Georgia

January falls into Georgia’s low season, often with freezing temperatures at night. Most places in Georgia will be experiencing snow, with the exception of Tbilisi. Despite the cold temperatures, January can be great for exploring Tbilisi without the crowds while making the most of off peak prices. Enjoy a puppet show that is usually on tour for the rest of the year, or indulge in khachapuri, Georgia’s national dish.

On 2 January, partake in Bedoba, a unique tradition whereby you are obliged to treat yourself in order to set the tone for the rest of the year ahead. The Alilo Parade takes place on 7 January, Orthodox Christmas Day, with processions through the streets of Tbilisi.

February is the coldest month of the year for most of the country, but the cities experience milder conditions. Visiting at this time of year means you can make the most of fewer crowds and off peak prices. Take shelter from the cold by indulging in Georgia’s national dish, khachapuri, a cheese-stuffed bread, or khinkali, delicious meat-filled Georgian dumplings. This can be a wonderful time for a ride on the Kukushka train in Bakuriani, lounging in a natural hot spring or exploring the stone towers in Ushguli.

The weather in March can be relatively unpredictable as Georgia starts its transition from winter to spring. Mountainous regions can still be frosty, but the lowlands experience a milder temperature. Still a quiet month for travel, make the most of quieter cities and off peak prices.

As spring starts to break through the winter frost, it is a great time to wander around Tbilisi, taking in the historic sights. Tbilisi’s parks are filled with cherry and magnolia blossoms and wildflowers start to bloom in the lowland regions.

May experiences a milder climate, but expect some rainfall. Wildflowers carpet the landscape of the lowlands and walking trails in the mountains start to reopen. Discover the botanical garden of Tbilisi or explore its historic sights. Journey to eastern Georgia to explore Vashlovani National Park and David Gareja Cave Monastery before the summer heat begins. The road to Tusheti normally opens around the end of May. If you are looking to travel in the springtime, try to plan your itinerary around these holidays to really get a feel for Georgian culture.

Georgia’s independence day falls on the 26 May, commemorating its split from the Russian Empire. Celebrate in true Georgian style with an open-air street festival with pop-up restaurants, bards, live music and a market. Orthodox Easter may also fall in May, prompting wonderful services and interesting traditions lining the streets.

June is a wonderful time to visit Georgia. Visit the cities, coast and mountain areas before the summer rush of tourists and summer heat kicks in. Around mid-June, temperatures start to rise and trekking season officially commences. More hiking trails are available and the ski lifts in Gudauri open to summer visitors.

July marks the start of the peak holiday months for Georgians and tourists. Accommodation fills up quickly and Tbilisi and the lowlands can get uncomfortably hot. Coastal areas by the Black Sea and the mountainous regions have slightly lower temperatures; it is one of the only times the Caucasus Mountains are not covered in snow. In the city, open-air restaurants, festivals and concerts are everywhere and you will find interesting festivals elsewhere in the country.

Another peak month for both Georgians and tourists alike, accommodation fills quickly and the coastal regions can become crowded as Georgians travel from Tbilisi to escape the oppressive heat of the city. This is one of the best months for hiking in the highlands, as it is one of the only months that the Caucasus mountains are not covered in snow.

As summer turns to autumn in a kaleidoscope of colour, temperatures drop, with snow starting to fall as early as September in the mountains. The lowland regions still experience mild temperatures. Late September until mid-October is harvest time in Kakheti; head to the vineyards and get involved in grape harvesting and wine tasting. Discover the old town in Tbilisi and pamper yourself with a sulphur bath, where the water temperature is always 40°C. Alternatively, the Black Sea coast is still warm enough to swim, but it is far quieter.

As Georgia moves from autumn to winter, expect crisp temperatures throughout the country and autumn colours in the lowlands. Harvest season continues in western Georgia’s wine regions – make sure to indulge in a wine tasting. Tbilisoba, ‘Day of Tbilisi’, is held on the first weekend of October and is Tbilisi’s biggest celebration. The Old Town is transformed into an open-air carnival with a gastro market and folk performances.

November kicks off the beginning of the low season, with temperatures starting to drop dramatically in many parts of Georgia. Similar to spring, be prepared for both warm and cold weather. Winter arrives early in the mountain regions, with snow starting to fall in Mestia and Gudauri.

December is in the middle of Georgia’s low season. With freezing temperatures starting to set in, most places will experience snow with the exception of Tbilisi. Wrap up warm and explore the sights and hiking trails around the city. Spending New Years in Tbilisi is like nothing you will have experienced before.