Georgia has such a wild mix of geography that its weather can feel like a puzzle—timing your trip really matters. The country stretches from the humid Black Sea coast to dry eastern plains and up into the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains. Each area has its own vibe, and the weather swings a lot as the year goes on.
If you want pleasant weather, late spring through early summer (May to June) and autumn (September to October) usually hit the sweet spot. During these months, temperatures stay mild and rain doesn’t get too crazy in most places. These shoulder seasons give you comfortable conditions for city wandering, mountain hikes, and pretty much any outdoor plans. You skip out on the brutal summer heat and dodge the unpredictable winter storms.
Knowing Georgia’s weather patterns helps you figure out the best time and place to go. Summer can get seriously hot, sometimes over 40°C in the east. Winter drops snow in the mountains, but cities stay milder. Each season brings unique perks, whether you want to ski or lounge on a beach.
How Georgia’s Climate Influences Travel
Georgia’s geography splits the country into distinct climate zones, and these really shape your travel plans. The Black Sea on one side and the Caucasus Mountains on the other mean you get all kinds of weather and precipitation just a short drive apart.
Climate Zones and Regional Differences
Georgia has three main climate zones that can totally change your trip. Eastern Georgia gets a continental climate—think hot, dry summers and cold winters. Tbilisi and the areas nearby can hit 40°C in summer, then drop below freezing in winter.
Western Georgia feels the Black Sea’s subtropical influence. Cities like Kutaisi get more rain throughout the year. Coastal places stay warmer in winter, but summers get sticky and humid.
Head up into the mountains and you get an alpine climate. The Caucasus Mountains keep things cool all year. Higher up, snow sticks around from November to April.
Regional Temperature Differences:
- Eastern lowlands: -2°C to 38°C
- Western coast: 6°C to 28°C
- Mountain areas: -10°C to 20°C
You can drive through three totally different climates in just a few hours—kind of wild.
Precipitation and Seasonal Variability
Rainfall in Georgia swings a lot depending on where you are. Western regions soak up 1,500-3,000mm of rain each year. Eastern areas get a lot less, usually just 400-800mm.
The Black Sea pumps moisture into the west all year. Kutaisi and coastal cities see a lot of rain from October to May. Even in summer, the west stays wetter than the east.
Eastern Georgia mostly gets rain in spring and early summer. Late summer and fall usually dry out. Winters bring some snow, but not a ton of precipitation.
Mountains pick up heavy snow from December through March. When spring hits and the snow melts, rainfall jumps up. Summer storms roll through the highlands, but they don’t usually last long.
All this rain and snow can close off mountain roads in winter. If you’re planning on heading into the highlands, keep that in mind.
Weather Patterns in Major Destinations
Tbilisi’s continental climate means travel seasons are pretty clear-cut. Summer gets hot, especially in July and August, which makes city exploring a sweaty affair. Spring and autumn? Much better for checking out the city.
The Black Sea coast stays moderate in temperature but gets really humid. Beach season runs June through September, and the water warms up to 20-25°C.
Kutaisi sits in between coastal and continental climates. Winters are milder than Tbilisi but there’s more rain.
Historic spots like Mtskheta get those dry eastern summers. May through October brings clear skies—perfect for photos and tours.
The Caucasus Mountains do their own thing. Weather can flip fast, from sunny to stormy in an afternoon. If you’re heading up there, stay flexible.
Best Seasons to Visit Georgia for Pleasant Weather
Georgia’s climate really shines in spring and autumn. You get mild temperatures and great conditions for being outside. Summer can be awesome in the mountains, but the lowlands get hot.
Spring: March to May
Spring in Georgia feels pretty ideal for travel. In Tbilisi, temperatures float between 15-25°C (59-77°F) during April and May, which is just right for exploring.
March can throw some curveballs with cold snaps and wind. After Orthodox Easter, the weather usually settles down and things warm up in the east.
April and May are the best bets for spring weather. Cherry blossoms pop up all over Tbilisi, and wildflowers cover Kakheti. Nights stay cool, so you probably won’t need air conditioning.
Rain comes often in spring, especially out west. Bring a rain jacket and maybe have some indoor plans ready, just in case.
Lower elevation hikes are great this time of year. Borjomi and Lagodekhi national parks have nice trail conditions, but the higher mountain passes are still snowed in.
Spring on the Black Sea coast? It’s mostly grey and wet. Hold off on beach plans until late May or June.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Georgia is a mixed bag. Lowlands get hot, but the mountains are perfect for getting outside.
Tbilisi and the east can be brutal, with temps hitting 40°C (104°F) in July and August. The dry heat makes it tough to be out in the middle of the day. Locals often escape to the mountains or the coast.
Mountain regions are where it’s at for hiking and trekking. Svaneti and Kazbegi stay comfortable during the day and cool off at night. All the mountain passes open, so you can finally reach remote spots like Tusheti and Khevsureti.
The Black Sea coast turns into a beach paradise. The water gets warm enough for swimming, but it’s a lot more humid than the east.
Summer days stretch long, with sunsets after 9 PM in late June. You get a lot of time for sightseeing, even if you have to dodge the heat.
Afternoon storms can hit the mountains, sometimes causing flash floods or landslides. Weather changes quick up there, so pack the right gear.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is honestly the best time to visit Georgia. The weather chills out from summer highs, but days stay warm and pleasant.
September and October are basically perfect. Tbilisi has warm days around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and cool, crisp nights. There’s lots of sun, but the wind can kick up, which might bother allergy sufferers.
November cools down but still feels mild compared to most of Europe. Daytime temps in cities hover around 15°C (59°F).
Mid-September along the Black Sea coast is called the “Velvet Season.” The crowds disappear, but the water stays warm enough for a swim through early October.
Wine harvest season brings a festive energy everywhere. The Rtveli (grape harvest) starts in early September in Kakheti and goes through November further west.
If you love fall colors, highland areas like Racha and Samegrelo start changing in September. Tbilisi peaks in October, and some places hold onto those colors into November.
Most mountain trails stay open through September and early October. After that, winter starts to close off the higher routes.
Winter in Georgia: What To Expect
Winter covers the Caucasus peaks in snow and drops temperatures in the highlands. If you love skiing or want to see a different side of Georgia, this is your time.
Weather Conditions in Winter
Winter in Georgia really depends on where you are. Tbilisi averages lows around 32°F and highs near 45°F from December to February.
The Caucasus Mountains get hammered with snow. Kazbegi often drops below 10°F, so it’s for the hearty.
Coastal areas stay milder, with temps rarely dipping below freezing. You’ll see more rain than snow at lower elevations.
Mountain weather flips fast in winter. Pack for sudden cold snaps and heavy snow if you’re heading above 3,000 feet.
January usually brings the coldest temps and the most snow in the mountains.
Skiing and Snow Activities
You can ski in Georgia from December through March, depending on snow. Gudauri and Bakuriani have the best resorts, with modern lifts and groomed runs.
Gudauri sits at 7,200 feet and gets reliable snow. There are slopes for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Kazbegi is a great spot for snowshoeing and winter hikes. The views around Mount Kazbek are unreal in winter—bring your camera.
You’ll find cross-country ski trails in a few mountain valleys. Most major resorts and some towns rent out gear.
Winter mountaineering draws experienced climbers to the Caucasus Mountains. You’ll need proper equipment and a local guide for safety.
Winter Events and Experiences
Georgians really celebrate New Year through January with big feasts and folk music. Families go all out with traditional supras during the holidays.
Wine cellars stay open for tastings all winter. Traditional qvevri wines pair perfectly with hearty dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.
Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, bringing special church services and cultural events. Many towns put on winter festivals to show off local traditions.
Hot springs near Tbilisi and Borjomi offer a warm escape from the cold. Locals love these natural baths in winter.
Indoor activities pick up too. Museums, theaters, and galleries in Tbilisi make for cozy ways to dive into Georgian culture.
Monthly Weather Guide for Georgia
Georgia’s weather shifts a lot through the year. Winters are mild in some spots, summers can get blazing hot, and the wet and dry seasons really depend on where you are. Sunshine peaks in summer, but the rain patterns split east and west.
Temperature Trends by Month
Winter (December-February) brings the coldest temps. Tbilisi averages 5-10°C during the day, and nights can get close to freezing. Kutaisi stays a bit warmer, thanks to its western spot.
Spring (March-May) slowly warms things up. March can be all over the place, with temps between 8-15°C. April gets more stable, with highs reaching 18-20°C. May is really comfortable at 20-25°C—great for being outside.
Summer (June-August) is the hottest stretch. July and August can push 35-40°C in Tbilisi and the east. Western spots like Kutaisi stay a bit cooler but feel more humid.
Autumn (September-November) is a relief. September keeps that summer warmth at 25-30°C. October is pretty much perfect, with 20-25°C. November cools off to 10-15°C.
Rainfall and Sunshine Patterns
Rainfall in Georgia really depends on where you are. Western Georgia gets 1,500-2,500mm a year, while eastern areas only see 400-800mm. May and June are usually the wettest.
Spring brings lots of rain, especially in April and May. Summer dries out the east but brings mountain thunderstorms. Autumn has moderate rain across most of the country.
Sunshine peaks in summer. June through August gives you 8-10 hours a day. Spring and autumn have 6-8 hours. Winter drops to about 4-6 hours.
The Black Sea coast stays cloudier most of the year compared to inland.
Regional Highlights by Month
Eastern Georgia (including Tbilisi and Mtskheta) deals with dry summers and cold winters. Spring starts later, and April is when the weather finally gets nice. September’s wine harvest makes the region a magnet for culture lovers.
Western Georgia keeps more even temps all year. Kutaisi has milder winters but more humidity. The extra rain keeps everything green longer.
Mountain regions offer something different every season. Summer opens up the high trails. Winter is all about snow sports. Spring comes late, sometimes not until May.
Coastal areas on the Black Sea stay moderate but get a lot of rain. Beach season runs June to September.
Regional Weather Highlights Across Georgia
Georgia’s climate can feel like you’re crossing countries as you travel from east to west or climb in elevation. The west gets soaked by Black Sea rains, while the east stays drier and sees bigger temperature swings.
East vs. West: Tbilisi and Kutaisi
Tbilisi has a continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. In summer, temperatures can climb up to 86°F (30°C), and the air stays pretty dry with not much rain.
During winter, temperatures usually stick around 32-41°F (0-5°C). Sometimes it snows, but not always.
The capital gets about 20 inches of rain a year. Most of that rain falls in spring and autumn.
Summers in Tbilisi are dry and sunny, which feels perfect for wandering around historical spots like Mtskheta.
Kutaisi, on the other hand, sits in a subtropical zone, and the difference is obvious. The city gets nearly 50 inches of rain every year.
Summer temperatures in Kutaisi look similar to Tbilisi, but the higher humidity makes them feel warmer. You can really feel the moisture in the air.
Winter in Kutaisi feels milder and wetter than in Tbilisi. Snow almost never sticks around in the city center.
This region sees more cloudy days than eastern Georgia. The overcast skies can really set a different mood.
The Black Sea Coast and Batumi
Batumi stays warm and humid most of the year thanks to its subtropical climate. In summer, temperatures usually range from 68-77°F (20-25°C), and the humidity sticks around.
The Black Sea helps keep the temperatures from getting too wild. Extreme heat or cold rarely happens here.
Rainfall hits its peak in autumn and winter. Batumi gets over 100 inches of rain each year.
Summer storms pop up often, but they usually don’t last long. Still, you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
Seasonal Patterns:
- Spring: Mild weather, lots of rain showers
- Summer: Warm, humid, with the occasional storm
- Autumn: Heavy rain, mild temperatures
- Winter: Cool, wet, and freezing temperatures are rare
Sea breezes offer relief when the summer heat gets intense. The coast keeps temperatures steadier than you’ll find inland.
Mountain Areas: Kazbegi and the Caucasus
The Caucasus Mountains bring alpine weather, and the conditions change a lot with elevation. Kazbegi sits at 4,600 feet, so it stays much cooler than the lowlands.
In summer, mountain temperatures usually range from 50-68°F (10-20°C). Even in July or August, you might see snow at higher elevations.
Winter brings heavy snow and freezing cold. The area can look like a postcard, but you’ll want to bundle up.
Elevation Effects:
- Temperatures drop about 3-4°F for every 1,000 feet you climb
- The snow line shifts between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, depending on the season
- Weather in mountain valleys can change in an instant
Mtatsminda, which overlooks Tbilisi, shows how elevation changes the local weather. The mountain gets cooler temps and more rain than the city below.
Mountain weather acts unpredictably. Clear mornings can turn stormy by afternoon.
If you visit, pack for sudden drops in temperature and be ready for rain or snow.
Tips for Planning Your Trip According to Weather
Georgia’s mix of climate zones means you’ll need to prep differently depending on where and when you’re going. If you know seasonal weather patterns, you’ll pack smarter and pick activities that actually fit the conditions.
Packing for Changing Conditions
Weather in Georgia swings wildly between regions and seasons. In the north, temperatures can shift 20-30 degrees from day to night, especially in spring and fall.
Layering essentials make a big difference. Bring light base layers, medium sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. You’ll want these no matter the season.
If you’re coming in summer, pack moisture-wicking clothes and sun protection. Temperatures can hit 85-95°F, and the humidity makes it feel hotter.
Lightweight, breathable clothing works best along the coast and in central areas. Trust me, you’ll be glad you brought it.
For winter, bring a thick coat if you’re headed north, where it drops into the 30s. In the south, a lighter jacket usually does the trick, since it stays in the 50s or 60s.
Rain gear is a must all year. Georgia gets 45-50 inches of rain annually, so waterproof shoes and a small umbrella go a long way against those sudden afternoon storms.
Temperature differences between the mountains and the coast can hit 15-20 degrees on the same day. Always check the forecast for each spot you’ll visit.
Best Activities for Each Season
Spring (March-May) is perfect for hiking, with temperatures between 50-75°F. Cherry blossoms show up in March and April, and the scenery gets pretty amazing.
Gardens and parks burst with azaleas and dogwoods during peak spring. Atlanta Botanical Garden, for example, looks its best in April and May.
Summer (June-August) is all about the coast. The ocean gets warm enough for swimming, and the mountains offer a cool escape from the heat.
Try outdoor activities early in the morning to avoid the midday sun. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in pretty often between 2-5 PM.
Fall (September-November) brings comfortable weather for just about anything outdoors. Foliage peaks in October, especially up north.
September usually has some of the nicest weather of the year. It’s a great time to visit.
Winter (December-February) isn’t ideal for every outdoor activity, but it opens up winter sports in the mountains. Museums and historic sites stay open, no matter what the weather does.
Booking and Crowds by Weather
Weather really shapes how tourists move around Georgia, and it definitely impacts prices too.
Peak season lines up with the nicest weather, so everyone seems to want to visit then.
High season usually lasts from March to May and then again from September to November.
During these times, hotel rates can jump 30-50%. If you want a spot in a popular area, you probably need to book your place 2-3 months ahead.
Summer gets hot and humid, but people still come out in moderate numbers. The coast buzzes with activity, while inland spots tend to feel quieter.
Winter offers the best deals on both places to stay and flights. Prices really drop in December and January.
Just know that some attractions might cut their hours or even close for a bit.
Winter storms and summer thunderstorms sometimes force cancellations. If you’re planning to visit then, it’s smart to get travel insurance.
Weekend rates usually stay higher, no matter the season. If you go mid-week, you’ll likely find better prices and fewer crowds at most spots.