, or Moscow, then drive around 2-2.5 hours south to Noravank.

⏱

From London

~7-9 hours total from London including one connection, plus the drive to Noravank

🚕

Getting around

A hired car, taxi, or organised day tour from Yerevan is the most practical way to reach Noravank and the Areni wine region.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Noravank?

Late afternoon light brings out the red of the canyon walls especially well; spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for the drive and walk around the site.

How do I get to Noravank from Yerevan?

It's around a 2-2.5 hour drive south of Yerevan, often combined with Khor Virap and the Areni wine region on a single day trip.

Can you climb the staircase at Noravank?

Yes, the narrow stone staircase on the exterior of Surp Astvatsatsin church can be climbed for closer views of the carvings, though it's steep and has no railing on one side.

What is the Areni wine region?

A valley near Noravank known for ancient winemaking, including the Areni-1 cave where the world's oldest known winery was discovered; several wineries offer tastings along the route.

Is Noravank suitable for those with mobility issues?

The main church entrances involve uneven stone surfaces and steps, and the famous staircase is not accessible for those with limited mobility, though the lower courtyard is easier to explore.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The red cliffs around Noravank are extraordinary, especially in the late afternoon sun. Climbed the famous staircase carefully but the views from the top church were worth it.

Diana K. · October 2023

★★★★★

Stopped at a small winery in Areni on the way and tried wine made using techniques that go back thousands of years. Noravank itself is one of the most photogenic places in Armenia.

Marcus T. · August 2024

★★★★☆

Combined with Khor Virap for a full day out from Yerevan. The drive through the gorge to reach Noravank is almost as memorable as the monastery itself.

Lilit A. · June 2024