Beshtau

Mountain Isolated volcanic mountain near Pyatigorsk

One of the five mountains around Pyatigorsk, Beshtau is an isolated extinct volcano offering steep hiking routes, lookout points over the Caucasus foothills and connections to nearby spa towns.

Main image

Beshtau is an isolated volcanic mountain in Stavropol Krai, Russia, rising prominently above the surrounding plain. It is a local geographic landmark near the city of Pyatigorsk.

The mountain is popular for day hikes and offers panoramic views from the summit over the Caucasus foothills and the surrounding steppe. Forested slopes and rocky outcrops are characteristic of the ascent routes.

Beshtau is a remnant of volcanic activity in the region; its form and geology reflect that volcanic origin. It has long been a recognizable feature for nearby towns and spa resorts.

The mountain rises near the city of Pyatigorsk in Stavropol Krai, in the northern foothills of the Greater Caucasus.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is approximately 1,401 metres above sea level, making it a prominent local landmark in Stavropol Krai.
Beshtau
Beshtau (mountain near Pyatigorsk), Stavropol Krai, Russia
44.0983, 43.0236
No admission for mountain access; organized hikes may have guide fees

How to Get to Beshtau #

From Pyatigorsk, local minibuses and taxis run toward the Beshtau trails; driving along regional roads puts hikers near trailheads. Confirm local transport timetables in Pyatigorsk.

Tips for Visiting Beshtau #

  • Hire a local mountain guide for less-traveled routes; trails can be steep and poorly waymarked in places.
  • Start at dawn for the best summit light and to avoid afternoon thermals and thunderstorms in summer.
  • Bring layers - mountain weather changes quickly, and the summit is cooler than the foothills.

Best Time to Visit Beshtau #

Late spring through early autumn is the best season for hiking and clear views; winter routes require alpine experience.

Late spring-summer
May-August · 10-25°C
Warmest and most stable conditions for hiking; alpine meadows bloom.
Early autumn
September-October · 5-18°C
Crisp air and clearer visibility; quieter trails.

Weather & Climate near Beshtau #

Climate

Beshtau's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (592 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
-30°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-4°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
13.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

75 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

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