Armenia packing list for women

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Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus, bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, and sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Deciding what to pack and wear in Armenia will depend on the time of year you are visiting and the type of holiday you plan to have because, despite the country’s relatively small size, its mountainous geography means that temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you are.

This packing list will focus specifically for women traveling to Armenia in the spring or fall seasons, since this is when our women-only Armenia tour takes place.

Our Armenia itinerary starts in Tbilisi before crossing the border into Armenia and visiting Dilijan and Lake Sevan. We then base ourselves primarily in Yerevan, with an overnight stay in Goris and excursions to Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev, Geghard and Garni.

That means we experience quite a range of landscapes, from the lower and warmer Ararat Valley to Lake Sevan and mountainous areas where temperatures can be considerably cooler.

Many travelers choose to travel to Georgia and Armenia together, and if this is the case with you, you can check our Georgia packing list here too.

What to expect from the weather in Armenia in September

Armenia has a climate with four distinct seasons, hot summers and cold winters.

Summer temperatures average around 30 C (86 F), and Yerevan regularly experiences summer highs of around 30 to 33 C (86 to 91 F), occasionally higher.

By September, summer is starting to transition into autumn. The same happens between April and June during springtime, when the season transitions from winter to spring.

In both these seasons, you should expect generally warm and sunny days in Yerevan, but temperatures can be noticeably cooler once we travel into the mountains and higher-altitude areas.

This variation is one of the most important things to consider when packing for Armenia.

Altitude has a major impact on Armenian weather. It can be hot and sunny in the Ararat Valley while Lake Sevan, only around 60 km away, is significantly cooler or experiencing entirely different weather. That means packing layers is essential.

Weather in Yerevan in September

Yerevan sits in the Ararat Valley and is one of the warmer parts of the country.

September is typically a beautiful month to visit, with warm days, lots of sunshine and cooler evenings compared to the peak summer months of July and August.

During our mid-September tour, daytime temperatures will generally feel summery, and temperatures around the mid-to-high 20s C (mid-70s to low-80s F) are common.

However, you should also be prepared for hotter days and cooler nights.

Most sightseeing clothing that you would pack for a European summer will therefore work perfectly in Yerevan, although you will want to add a light layer for evenings.

Weather at Lake Sevan

The lake sits at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level and has a much cooler mountain climate than Yerevan. Even when Yerevan is warm and sunny, Lake Sevan can be cool, windy and / or cloudy.

We visit Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery on the first day of our trip, so make sure you have a light jacket or sweater easily accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your suitcase.

There are also several stairs involved in reaching Sevanavank, so comfortable shoes are important.

Weather in Dilijan

Dilijan is another mountainous part of Armenia and sits roughly 1,100 to 1,500 meters above sea level. It has a milder summer climate than Yerevan and is surrounded by forest and mountains, so temperatures can feel cooler.

Because our first day takes us through both Dilijan and Lake Sevan, I recommend having a jacket with you even if the forecast for Yerevan looks hot.

Weather in southern Armenia and Goris

Our itinerary also takes us south towards Goris, Tatev and Karahunj. We will spend one night in Goris, so you should pack something warmer for the evening here too.

The altitude and mountainous landscape mean that mornings and evenings may feel considerably cooler than daytime temperatures in Yerevan.

How to dress in Armenia in September

Armenia is relatively easy to dress for. In Yerevan, women dress much as they would in other modern European cities and you will see dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans and fashionable outfits.

There is no need for tourists to dress particularly conservatively while sightseeing around Yerevan, however, Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, traditionally dated to 301 AD, and monasteries and churches play an enormous role in the country’s history and culture.

We visit several important religious sites during our tour, including Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev and Geghard monasteries, and modest clothing is therefore important for these visits.

You don’t need to dress conservatively for the entire trip, but you should always have something available to cover up when we visit a religious site. 

Here are a few other things to consider when packing for Armenia.

Comfortable footwear

Although this isn’t a hiking trip, we will be doing plenty of walking. We explore Yerevan on foot, visit ancient monasteries and archaeological sites, walk over uneven surfaces and climb stairs.

Many of Armenia’s most spectacular historic sites were built centuries before anyone considered accessibility or smooth paved pathways. At Lake Sevan, for example, there are stairs to reach Sevanavank Monastery, and at archaeological and monastery sites you may also encounter gravel, stone, dirt paths and uneven ground.

A pair of comfortable sneakers, walking shoes or very supportive sandals are essential.

AC is not widely available

Although hotels and restaurants may have AC, summertime is mostly enjoyed outdoors and terraces and open air spaces are most common. This means that you are unlikely to be in ACed spaces, although fans are available.

Temperatures vary significantly with altitude

This is probably the biggest packing difference between Armenia and many other destinations you may visit in September. 

You can leave Yerevan on a warm sunny morning and find significantly cooler conditions later in the day at a higher-altitude destination. Armenia’s terrain is incredibly varied, and altitude is one of the biggest factors affecting temperature.

Lake Sevan is particularly notable because it sits around 1,900 meters above sea level. But the solution isn’t to pack winter clothes, it’s to pack layers.

Rain is always possible

Armenia is generally a relatively dry country, particularly in the Ararat Valley around Yerevan. The wetter period tends to fall during spring and early summer, while September is generally drier.

However, mountainous weather can always change, and rain is still possible. We spend a lot of the trip outdoors, so a small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is worth having in your day bag. You do not need heavy waterproof clothing.

Urban vs. rural Armenia

Yerevan is a fashionable and cosmopolitan capital where women wear the same kinds of clothes you would expect to see in cities throughout Europe.

Outside the capital, clothing tends to be more practical and can be somewhat more conservative, especially in villages and religious locations.

You don’t need to dramatically alter what you wear, but extremely revealing clothing may feel out of place in rural areas.

Casual wins

Most of Armenia is relatively casual, and even in Yerevan’s nicer restaurants, you don’t need formal evening wear; smart casual is perfect.

A cute dress, stylish trousers and blouse, skirt and top or similar outfit will work well for the evenings where you want to dress up. Comfortable stylish shoes can absolutely go from sightseeing to dinner.

Layers

As we have discussed, the temperatures range a lot from day to night, so it pays to wear layers you can put on in the morning and take off as the day gets warmer.

September is one of those months where you may start the day with a jacket, remove it as the temperature climbs and want it again after sunset.

A light jacket, cardigan or wrap that you can easily carry in your day bag is one of the most useful things you can pack.

Pack lighter than you think

One of my biggest packing tips for Armenia is to leave a little extra room in your suitcase.

I know it’s tempting to pack “just in case” outfits (Meg certainly knows!), but our tour is only seven days and you’ll probably find yourself coming home with more than you expected.

Throughout the trip we’ll have plenty of opportunities to support local artisans and small family-run businesses. From handmade ceramics and woven textiles to locally produced wines, brandy, preserves, dried fruit and handcrafted souvenirs, Armenia is full of unique products that are hard to resist.

Instead of filling your suitcase to the brim before you leave home, give yourself a little breathing room for the treasures you’ll inevitably discover along the way. You could also bring a lightweight foldable shopping bag; this is something that takes up almost no space but proves surprisingly useful.

It’s perfect for carrying purchases from local markets and artisan workshops, transporting snacks and fresh fruit during our road trips, or keeping souvenirs separate from your everyday items. It also supports our commitment to reducing single-use plastics while traveling and is something you’ll likely use long after you return home.

Don’t underestimate the altitude or the sun

We have included items for sun smarts above, but do want to end this packing list by hitting this point home. One thing people don’t expect in Armenia is just how much altitude can influence both the temperature and the strength of the sun.

While Yerevan sits at around 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) above sea level, several places we visit during the tour are considerably higher. Lake Sevan, for example, sits at almost 1,900 metres (6,230 feet), making it one of the world’s highest large freshwater lakes, and many of Armenia’s monasteries are perched dramatically on mountain slopes or high plateaus.

Even if the air feels cool or there’s a refreshing breeze, the UV exposure at these elevations can still be surprisingly strong. It’s very easy to underestimate how much sun you’ve been exposed to while enjoying the incredible scenery.

For that reason, I recommend keeping sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with you every day rather than leaving them in your suitcase. You’ll also appreciate having a lightweight layer in your day bag, as places such as Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Tatev and Goris can feel noticeably cooler than Yerevan, particularly in the mornings, evenings or if cloud rolls in.

Packing for Armenia isn’t about bringing bulky clothing, it’s about being prepared for the country’s changing elevations. A few well-chosen layers will keep you comfortable from the warmer streets of Yerevan to the cooler mountain landscapes we explore throughout the tour.

What to pack for Armenia in September

With the weather and cultural considerations covered, let’s move onto exactly what you should bring.

Dresses

I love traveling with dresses because they are easy to pack, comfortable and give you an entire outfit in one item. For Armenia in September, I would pack a combination of midi and long dresses.

Loose-fitting dresses are particularly useful during warmer days in Yerevan, and midi and maxi dresses are also really practical because they can transition easily between sightseeing, monastery visits and dinner.

If you are wearing a sleeveless or spaghetti-strap dress, simply keep a scarf or light layer in your bag for religious sites. For the evenings, a cute long dress paired with a jacket, shawl or nice accessory is perfect. Some inspiration:

Skirts

Skirts, of all lengths, are my second go-to item for summer travel. 

Long ones with a cute top, three quarter length ones with a blouse, tule ones, lace skirts, plated, etc. Skirts are a girl’s best friend and all the skirts from ChicWish are the PERFECT chic style for the evening. I have three of them, two in solid colors and one with a floral pattern. 

Here is more inspiration:

Leggings or skinny jeans

Leggings or skinny jeans are another great comfortable outfit to pack. They cover your legs and knees for any religious building and can pair up with lots of tops. They are light and comfy and locals wear them too. Bonus points because they do not crease when packed. 

On the other hand, sports leggings (eg. Lululemon style) are not something Armenians wear. Athleisure is not a trend followed outside of gyms and sports facilities, so leave them at home if you want to blend in. 

Crop pants

I am a big fan of crop pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette. 

A pair of light crop denims like these ones in aqua or linen pants will come in handy. You could also opt for jumpsuits or rompers. This cute romper would fit right in.

Linen shirts and slacks

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of long trousers. 

The main issue with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll the clothes, or bring a travel clothes steamer. This is an Amazon best seller.

A light jacket

You probably won’t need it for much of the daytime in Yerevan, but you will appreciate it at Lake Sevan, in Dilijan and Goris and during cooler mornings and evenings.

Think structured jacket, a cute denim jacket, a leather jacket (especially for late September) or a knitted cardigan, anything that is light to carry if you will be out and about all day.

Some inspiration:

Cute t-shirts and tops

Pack comfortable tops that mix and match with the trousers and skirts you bring. I prefer tops that are comfortable but have a little more personality than a plain white T-shirt: florals, interesting sleeves, prints or lightweight blouses. Cotton and linen are particularly good for warmer weather. 

You can absolutely wear sleeveless tops in Yerevan, but remember to bring something to cover your shoulders when entering religious sites.

Comfortable shoes

We visit monasteries, wineries, archaeological sites and rural locations, and there are stairs and uneven surfaces throughout the itinerary. At minimum, bring one pair of supportive sneakers or closed-toe walking shoes because it is quite dusty throughout.

Alternatively, I love wearing my Another Sole shoes which I have converted Meg and many of our guests to. I wear them straight every day on all our summer tours. They are cute and extremely comfortable, and contrary to their looks, they are made for walking. 

Besides the original model which is the one I have in gold and can go from day to night, from dress to trousers, they now have a range of sandals, sneakers and other types of shoes all of which share the same comfort principle.

A scarf

A lightweight scarf is one of the most useful things you can pack for Armenia. We will visit several monasteries and churches throughout the tour, so having an easy way to cover your shoulders is useful.

It can also double as an extra layer at Lake Sevan, on cool evenings or in air-conditioned vehicles. Choose something lightweight enough to keep in your handbag or day bag.

A cute evening outfit

We will enjoy some beautiful dinners and experiences during the tour, so you may want to pack one or two outfits that feel a little more special. That doesn’t mean cocktail dresses or heels though – restaurants in Yerevan are generally stylish but relaxed.

A nice dress, jumpsuit, smart trousers with a blouse or a skirt paired with jewelry will be more than enough. The easiest way to save suitcase space is to bring accessories that can transform something you already wore during the day.

Other things to pack for Armenia

Besides clothing, there are a few other things worth packing for your trip to Armenia in the summer.

  • A sun hat: The sun is likely to show most of the day in the summer months so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. I always travel with a wide brim hat that saves me from putting lots of sunscreen on my face. Check out this wide brim one.
  • A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect.
  • A travel umbrella: We discussed the weather in the summer months earlier and you know that there is a 30% chance of showers at this time of year. An umbrella is also useful for the sun. We will be spending a lot of time outdoors and if showers show up, a travel umbrella will come in handy. This one weighs less than 500 gr / 2 pounds. And is wind-resistant. Or you can also pack a rainjacket. Ponchos scream tourist.
  • Universal plug adaptor: Armenia uses standard two-prong European plugs. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics I carry.
  • Power bank: Because the days will be long and we will spend some time in the bus,, a power bank will ensure you can continue taking photos. I use the incredible Anker 30,000 AMP which is the real deal and can even charge your laptop, but you don’t need something this big, a power bank that can recharge your phone twice is enough.
  • Sunglasses: I expect lots of sunshine, so a pair of sunglasses is an essential travel item in Armenia in the summer. I like and have been using Oakley sunglasses for the last 25 years as they are polarized and protect my eyes from any damaging sun rays. I always wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. 
  • Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so I recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. Tap water in Armenia is safe to drink and you’ll notice traditional public drinking fountains throughout Yerevan called pulpulaks. They’re an iconic part of Armenian life and are fed by mountain spring water. They’re a lovely reminder to keep your reusable water bottle handy throughout the trip. If you are worried that a different type of water may upset your stomach because you aren’t used to it, I have been traveling with my Grayl water purifier bottle for the last year, so I can fill it with tap water, filter it and have drinkable water anywhere, even in the Amazon.
  • Sunscreen: Perhaps the most important item in this packing list for Armenia in the summer is sunscreen. The sun is very strong in the and we will be under its powerful rays for many hours, protecting your skin is key. I also go around with Sun Bum’s face stick in my bag every day in the summer, even at home, so I can top up anytime.
  • Lip balm: The sun and dryness makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. We find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. We like Neutrogena for their Nordic formula that tends to heal battered lips overnight and comes with SPF.
  • Repellent: We will spend many evenings enjoying meals in terraces and patios and mosquitoes love to take evening strolls to feed. A handy spray-on bottle will come in handy. I have used products from OFF for a long time.
  • Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light.
  • Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Meg has a pair like this.
  • Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Modable silicone ones are made for sleeping.
  • First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Armenia may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. I also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. We’ll spend time in a bus so motion sickness medication is a good idea if you are prone to getting it. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here.

What not to pack for summer in Armenia

There are also a few things we do not recommend you bring to Armenia if you are coming in the summer, mainly, because you won’t need them.

  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have them and if yours is old, you’ll also need to carry a converter or make sure it works with double voltage so that it does not get fried by the European 220V.
  • Hand bags that don’t close: You know the ones, the basket-style ones that don’t have a zipper to close them are a big no-no in most popular tourist sights, unless you want to make pickpockets happy.

Ready to visit Armenia? Read our Armenia travel tips now here.