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- Best time to visit Georgia
Best time
to visit Georgia
In general, the best time to visit Georgia is during the shoulder seasons from mid-May to early July and from early September to mid-October. It’s much less crowded than during high season and the weather is still lovely and sunny. However, depending on what your itinerary looks like and what activities you plan to do, a different month could be better.
The high season in Georgia is during summer (July and August), which is by far the busiest time to visit. Georgia enjoys a long, low season from November to April.
Top Tip!
The best time for visiting the Georgian wine regions is during autumn.
The weather
in Georgia
For such a small country, Georgia’s climate is incredibly diverse. It could be snowing in one region whilst blossoms carpet the spring in another. Georgia has four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers (Georgia’s tourist season), bright springs, icy winters and cool autumns.
July and August tend to get very humid in the lowlands, however the mountains remain a soothing cool, perfect for trekking the Caucasus Mountains. This is also the beach season, therefore it's very busy anywhere along the Black Sea.
December to February is the midst of winter in Georgia. Unless you’re prepared for below freezing temperatures, we suggest you avoid this time of year.
Best time for
hiking in Georgia
The Georgia mountains are one of the biggest draws for bringing tourists to the country. The scenery is spectacular, there are treks suitable for all levels of fitness, and it’s quite off the beaten and track when it comes to hiking destinations. Be aware that whilst it may look incredibly beautiful during winter, you may struggle as most valleys become inaccessible. Summer provides the perfect weather for hiking in Georgia, but you will likely have a lot of company. A better time to visit would be in June when the crowds are smaller but the weather is still very pleasant. The best time to visit Kazbegi is either June or September.
Four Seasons in Georgia, Europe
Spring
March - May
By mid-spring, the weather in Georgia is warm, sunny and bright with the definite beginnings of summer in the air. Flowers are in full bloom and it's a lovely time to explore practically anywhere in the country, but it's the ideal time for hiking.
Summer
June - August
Summer in Georgia is hot and humid in most of the country apart from the Georgian Mountains. August is by far the hottest month, the busiest of the seasons and the most expensive. You should also expect short bursts of showers during summer.
Autumn
September - November
Autumn is often regarded as one of the best times to visit Georgia. The sea is still warm enough for a dip, but in general the temperatures have cooled down. Autumn is also a good time for trekking in Georgia. The rainfall starts to increase but only in short bursts. This is also the best time to visit the wine regions and harvest those delicious grapes!
Winter
December - February
The Georgia winter is wet, cold and with temperatures often below freezing. You can almost guarantee rain every day so you will definitely need to pack your waterproofs! It's not uncommon to see snow during winter in Georgia, which provides the perfect carpet for snowsports.
Festivals & Events
in Georgia
The country of Georgia has an incredibly rich culture which has managed to hold on to their traditions for centuries. Many of the annual events held throughout the country are there to celebrate their culture and keep those important traditions alive. From music to wine, food to ballroom dancing, here’s our pick of some of the best events to attend in Georgia.
Tbilisoba
Tbilisi
(September)
This day celebrates the founding of the capital city and the beginning of the harvest season. Expect streets filled with dancers, live performances in street squares, incredible and edible food displays, and lots of fireworks to finish. The perfect event to experience the vibrant, Georgian culture.
Shatiloba
Khaveureti
(July/August)
If you’re looking to sample some authentic, traditional, Georgian culture, attend Shatiloba. You’ll find traditional crafts and nicknacks, demonstrations of their delicious local food, Georgian folk music and mountain horse races. A perfect day in the mountains.
Cheese festival
Different location annually
(July)
The Georgians don’t just love their cheese, it is part in their culture to be fabulous cheesemakers. Every year you’ll see flocks of cheese farmers gather together to sample and show-off their best produce. Paired with a few glasses of crisp, Georgian wine and some home-baked bread, it’s a foodies paradise.
Art-Gene Festival
Tbilisi
(July 16th)
This unique, week-long music festival is one of the biggest in the country. The event is held to pay tribute to traditional, Georgian music. Expect folk bands, market stalls selling handmade, traditional crafts, free-flowing wine and various forms of dance performances. A perfect summer’s day.
Black Sea Jazz Festival
Batumi
(September 1 - 10)
One of the best music festivals in Georgia, the Black Sea Jazz Festival, attracts famous artists from all over the world. Gaining in popularity, it now not only showcases jazz musicians but also hip-hop, funk, soul and R&B.
Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba
Scetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta
(October)
This event draws in people from all over the country as well as further afield to party in the streets of Mtskheta. Local cuisine is served generously, live music is played on every corner and performances grace the old town’s courtyards. Definitely not one to miss if you’re in the area.
Rtveli
Kakheti
(September - October)
This event celebrates the grape harvest and is one of the most popular festivals in Georgia. Grape stomping, drunken dancing, colourful folk music and mouth-watering feasts from local farmers and businesses. (Alongside bottles of Georgia’s finest of course.)
Tushetoba
Tusheti National Park
(Summer)
Set in the beautiful location of Tusheti, this festival celebrates the traditions and cultures unique to this region. Held in a bid to promote tourism to the area, the event includes cheese making, handicrafts and traditional horse racing through the hills to the sound of authentic, Georgian folk music.
New wine festival
Countryside valleys outside of Tbilisi
(May 11)
Legend has it, wine comes from Georgia. So it’s no surprise they have a wine festival! Over 60 varieties of Georgian wine are up for sipping, alongside a bounty of barbeques, traditional music and performances, and general summer fun.
Alaverdoba
Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti
(September 21 - 23)
This harvest festival lasts for several days and is one of the biggest religious and folk festivals in Georgia. Expect lots of delicious local food and an incredible selection of Georgia’s finest monastery wines to wash it all down with.
Batumoba
Batumi
(September)
This vibrant festival is often considered one of the best in the country. Performing arts take centre stage as the city is filled with pantomimes, bands, theatre shows and ballroom dances. The entire city is dressed to the nines and out to have a good time.
New Year's Day
Everywhere
(Jan 1 - 14)
Well, one of them. Yes, that’s right, Georgia celebrates two New Years. And they are both some of the biggest celebrations of the year. Largely focused on family celebrations, people gather together to drink wine and eat delicious food waiting for the stroke of midnight.
Other public holidays to be aware of when planning your trip to Georgia
- 1 January - New Year’s Day
- 2 January - New Year's Holiday
- 7 January - Orthodox Christmas
- 19 January - Orthodox Epiphany
- 3 March - Mother's Day
- 8 March - International Women's Day
- 9 April - A Day of National Unity
- 26 April - Orthodox Good Friday
- 27 April - Great Saturday
- 28 April - Orhodox Easter Day
- 29 April - Orthodox Easter Monday
- 9 May - Day of Victory over Fascism
- 12 May - Saint Andrew the First-Called Day
- 26 May - Independence Day
- 28 August - Saint Mary’s Day
- 14 October - Day of Svetitskovioba
- 23 November - Saint George’s Day