The short answer: late May to June, and September to early October. Those months give you warm days, cool nights, open mountain roads and green (or golden) landscapes, without the July heat in Tbilisi. But the right month really depends on what you want to do, so here is how we think about it when friends ask.
By season
Spring (April to early June)
Tbilisi, Kakheti and Mtskheta are lovely: green hills, mild days, few crowds. Lower trails open, but in the high mountains snow can linger into May, so some routes around Kazbegi (and most of Svaneti) are still closing or muddy. Tbilisi’s New Wine Festival usually takes place in May.
Summer (late June to August)
The best time for high mountain hiking. Trails in Kazbegi and Svaneti are clear, alpine meadows are in flower, and the road to Ushguli is at its most reliable. Tbilisi and the lowlands get hot in July and August, so we keep city days short and spend more time up high.
Autumn (September to October)
Our favourite. Harvest season (Rtveli) in Kakheti from mid-September, stable hiking weather in the mountains, and beautiful colours by October. Late October can bring the first snow higher up, so we keep plans flexible.
Winter (December to March)
Skiing in Gudauri, quiet cities and snowy churches. Snow conditions vary early and late in the season, and the mountain road over the Jvari Pass can close for a few hours or days after heavy snow, so winter trips always have some flexibility built in.
By type of trip
- Hiking in Kazbegi: June to early October. See our Kazbegi tours.
- Hiking in Svaneti: mid-June to September. See our Svaneti tour.
- Wine and food: May to June for new wine, September to October for the harvest. See our wine tours.
- A first, full-country trip: May to June or September to October. See Georgia Without Filters.
- Skiing: December to March, depending on snow. See Winter in Georgia.
Good to know
Mountain weather changes fast in every season. On our tours the guide checks conditions every day and adjusts the order of hikes or swaps in a safe alternative when needed. Holiday periods (Orthodox Easter, early January, and the harvest weekends in Kakheti) are busier, so book a little earlier if your dates fall then.
Not sure which month suits your plans? Tell us your dates and we’ll tell you honestly what to expect.