Winter in Tbilisi feels like a whole different city compared to its buzzing summers. The air gets crisp, daylight shrinks, and there’s a quiet calm that settles over the streets.
You’ll usually see daytime temperatures just above freezing. Nights, though, often dip a bit below zero. Snow isn’t constant here, but it does show up, and those surrounding hills really bring out the winter vibe.
Rain barely makes an appearance during these months, so winter stays pretty dry. Clear skies are actually pretty common, and you might be surprised by how many sunny days pop up, even in the coldest stretches.
The city’s mountain setting and shorter daylight hours slow everything down, and you can feel it in the rhythm of daily life.
If you’re thinking about exploring Tbilisi in winter, the weather leaves you with options. You can wander historic streets outdoors or cozy up inside with something warm.
Knowing a bit about the winter climate helps you pack right, plan your days, and get a sense of the atmosphere you’ll step into.
Overview of Tbilisi’s Winter Climate
Winter in Tbilisi brings cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and short days. The city’s valley location and the mountains around it shape the season.
Tbilisi’s humid subtropical climate means winters are wetter than summers, and snow is most likely between December and February.
Geographical Setting and Its Influence
Tbilisi sits in eastern Georgia, right along the Kura River, with mountains wrapping around three sides. This geography traps cold air, so winter temperatures stay lower than in nearby lowlands.
The Greater Caucasus mountains to the north block a lot of Arctic air, but cold winds from the east still sweep in. Those winds can bring sudden temperature drops and sometimes even snowstorms.
At about 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level, Tbilisi feels cooler in winter than Georgia’s coastal spots. Snow happens most years, but usually just light to moderate amounts.
The valley also means more overcast skies and shorter bursts of sunshine in the heart of winter.
Climate Classification
The Köppen system puts Tbilisi in the humid subtropical (Cfa) group. That means no real dry season—rain or snow can show up any time.
Winter stands out, though, because of the colder air and the chance of snow.
Average daytime highs in January are around 5°C (41°F). Nights usually drop below freezing, landing somewhere between -2°C and -5°C (28°F to 23°F).
Snow is most likely from December to February, with January usually getting the most.
When temperatures swing, rain mixes with snow. Humidity climbs above 70% in winter, making the cold feel sharper.
Compared to many continental spots, Tbilisi’s winters aren’t too harsh, but icy mornings and frosty evenings are still part of the deal.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter in Tbilisi feels completely different from the city’s hot, dry summers. In July, highs push close to 30°C (86°F), but in January, it’s five or six times colder.
Winter daylight is short—just about 9 hours in December—while June stretches out past 15 hours.
Spring and fall are much milder, with less snow and more rain, especially in May. In winter, precipitation usually falls as snow or sleet.
Summers often bring dry spells, but winter weather stays more unpredictable. The cold and the mountain scenery give winter in Tbilisi a quieter, more reflective feel.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Tbilisi
Cold days and chilly nights define winter in Tbilisi. Temperatures hover near freezing, but you’ll notice some swings depending on the month or if a cold snap rolls in.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs usually land between 5°C and 9°C (41°F to 48°F). Nights get colder, often dropping to -1°C to 3°C (30°F to 37°F).
You’ll see frosty mornings and afternoons that are cool but not unbearable.
January tends to be the coldest. Highs reach about 7°C (46°F), and lows settle near 0°C (32°F).
By February, things warm up a bit, with highs getting closer to 9°C (49°F). December feels similar to January, just a touch milder.
You won’t find the brutal cold of northern Europe or Russia here, but freezing nights are common. Snow happens, but it’s usually light and melts pretty quickly.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Winter weather in Tbilisi can turn on a dime. While averages stick close to freezing, sometimes a warm front bumps daytime temps into the teens °C (50s °F).
Now and then, Arctic air crashes in and brings cold spells where lows dip below -5°C (23°F).
Extreme cold isn’t typical, but it does happen. Rarely, temperatures drop below -10°C (14°F), usually just for a night or two in January.
Because of these shifts, it’s smart to be ready for anything—a mild afternoon might be followed by a freezing night, especially away from the city center.
Layering up is your friend here.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Tbilisi’s winter runs from December through February. Each month brings its own patterns:
- December: Highs around 7°C (45°F), lows near 1°C (34°F). Early winter feels damp and chilly.
- January: Coldest month, highs near 7°C (46°F), lows around 0°C (32°F). Frost and icy mornings show up a lot.
- February: A bit warmer, highs close to 9°C (49°F), lows about 2°C (36°F). By late February, you can almost feel spring coming.
You’ll notice a slow cool-down into January, then a gentle warm-up as February rolls in.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Winter in Tbilisi brings a mix of light to moderate rain, occasional snow, and stretches of dry, cold weather. You’ll see more wet days in late autumn and early winter, but mid-winter usually turns drier and colder, with snow popping up more often than rain.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in winter stays pretty modest compared to the soggy spring. December and January get about 30–40 mm of precipitation, while February can nudge a bit higher—maybe 40–50 mm.
May is much wetter, with over 100 mm, but winter rain is lighter and spread out over fewer days.
Usually, you’ll get short showers or light rain, not long storms.
There are about 8 to 10 rainy days each month in winter. When temperatures hover near freezing, rain often mixes with snow.
Tbilisi’s humid subtropical climate means winters don’t bring downpours, just steady, moderate precipitation.
Frequency and Amount of Snowfall
You won’t see as much snow in Tbilisi as in other parts of Georgia, but several snowfalls happen every winter. January is usually the snowiest month, with 5–7 days of measurable snow.
December and February usually bring 3–5 snow days each.
Snow piles up lightly, with totals averaging 5–10 cm per month. Heavy snow is rare because Tbilisi sits lower than the mountain towns.
Most snow melts in a few days, since daytime temperatures climb above freezing.
Don’t expect a winter wonderland that lasts. Snow comes in quick bursts, then disappears almost as fast.
Types of Winter Precipitation
Winter precipitation in Tbilisi depends a lot on temperature swings. You’ll run into three main types:
- Rain: Shows up on milder winter days, especially in December.
- Snow: Most common in January, when it gets colder.
- Mixed precipitation (sleet or freezing rain): Happens during those awkward temperature swings near 0°C.
Mixed precipitation can make streets slippery and cause some travel headaches, but big blizzards are rare here.
Instead, winter brings a rotating mix of light rain, wet snow, and the occasional bit of ice.
That variety keeps things unpredictable, but rarely dangerous.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Winter
Short days, less sunlight, and more cloud cover define Tbilisi’s winter. You’ll notice daylight changes a lot between December and February, with the least sunshine in the middle of winter.
Length of Days Through the Season
Daylight in Tbilisi runs from about 9 hours in December to almost 11 hours by late February. The shortest day hits around the winter solstice, when the sun is up for just 8 hours and 58 minutes.
As the season goes on, days slowly get longer. By February, you gain almost two more hours of daylight compared to December.
Even though it’s still cold, late winter feels a bit brighter.
The midday sun sits low in the sky during winter. In December, it only climbs to about 25° above the horizon.
By February, the sun gets a little higher—about 38°—so daylight feels a bit stronger.
Average Daily Sunshine
Even with those daylight hours, direct sunshine is limited in winter. December averages just 3 hours of sun each day, making it the darkest month.
January gets a slight bump to about 3.5 hours, and February offers nearly 4 hours and 45 minutes.
That means less than half the day is actually sunny. In midwinter, only about one-third of the day has clear or partly clear skies.
The lack of sunlight makes the city feel colder, even if the thermometer doesn’t look too bad.
If you want to plan outdoor activities, late winter is your best bet, thanks to the extra sunshine.
Cloud Cover and Overcast Days
Clouds are a regular part of winter in Tbilisi. In December, about two-thirds of daylight hours are cloudy.
January feels much the same, with gray or hazy skies most days.
By February, things improve a bit—about 40%–45% of daylight hours are clearer.
Overcast days are the norm early in winter, which explains those low sunshine numbers.
Clouds can bring snow or light rain, but not much heavy precipitation compared to spring.
If you’re after brighter days, late February gives you the best shot. Earlier in the season, expect more gray skies, which is pretty typical for the region’s winters.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Winter brings higher humidity and a shift in wind strength around Tbilisi. The air feels dampest in the coldest months, and while winds aren’t extreme, they can cut right through you when it’s cold.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Tbilisi during winter usually sits between 65% and 75%. January and February are the wettest months in terms of air moisture.
Cold air can’t hold much water, so high humidity feels heavier than summer’s drier heat.
Mornings and evenings often feel especially damp, and fog is common in the city’s low spots. The mountains trap that moisture, so it lingers.
Unlike summer, when humidity drops, winter’s damp air makes the chill cut deeper. If you’re spending time outside, definitely go for layers—dampness speeds up heat loss.
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~70% | Cold, occasional fog |
| January | ~71% | Peak humidity, frequent dampness |
| February | ~71% | Still high, slightly milder air |
Typical Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winter winds in Tbilisi usually stay light to moderate, hovering around 8–14 km/h (5–9 mph). You won’t find extreme gusts, but in open areas like Rustaveli Avenue or near the river, the wind can hit a little harder.
Mountains around the city block most strong regional winds, so Tbilisi gets some natural protection. Still, breezes slip through the valley and create localized gusts that can surprise you.
March usually brings the season’s strongest winds, and sometimes gusts go above 13 km/h (8 mph). Those winds make cold days feel even sharper, especially when humidity is up.
If you wander into sheltered neighborhoods, you’ll notice calmer air, but open squares or higher spots get more airflow.
Impact of Mountains on Winter Weather
Mountains wrap around Tbilisi and shape how cold air, snow, and wind move in winter. You’ll spot local changes in temperature and precipitation, depending on which neighborhood or valley you’re in.
Microclimates in the Tbilisi Region
Tbilisi sits tucked in a valley between the Trialeti and Saguramo ranges. The mountains block some Arctic air, so winter here feels milder than in other Georgian regions at similar heights.
Because of the valley, microclimates pop up over short distances. Higher hillside districts can feel several degrees colder than the city center below. Snow tends to stick around longer up high, while the downtown melts faster thanks to slightly warmer air.
Moisture patterns shift too. The mountains trap clouds, so some slopes see more snowfall. At the same time, sheltered corners stay drier. That’s why you might spot a dusting in one part of Tbilisi, while another area just a few kilometers away gets several centimeters.
Winter travel around the city can feel unpredictable. If you head to hillside districts, you’ll want heavier clothes and sturdier shoes, but central streets often stay easier to walk.
Mountain Winds and Temperature Effects
Mountains also shape how wind moves through the city. At night, cold air sinks into the valley, so the city center gets chillier than some higher ridges. This temperature inversion sometimes brings fog and lowers air quality on calm winter days.
Winds that funnel through valleys can feel stronger and colder than you’d expect. In March, gusts usually peak for the season, averaging around 13 km/h (8 mph). These winds make chilly weather feel even more biting, especially in exposed areas.
The mountain barriers do a lot to blunt the force of big regional storms. Without the Trialeti Range acting as a shield, Tbilisi would probably see much harsher winter weather. Thanks to this protection, the city’s winter climate stays cold but usually manageable compared to other mountain spots in the Caucasus.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Tbilisi’s Winter
Tbilisi’s winter brings cool, dry days, with average temperatures around 5°C and the occasional chance of snow. If you want to stay comfortable, you’ll need the right clothes and a plan for getting around or enjoying outdoor activities.
What to Pack for Winter
Pack layers so you can switch easily between chilly streets and cozy indoor spaces. Usually, a medium-weight winter jacket does the job, but bring a scarf, gloves, and a hat for extra warmth.
Footwear matters here. Go for water-resistant shoes or boots with decent grip, since sidewalks can get icy after snow. Thick socks make longer walks more comfortable.
Locals like darker colors, but if you prefer something brighter, go for it. Just make sure it works for the weather. Indoors, heating is common, so lighter shirts or sweaters under your jacket help you avoid overheating.
A small umbrella isn’t a must since winters are drier than spring or autumn, but carrying a compact one could come in handy during the occasional rain.
Travel and Outdoor Activity Considerations
Public transport in Tbilisi runs all year, and taxis don’t cost much. Still, icy roads can slow you down, so you might want to give yourself a little extra time, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.
Walking around the old town feels like the best way to see it, honestly, but you’ll want shoes with solid grip. Those narrow streets and stone paths get pretty slippery after it snows.
Planning a day trip? Maybe you’re thinking about Mtskheta or the ski slopes in Gudauri. Definitely check the road conditions first, since snow can make those mountain routes a real challenge.
You can still visit outdoor spots like Narikala Fortress or Mtatsminda Park in winter. Just bundle up and be ready for some wind at higher elevations.
It’s smart to keep your phone charged, by the way, since it gets dark earlier than you might expect in summer.