Lesser Caucasus
Mountains Mountain range spanning South Caucasus, volcanic formations
The Lesser Caucasus arc runs through Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan with volcanic peaks, deep valleys and mineral springs. Travelers come for hiking, rural monasteries and highland pastures.
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The Lesser Caucasus is a mountain system in the South Caucasus that runs roughly parallel and to the south of the Greater Caucasus. It comprises a series of ranges and volcanic plateaus extending across parts of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Relief in the Lesser Caucasus is varied, with volcanic peaks, upland plateaus and deeply incised valleys rather than the very high glaciers of the Greater Caucasus. The ranges form an important ecological and cultural region with numerous local mountain towns and historical sites.
The system developed through complex tectonic and volcanic activity related to the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, producing volcanic peaks and high plateaus over geological time.
In Armenia the Lesser Caucasus includes highlands within provinces such as Shirak and is characterised by a mix of volcanic formations and folded mountain ridges located inland from the western Armenian plateau.
Best Time to Visit Lesser Caucasus #
Visit the Lesser Caucasus in late spring through summer for the best hiking access and milder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lesser Caucasus #
Lesser Caucasus's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (779 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
