Weather: what to expect and how to prepare

Who this is for

People planning a trip to Georgia who want to choose the right season and region.

And those already here who want to understand the weather before heading to the mountains or the sea.

How to use this page

This page gives the general climate picture, not a forecast for a particular day.

Before setting off, always check the live forecast and road status.

A varied climate

Within a small area Georgia has a subtropical coast, dry plains and glaciated mountains.

The Caucasus range holds back cold air from the north, while the Black Sea warms and moistens the west.

So on the same day, different corners of the country can have completely different weather.

East and west

Western Georgia is humid and rainy, with mild winters.

The east has a drier, more continental climate: hot summers and cool winters.

The Likhi range is the natural border between the two.

Tbilisi in summer

In July and August it is often very hot in Tbilisi, and the midday heat is tiring.

Plan walks for the morning and evening, and spend midday in a museum or the shade.

Many Tbilisi residents leave for the mountains or the sea in summer.

Tbilisi in winter

Tbilisi's winter is moderate, often with sunny days.

Snow falls sometimes but rarely stays for long.

Walk carefully on steep streets when it is icy.

Tbilisi in spring and autumn

Spring and autumn are the best times for walking around the city.

Rain and thunderstorms are frequent in late spring and early summer.

Autumn is usually drier and more settled.

Tbilisi's wind

Tbilisi lies in the Mtkvari valley, and windy days are common.

In summer the wind brings relief, in winter it sharpens the cold.

It is especially noticeable on the cable car and at viewpoints.

Batumi and the coast

Batumi is one of Georgia's rainiest cities, with a humid subtropical climate.

Winters here are mild, and snow rarely settles.

In summer the humidity makes the heat feel heavier.

Autumn in Batumi

In autumn heavy rain is frequent on the coast.

Early September, though, is often still warm and good for swimming.

An umbrella and waterproof shoes are essential at this time.

Kakheti

In Kakheti summers are hot and dry, and autumns warm and sunny.

During the harvest, in September and October, the weather is often pleasant.

In winter there can be frost and frequent fog on the Alazani plain.

Kutaisi and Imereti

Imereti has a humid, moderate climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

The caves are cool at any time of year.

Water levels in the canyons rise after rain.

Samegrelo and Guria

Samegrelo and Guria have a humid subtropical climate, with green hills and tea plantations.

Rain can come at any time of year.

Humidity is high in summer, so wear breathable clothes.

Svaneti

In Svaneti winters are snowy and cold, and summers cool.

The hiking season falls mainly in summer and early autumn.

Even summer nights are cold up high, so carry a warm layer.

Kazbegi

In Kazbegi summer is short and cool, while winter is long and snowy.

On summer afternoons clouds often gather and hide Mount Kazbek.

For the mountain view, go up early in the morning.

Tusheti

Tusheti is one of Georgia's most remote regions, and its road is open only in the warm season.

Mountain weather here is especially changeable, and the road is dangerous after rain.

Plan a trip with flexible dates.

Racha

Racha is a mountainous region with forests and cool summers.

It gets a lot of snow in winter.

The autumn colours in Racha are especially beautiful.

The Colchis lowland

Around Poti, on the Colchis lowland, the climate is very humid, with swamp forests and lakes.

It is hot here in summer, with plenty of mosquitoes.

Plan boat trips in the reserve for the morning or evening.

Samtskhe-Javakheti

The high Javakheti plateau is one of the coldest parts of the country.

Winters bring hard frost and wind, and summer nights are cool.

Check the weather in advance on the road to Vardzia.

Borjomi and Bakuriani

The Borjomi valley has a mild climate, and its forests offer shade in summer.

Bakuriani has snowy winters that support the ski season.

From the valley to the plateau, the weather changes within a few kilometres.

Gudauri

Gudauri sits high up near the Jvari Pass, and its snow is usually reliable.

On windy or foggy days the upper lifts may stop temporarily.

Check visibility and piste status before skiing.

The Adjara highlands

In the Adjara highlands, just a few hours from the sea, winters are snowy.

In summer the valleys are green and cool, especially in the higher villages.

It is easy to combine sea and mountains in one trip here.

David Gareja

David Gareja lies in semi-desert, and it is very hot here in summer.

In the warm season snakes live among the rocks, so watch your step and wear closed shoes.

In spring the steppe turns green and fills with flowers, the best time to visit.

January

January is the coldest month of the year, especially in the mountains.

The ski resorts are in full swing.

Traffic restrictions on the passes are most frequent at this time.

February

February is still winter, though the lowland days grow warmer.

Snow in the mountains is at its deepest.

The avalanche risk is especially high this month.

March

In March spring begins in the lowlands and the first flowers appear.

The weather is changeable: a warm day may be followed by a cold, rainy one.

It is still winter in the mountains.

April

In April the cities turn green, and pleasant days for walking begin.

Short showers are common.

In some years the ski season still continues this month.

May

May is one of the best months for many: warm, green and not yet hot.

Thunderstorms are frequent in the east at this time.

High mountain trails are often still under snow.

June

Summer begins in June, and the beach season opens.

High mountain roads and trails gradually open.

In the east, June is often still rainy.

July

July is one of the hottest months in the lowlands.

The mountains are at their best for hiking.

It is peak season on the coast, and the beaches are crowded.

August

The heat continues in the lowlands in August.

The sea is at its warmest of the year.

Afternoon thunderstorms are normal in the mountains.

September

In September the heat eases, and pleasant weather settles in the cities.

The sea is still warm and the beaches less crowded.

The harvest begins, and Kakheti is especially lively.

October

October is the month of golden autumn, especially in the mountain valleys.

Days are still warm, while nights turn cool.

The first snow may fall in the high mountain regions.

November

In November it gets colder and the days shorter.

Rain is frequent in the west, fog in the east.

By this time the Tusheti road is usually already closed.

December

Winter begins in December, and the ski season opens in the mountains, depending on snow.

The cities are decorated for New Year, and the mood is festive.

Traffic restrictions on the passes become more frequent.

Mountain weather

In the mountains the weather changes within hours: a sunny morning may be followed by rain or hail.

In summer thunderstorms usually start after midday.

Start hikes early and be back from the ridge before noon.

Sun and UV

At altitude and by the sea the sun is very strong, even on cloudy days.

Always take sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Sunlight reflected off snow is especially harmful to the eyes.

Heat

In the summer heat, drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun.

If you feel dizzy or weak, move into the shade and somewhere cool.

If your condition worsens, call 112.

Cold

In the mountains in winter, frost and wind together make the cold far sharper.

Protect your hands, face and feet especially.

When using a gas heater indoors, always make sure there is ventilation.

Rain

In the west, rain can be expected at any time of year.

In the east, the rainy period falls mainly in late spring and early summer.

A light rain jacket takes little room in a bag and often comes in handy.

Snow and roads

In winter, snow and ice make driving on mountain roads harder.

On some stretches traffic moves only with chains or winter tyres.

Check the road status with an official source before setting off.

Avalanches

In some mountain areas there is avalanche risk in winter and spring.

Official services publish avalanche warnings.

When a warning is in force, stay on marked pistes.

Fog

In autumn and winter, morning fog is common in the lowlands and valleys.

Fog sharply reduces visibility on the road.

On foggy mornings, set off a little later.

Hail

Strong summer thunderstorms sometimes bring hail, especially in the east.

In a hailstorm, stop driving and pull over somewhere safe.

In open country, look for shelter.

Floods and landslides

After heavy rain, mountain rivers rise quickly.

In some valleys landslides temporarily block the road.

At such times, listen to the local authorities and rescuers.

Swimming in the sea

The swimming season in the Black Sea usually runs from June to September.

The water is warmest in late July and August.

Do not go in when the sea is rough or when warning flags are up.

Packing for summer

Light clothes in natural fabrics, a hat and sunglasses.

For the mountains, a warm layer and a rain jacket, even in summer.

Something to cover shoulders and knees for churches.

Packing for winter

A warm jacket, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes.

Layers for the city, as buildings are often warm inside.

For the mountains, thermal underwear and glasses against sun and snow.

Packing for spring and autumn

A light jacket, a jumper and an umbrella.

It is warm by day and cools down in the evening.

A few winter items will not hurt for the mountains.

Footwear

In the city you need comfortable, non-slip shoes for cobblestones and slopes.

For hiking, sturdy walking boots.

Water shoes for the pebble beaches.

Children and the weather

Children feel heat and cold faster.

In summer, plan activities for the morning and evening.

In the mountains, carry spare warm clothes for a child.

Older guests

For an older guest, summer heat and mountain altitude are an extra strain.

We plan the tour for a cooler season or without high mountain stretches.

Store medicines properly in the heat.

Allergies

In spring, tree and grass pollen triggers allergies.

Bring allergy medicines from home or buy them at a pharmacy.

Symptoms often get worse on windy days.

Insects

In summer there are plenty of mosquitoes in the humid lowlands, so repellent is useful.

Ticks live in forests and tall grass, so check yourself after a hike.

At night, keep windows closed or screened.

Forecast sources

The National Environmental Agency publishes the official forecast and warnings.

A reliable weather app is good for day-to-day planning.

In the mountains, ask locals and guides, who know the weather well.

Road status

Official services publish the status of mountain roads and passes.

Closure information often changes by the hour.

Always check before travelling and prepare an alternative plan.

Flights and weather

In winter, fog or snow can delay flights.

Check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Leave a margin before an important meeting.

The night sky

In mountain villages, far from city lights, the stars are especially clear on a cloudless night.

Watching the August meteor shower here is a lovely experience.

It is cold at night in the mountains, so bring warm clothes.

Plan B

A mountain tour always needs a back-up plan.

If a pass closes, we offer a city or lowland route instead.

On a rainy day we choose a museum, a masterclass or a tasting.

High and low season

Summer and early autumn are the busiest period.

In the low season there are fewer people and you see local life more closely.

In the high season, book in good time.

Harvest season

In late summer and autumn the markets fill with fruit and vegetables.

Many families make jams and churchkhela at this time.

Harvest season is the best time to get to know village life.

How we help

We help you choose the season and region to suit your plans.

When the weather changes, we quickly adjust the route and transport.

We keep an eye on road status and warnings for you.

What we do not do

We are not a weather service and cannot guarantee the weather.

When a safety warning is in force, we will not send you on a dangerous route.

We take no commission from partners.

Common mistakes

Going into the mountains with only summer clothes.

Setting off over a pass without checking the road status.

Planning long walks in the midday heat.

Cost

The weather information on the site is open to everyone.

The fee for organising a tour or transport is agreed according to the scope of the work.

You pay partners directly, and we take no commission from them.