Georgia stretches from west to east and is sheltered behind the Main Caucasus Range. The majestic mountains protect the country from cold northern air masses, so the climate is milder and more diverse: subtropical prevails in the western regions, while in the eastern regions there is a transition from subtropical to temperate.
In addition to the ridges of Western Georgia, climate formation is influenced by the proximity of the Black Sea, as well as the Likh, Meskheti and Arsian ridges, which trap air masses coming from the Black Sea. As a consequence, precipitation is much less in eastern Georgia. Air masses from the east bring only small rains.
Precipitation in Georgia is stable throughout the year, but it is unevenly distributed over the territory (1000-2800 mm in Adjara, 300-600 mm in Kakheti). The maximum values are recorded in the fall and winter. Snow cover in high mountainous areas lasts from mid-December to March (ski season). One of the most popular places for skiing is Bakuriani resort, which is characterized by sunny skies and stable snow cover during the whole skiing season.
The Black Sea coast of Georgia has year-round plus temperatures, even in December, when the mountains are covered with snow, everything is green, sunny and the air is warm up to +10 °C. Poti, Batumi, Makhinjauri, Kobuleti are famous resort places created for beach vacations.
You can travel to Georgia all year round. The only thing is that you need to look at the short-term forecast in advance and choose clothes according to the weather.
Climate and weather in Georgia by months
Climatic change of seasons does not keep up with the calendar, and in fact their onset is shifted. That is, winter is felt somewhere in December, summer comes in May, etc.
Climate in Georgia in summer
June provides ample opportunities to get acquainted with Georgia. All roads are open: to the mountains, to the sea. By the end of the month the water heats up to +24 °C. Tbilisi is hot from the first days of June. In Batumi it is up to +29 °C. The resort season is gaining momentum, and by the end of the month it is already problematic to find free accommodation.
The peak of the season is July and August. The cities are hot and stuffy, and the wind can be scalding. At this time it is better to go to the sea. Choose a room or apartment with air conditioning. You can stay with a tent in Shekvetili or Grigoleti, Tsikhisdziri or Kobuleti.
Climate in Georgia in fall
The weather in September is very comfortable. The heat subsides, it is warm in the mountains and cities, but not too warm (+22 °C…+25 °C). At this time grapes are harvested, fruits and nuts ripen. Bathing is possible until early October (+25 °C). The conditions are ideal for excursions and sightseeing walks in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Borjomi.
In October the weather changes. You can swim as early as the first days of October, although in other cases the season lasted until the end of the month. It rains more often. In the mountains the first frosts occur at night. A gorgeous fall can be captured in Adjara, Kazbegi and Svaneti.
November is unstable. Fog, snow and sometimes hail fall in the mountains. The temperature can drop to -5°C. In November mountain landscapes are not so impressive. It often rains in Batumi, while in Tbilisi, on the contrary, it is sunny.
Climate in Georgia in winter
In December, those who want to spend New Year’s Eve away from home and lovers of mountain slopes should go to Georgia. The winter is mild, Black Sea resorts are empty, while ski resorts are welcoming new guests.
In January there may be no snow. It usually does not last long, and in some places it melts almost immediately. Wet snow often falls. On the coast it is windy and rainy, it is better to go to the mountains.
February is moderate: +5 °C, sometimes around zero. It snows in the mountains. In the cities it rains, the sun is not enough. Passes and roads are closed because of snow, stay tuned. The season at ski resorts continues.
Climate in Georgia in spring
The first half of March is still cloudy, although much warmer. In the second half, gardens are blooming and snow is on the mountains. The weather is changeable and temperatures are “jumping”. In Kutaisi it is cool in the evenings, without a fall jacket, and in Tbilisi even a winter jacket will do. Batumi has not woken up from winter yet. The crossings are often closed because of snowfalls.
In April it is up to +20 °C, even in the mountains the air warms up to +17 °C. There is still snow on the peaks. You can safely rent a car for traveling. In Batumi the sea is still cold, but everything is blooming.
The feeling of summer comes in May. The temperature reaches +25 °C. The first tourists arrive at the Black Sea resorts, although the sea is still cold (+20 °C). It is worth visiting Tbilisi and Kutaisi in May, before the heat wave sets in.