Ashtarak
City in Armenia
Ashtarak is a town in Armenia with a population of 21,600 as of 2010. Located 16 kilometers from the capital, Yerevan, it is known for its historical religious sites, including the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank.
What to see
The primary sights in and around Ashtarak are its medieval monasteries. Both Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank are the key landmarks for visitors to explore in the area.
When to go
The weather in Ashtarak varies significantly throughout the year. Winters are cold, with January seeing daily highs of 1 °C and lows of -8 °C. Conditions warm during the spring, with May reaching daily highs of 20 °C, though it is also the rainiest month with about 17 rainy days. The summer months of June, July, and August offer the warmest weather, with daily highs peaking at 30 °C in July. September remains pleasant with a daily high of 24 °C and less rain, making it a suitable time for travel. By November, temperatures drop to a high of 9 °C and a low of 0 °C.
Getting there
Ashtarak is easily accessible from the capital, Yerevan, which is 16 kilometers away. For those arriving by air, the nearest facility is Zvartnots International Airport, located 17 kilometers from the town.
Top sights in Ashtarak
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 30 °C. The wettest is April, with about 66 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 1 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 20 | 26 | 30 | 29 | 24 | 17 | 9 | 3 |
| Average low, °C | -8 | -7 | -3 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 0 | -6 |
| Rainfall, mm | 37 | 41 | 49 | 66 | 63 | 42 | 31 | 20 | 18 | 38 | 41 | 37 |
| Rainy days | 5 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 6 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Ashtarak (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.