Georgia: When to Go

Georgia doesn't exactly offer peak and off-peak travel seasons, so take your pick about when to head there. Travel is less restricted in summer - there's not much snow - so mid-year, when it is warm and sunny, but not overly hot, is a good option. July and particularly August are uncomfortably humid in many parts, and temperatures regularly reach 40°C (104°F). However, this is an excellent time to be in the mountains, where it is sunny and cool. This is also the peak season on the Black Sea.

The winter can be grim everywhere, mainly due to power shortages, although thanks to the buffer of the Caucasus Mountains that protects the country from the freezing northern winds, Georgia rarely freezes. If you like to see locals celebrate, then check out Independence Day in late May, or Tbilisi Festival day in late October (when the wineries are most active).

Weather

Georgia has something for everyone with different conditions spread over the altitudes and latitudes of this region. While coastal Georgia has a near tropical climate in summer, making it an attractive region, inland and down south things are much drier, with daily July highs averaging a fiery 31°C (87°F). Up north and at higher altitudes, things are much cooler. Winter consumes the entire country with freezing temperatures, even in the previously warm south and there is a surprising amount of rain year-round.