Thinking about spending Christmas in Tbilisi? You’ll find chilly days, frosty nights, and sometimes a dusting of light snow that adds a bit of magic to the holidays. During late December, daytime temperatures usually sit just above freezing, while nights dip below zero, so it’s definitely one of the colder stretches of the year. Rain doesn’t show up much, but the occasional snow flurry gives the season its wintry vibe.
Daylight hours shrink to around nine, making evenings stretch on—perfect for wandering under festive lights or ducking into cozy cafés. Heavy snow hardly ever happens, but sometimes a gentle snowfall covers the city, especially in the hills. It’s just enough to feel seasonal without the deep freeze you’d get in January.
If you know what to expect, it’s easier to plan. Whether you’re checking out December weather or comparing it with other months, you’ll see why Christmas here feels both crisp and welcoming. This guide should give you a sense of what to pack, what to do outside, and how the local climate shapes the city’s holiday mood.
Typical December Weather in Tbilisi
You’ll get cold days, chilly nights, and a mix of rain or light snow if you’re in Tbilisi in December. The air often feels damp and the days are short, but winds rarely pick up, and sunshine is in short supply.
Average Temperatures During Christmas Week
Late December temperatures usually run from -3°C at night to 6°C during the day. Sometimes, afternoons climb to 7–8°C, and the colder nights can really bite.
Frost shows up most mornings, especially outside the city center. Snow happens, but it’s usually just a light mix with rain. There’s about a 29% chance of precipitation each day, spread over roughly 8–9 wet days in the month.
If you’re planning to stroll through the old town or browse the markets, wear layers. A thermal base, a warm sweater, and a waterproof jacket help a lot. Don’t forget gloves and a hat—after sunset, it gets cold fast.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
December brings the year’s shortest days in Tbilisi. Around Christmas, the sun rises at about 8:20 AM and sets around 5:30 PM. That’s just 9 hours of daylight.
Still, actual sunshine is rare. The city gets only 90–95 hours of sun in December, so most days are overcast or just plain gray. Skies stay cloudy nearly half the time.
Because of this, the city’s Christmas lights and decorations really pop against the dim skies. If you’re used to brighter winters, get ready for a softer, more muted atmosphere here.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity averages around 75–77% in December, which makes the cold feel sharper than you might expect. Mornings and evenings feel especially damp.
Winds stay calm, averaging only 2 m/s. Usually, you’ll feel just a light breeze in open spaces, and strong winds almost never show up.
The air often feels still, with high humidity and gentle breezes. That chill can linger, especially if the ground’s wet from rain or melting snow. Bring clothes that keep out both the damp and the cold.
Rainfall and Snowfall Patterns
December is one of Tbilisi’s drier months, though light rain and the odd snow shower are still possible. Most days are cold and crisp, but moisture in the air can still affect your plans.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
Rainfall stays pretty low in December compared to spring and early summer. You’ll see about 25–35 mm of precipitation for the month, usually over 7–10 days. Rain doesn’t last long and shows up as light showers or drizzle.
Because it’s cold, rain showers don’t hang around. Most days are dry, and you’ll get more clear spells than you might expect.
If you want to be outside, just prepare for the occasional damp weather. A light waterproof jacket or umbrella is all you need. Less rain also means better chances to enjoy the city’s views.
Likelihood of Snow Around Christmas
Tbilisi gets less snow than a lot of cities at similar latitudes. December brings a chance of snow, but it’s usually light and doesn’t last. You might see 1–3 snowy days in the month, often mixed with rain.
Snow rarely sticks around in the city. With temperatures hovering near freezing, it melts in a day or two. The hills outside town can keep snow longer, so short trips outside the city feel more wintry.
If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, don’t count on it. Still, if you catch a light snowfall, it gives the city a festive look.
Comparing Tbilisi’s Christmas Weather to Other Months
December brings in the cold, short days, and the start of regular snowfall. The next couple of months shift a bit, so it helps to see how Christmas weather fits into the bigger winter picture.
How December Differs from January and February
In December, average lows hit about -0.5°C (31°F) and highs reach 6°C (43°F). Snow starts to show up, but it’s not at its peak yet. Daylight is short, around 9 hours.
January gets colder. Lows drop to -2°C (28°F), and the city often sees the heaviest snowfall. If you visit then, expect icy streets and the need for heavier coats.
By February, things start to warm up a little. Highs reach 7–9°C (45–48°F), and snow is less common. It’s still cold and damp, but with fewer wet days than December.
To sum it up:
- December—start of winter, light snow, short days
- January—coldest month, heavy snow
- February—still cold, less snow, a bit more daylight
Seasonal Shifts in Temperature and Precipitation
As autumn ends, the weather changes fast. Rain drops off compared to October and November, and snow becomes more likely. Precipitation averages 30–40 mm, mostly as snow instead of rain.
January brings the coldest air and the most snow. The chill feels sharper with high humidity, and cold air can get trapped in the city’s valleys.
February starts the move toward spring. Rain and snow both decrease, and temperatures climb a few degrees. Nights stay below freezing, but afternoons get milder. By late February, you’ll notice more daylight.
December’s Christmas weather kicks off Tbilisi’s winter, with January at its coldest and February starting to ease up.
What to Expect Outdoors During Christmas
You’ll get cool but not brutal winter weather in Tbilisi at Christmas. Most days are dry with more sun than many European cities, but you’ll still need to dress for chilly days and cold nights.
Typical Outdoor Conditions for Sightseeing
Daytime temperatures late in December usually fall between 4°C and 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Nights hover around 0°C to 2°C (32°F to 36°F). Snow in the city is rare, but you might catch a flurry if you’re lucky.
Rain isn’t much of a bother, with only about 71 rainy days per year in Tbilisi. December isn’t a wet month, so expect crisp, dry air. The city’s valley location blocks strong winds, which is a plus.
Tbilisi gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, more than lots of European capitals. You’ll often find clear skies for city walks or exploring Old Town.
Bring a warm coat, gloves, and good shoes. Streets can get slippery with morning frost, but sightseeing is usually pretty easy.
Impact of Weather on Holiday Events
Tbilisi holds Christmas and New Year events outdoors in public squares, parks, and along main streets. The mostly dry, mild winter means these gatherings are a bit more comfortable than in rainier cities.
You’ll find big Christmas trees, light displays, and markets in places like Rustaveli Avenue and Orbeliani Square. Evenings get chilly, so wear layers if you want to hang out at food stalls, concerts, or fireworks.
Rain might show up, but it’s usually light and doesn’t last long. Because heavy snow hardly ever happens, transportation and events usually run on schedule. That reliability makes it easier to plan your holiday outings.
Travel and Packing Tips for December Visits
Tbilisi in December brings cold days, chilly nights, and a bit of rain or light snow. You’ll want warm clothes and a little prep for wet weather, but getting around is usually pretty simple.
Recommended Clothing for the Weather
Daytime temperatures hover around 5–6°C (41–43°F), and nights often drop below freezing. Wear layers so you can adjust as needed. Start with a thermal base, add a sweater, and top it off with a warm coat.
A waterproof jacket helps, since December brings about 9 days of rain or snow. Gloves, a hat, and a scarf keep you comfortable, especially in the evenings.
Footwear matters—streets get wet or icy, so go for water-resistant boots with good grip. Sunglasses aren’t really needed, but an umbrella or compact raincoat can come in handy.
Packing checklist:
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece or wool sweater
- Waterproof winter coat
- Gloves, hat, scarf
- Water-resistant boots with grip
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
Weather-Related Travel Considerations
Flights to Tbilisi in December usually run on time, but the occasional snow or fog can cause delays. If you’re connecting through other European cities, allow a bit of extra time.
Roads in the city stay mostly clear, though some side streets can get slick after snow. Walking is fine with the right shoes, but be careful on cobblestones.
Public transport runs all year, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are everywhere. If you’re heading out of town, especially into the mountains, expect colder weather and more snow. Bring chains or book a driver with a winter-ready car.
With shorter days in December, plan your sightseeing earlier. Shops, restaurants, and Christmas markets stay open, so you can enjoy the city even with the winter chill.
Summary of Tbilisi’s Christmas Climate Trends
In late December, Tbilisi gets cold with a mix of rain and the occasional snow. Temperatures usually sit near freezing, and short daylight hours shape both daily life and holiday plans.
Key Takeaways for December Weather
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 6°C (43°F). At night, it often drops to about -3°C (27°F). You might get the occasional cold snap, but temps below -10°C (14°F) aren’t really the norm.
December brings moderate precipitation. You’ll notice both rain and some light snow, but honestly, heavy snow rarely hits the city center. If you’re in the higher neighborhoods or up in the hills, snow shows up a bit more often. Expect about 13–30 mm of precipitation over several days.
You’ll probably feel light to moderate winds most days. The sky stays partly cloudy, and daylight is in short supply—less than nine hours, actually. That tiny window can really mess with your sightseeing plans, so it’s smart to start your day early.
Humidity hangs around at a fairly high level, which makes the air feel chillier than you’d think. If you dress in layers and stay ready for damp weather, you’ll be much more comfortable.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Tbilisi’s climate mixes humid subtropical and continental influences. That’s probably why you get a weird blend of cold winters and hot, sometimes relentless, summers.
The city’s average annual temperature sits around 13°C (55°F). December, though, drops well below that.
Winter tends to be the driest season compared to spring or summer. Still, December manages to bring enough rain and snow to make things a bit unpredictable.
January and February usually feel colder. December is when freezing nights start to show up regularly.
Snow in the city? It’s usually thin and doesn’t stick around for long. The surrounding Caucasus foothills, though, get more persistent snow, which can send cold air down into the Tbilisi valley.
Decades of weather records show some consistent patterns. There’s mild precipitation, plenty of freezing nights, and cool days that rarely climb above 10°C (50°F).
Climate change has nudged average temperatures up a bit. But honestly, December still feels stable, so Christmas in Tbilisi stays reliably cold and sometimes even a bit snowy.