The Best Time to Visit Georgia
There’s never really a bad time to visit Georgia, which is just one of the things that makes this Caucasus gem so unique.
With a diverse climate, it tends to rain less in the east of the country, but it is also generally much colder. Head to the west and you'll find the opposite is true, with more rain but higher temperatures. But even this cannot always be guaranteed as the weather can be unpredictable and prone to change throughout the day, so it’s always best to come prepared for every eventuality. But no matter the season, Georgia always has something to keep you occupied.
From the Caucasus Mountains, where it’s usually snowy and cold, to the rain-heavy coastal areas by the Black Sea, let's take a look at the best times to visit Georgia, come rain or shine.
Spring – March to May
A fairly all-around ideal time to visit Georgia, the weather is warm and sunny and there is always plenty to do in the springtime. Not too hot, nor too cold, this is a perfect time to wander around the capital of Tbilisi and take in the historic sights, discover the botanical garden or check out some museums. It’s also a great opportunity to take a comfortable hike amongst the beautiful wildflowers in the lowland regions of Georgia. You may experience rainfall coming out of the winter season in March, or towards the end of May, so it’s best to be prepared for some fluctuations but overall, this is one of the best times to visit Georgia when it comes to the weather.
Spring also coincides with holidays like Easter and Georgia’s Independence Day. It’s worth trying to plan your perfect itinerary around holidays like this to really get a feel for Georgian culture, enjoy good food and dive headfirst into celebrations. Be sure to check the dates for Easter prior to departure - they use the Orthodox calendar in Georgia so the dates will differ from the Catholic holiday. With so many impressive churches across Georgia, experiencing a special Easter service would allow for an interesting insight if you time it right.
Summer - June to August
While it can get uncomfortably hot in the capital in the summertime, the high mountainous regions and coastal areas have slightly lower temperatures to lure you out of the city, especially in July and August. These months are best for hiking the highlands, when it’s the only time the Caucasus mountains aren’t covered in snow and temperatures are more suitable for trekking. Or you could take a nice relaxing trip to the beach, where you can dip your toes in the warm waters of the Black Sea. Many Georgian people travel from Tbilisi to these regions at this time to get away from the heat, which can reach up to a sweltering 40C in the city.
But even if you decide to brave the temperatures and stay in the city, you’ll find open-air restaurants, festivals and concerts, or people just taking to public spaces to make the most of the good weather. Elsewhere across the country, you’ll find fascinating festivals such as Tushetoba in the Tusheti region, held at the beginning of August, where you can take in some archery and horse riding.
Autumn – September to November
Georgia does experience its fair share of rain during autumn, but gorgeous landscapes that boast a kaleidoscope of golden and red autumnal colours more than make up for it. It does start to get colder and perhaps a little frosty, but it is prone to fluctuations much like Spring, so once again, be prepared for warm and cold weather. By now, the highlands are back to being snowy again, but head down to the lowlands for optimum hiking conditions. It’s not as cold and the views will be gorgeously scenic. Pack an umbrella though, or some waterproofs, in case you do get swept up in a downpour.
Autumn, or specifically late September until mid-October, is also harvest time in Georgia, so head to the vineyards of Kakheti to participate in some grape harvesting (and wine sampling!) You simply cannot come to the oldest wine-producing country in the world without experiencing a wine tour.
You might also be able to steal some good beach weather at the Black Sea in September thanks to fewer crowds than you'll find in summer, but many resorts will close by the end of the month. Otherwise, head to the old town in Tbilisi for a sulphur bath, where the water temperature is always at a toasty 40C and you can get a good scrub down, too.
Winter - December to February
Winter is cold in Georgia, often dipping below zero at night, and most places will welcome a flurry of snow, except Tbilisi. But if you like winter sports, you’re in for a treat. Georgia has its very own ski resorts not far from the capital in Gudauri, or further afield in other popular ski destinations such as Bakuriani, Mestia, Goderdzi or Mitarbi, so it’s a great way to make the most of chilly winters surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Ski season starts in December and continues until April, but snow is also known to fall from September.
But, far from just an ideal time for winter sports, there are plenty of reasons to visit Georgia in the winter. As mentioned, Tbilisi doesn’t get snow but you can still expect it to be cold, which means fewer crowds and cheaper prices since it’s out of season. Luckily, it's a peak time for all things culture! You can seize the opportunity to experience a puppet show that is usually on tour the rest of the year, take in the opera or go and see a play. One of our favourite things to do is snuggle up somewhere cosy and eat and drink to your heart’s content.
Georgian food is typically hot, stodgy and deliciously comforting, so it certainly calls for a little winter indulgence. Don’t miss out on Georgia's national dish, khachapuri, which is a cheese-stuffed bread, or khinkali, delicious meat-filled dumplings. Both are guaranteed to keep you warm from the inside out on a chilly day!
