When to visit Georgia: the joys of each season

Jump to pictures

Every season has its particularities in Georgia. There’s no bad time to be here, but certain times definitely lend themselves more to certain activities than others. Hiking season, broadly speaking, is May through October, although there are always plenty of low-elevation trails for those who want to get out into nature during the winter. The higher trails, as well as the road passes into some mountainous regions, might only be open from June to September. Summers can be uncomfortably hot in lowland areas, and escaping into the mountains, or at least out of the dusty cities, is a rather desirable thing in those months anyways. The rhododendrons flower in June; the forests change color, at altitude, starting in September; lower down, through October and November.

Seasonal Weather and Vegetation in Georgia

Tourist season is July and August, the hottest and most uncomfortable months of the year compounded with crowds. They are good months in which to know some secret hideaways. Winters are a great time to visit some of the actually interesting tourist traps, such as Mtskheta or Uplistsikhe, without having to deal with big crowds and aggressive purveyors of merchandise. Although winters can be chilly, they frequently have clear weather, great for sightseeing. Springs are often rainy; summers are unstable, with hot days punctuated by large thunderstorms. October and November, and even December, frequently go by with brilliant blue skies before the winter properly sets in. In East Georgia, April and May are spectacularly green before the hillsides scorch brown in the summer heat; West Georgia keeps its greenness through the autumn, and the seacoast regions the whole year round.

Come Travel in Georgia – Any Time of Year!

I personally prefer Georgia’s Aprils/Mays/Junes and Septembers/Octobers the most; I think these are the times when Georgia’s natural beauty is most easily enjoyed. But there is a time for everything here, and no matter when you plan your visit, there will be plenty of beautiful and fascinating places to explore; I’m always happy to explain different possible options about when to visit Georgia, based on your interests and desires.

• • • • • • •

the magnolia tree by the red bridge in kutaisi is a sure sign that spring has come.

The magnolia tree by the Red Bridge of Kutaisi is one of the most famous trees of Georgia. When it flowers, it is taken as a sure sign that spring has arrived.

Verdant Gombori range hills rise above a blanket of dense morning clouds under a pale, overcast sky.

Gombori range in Kakheti in late spring.

Vibrant purple and yellow wildflowers bloom along a rocky hiking trail overlooking lush green Samegrelo mountains.

Summer is always a great time to escape into the highlands. Mountain wildflowers bloom in July on the trail to Tobavarchkhili, Samegrelo.

Green grassy fields stretch toward dark, mist-covered mountain ridges under a heavy, overcast gray sky in Kartli.

The stunning village of Saorbisi in the Kartli highlands at the beginning of summer.

Small houses nested on a hillside covered in vibrant autumn foliage under a cloudy sky in Gudamakari.

Autumn colors in the highlands of Gudamakari.

Ancient stone ruins of Kldekari fortress perch atop a craggy mountain ridge overlooking autumn forests in Kartli.

Kldekari fortress in Kartli at the height of autumn.

Rusty metal farm equipment rests on an icy, snow-dusted field beneath bright snowy peaks in Javakheti.

Winter landscape in Tambovka village, Javakheti.

Ancient stone tower stands prominently within a Mtianeti village set against rolling hills.

Winter in the lowlands is mostly brown and dry, but with frequent clear weather, and a special purple glow sometimes seems to hover over the hilly landscape.