When winter approaches, many travelers dream of experiencing Georgia’s magical snowy landscapes and cozy winter vibes. Many people wonder if it snows in Tbilisi, when the snow season begins, and which places are best for winter activities. Whether you’re planning a city visit or searching for the perfect ski resort, here’s everything you need to know about snow season in Georgia
Does it snow in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi isn’t particularly famous for snow, as it’s more of a rarity here. Still, you can never say never. Sometimes, when the temperature drops below zero in the evening, you might look out your window and see snowflakes falling under the yellow streetlights. It’s a magical sight that makes you hope it continues until morning, so you can wake up to a snowy city.
When it snows at night, people often go outside to enjoy the winter vibes, throwing snowballs, building snowmen, and walking through the quiet, snow-covered streets. There’s no exact time to predict snowfall in Tbilisi, but it usually happens in late December or early January. Occasionally, it even snows in March, which always feels like a pleasant surprise.
Wintertime and New Year in Tbilisi
Even if you don’t get the chance to experience snow, Tbilisi still feels magical in winter. The city is famous for its beautiful New Year lights, the streets shine with festive decorations, cozy Christmas markets and a cheerful holiday spirit everywhere you go. You can enjoy open-air concerts and the grand New Year’s tree lighting ceremony, which fills the city with joy and excitement.
Winters in Tbilisi are usually mild, so you can comfortably wander through the streets, take in the glowing atmosphere, and warm up with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine in one of the city’s many cozy cafés. If you want to see some snow nearby, you can head to the Kojori forest, where it sometimes snows during the colder weeks.
New Year in Georgia is one of the most joyful holidays of the year. Every family prepares a special festive table filled with traditional dishes and gathers to celebrate together.
Georgians mark several holidays during this season: Christmas on December 25 for some, New Year’s Eve on December 31, Orthodox Christmas on January 7, and the Old New Year on January 14. With so many celebrations, winter in Georgia is a truly wonderful time for travelers to visit and experience the warmth, traditions, and joy of the season.
Which Month is the Coldest in Tbilisi?
February is usually one of the coldest months in Tbilisi. The weather can be quite chilly, often accompanied by rain and wind, so it’s a good idea to pack warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. While heavy snow is rare in the city, you can still feel the crisp winter air, especially in the mornings and evenings. The best way to enjoy February in Tbilisi is to go to the traditional sulfur baths.
Which is colder, Batumi or Tbilisi?
Batumi is the second biggest city in Georgia, located on the Black Sea coast, so the temperature feels different compared to Tbilisi. Overall, Batumi is warmer than Tbilisi in winter. However, on rainy days when the humidity is high, Batumi can feel colder even though the actual temperature is usually higher than in Tbilisi.
Where can you see snow in Georgia?
Most snow in Georgia falls in the mountainous regions. For example, the first snow in 2025 appeared in Svaneti on September 21, and around the same time in Kazbegi. Tusheti’s road usually closes at the beginning of October due to snow, making the area accessible only by helicopter until the road reopens in mid-June.
Kazbegi can also be tricky to reach because the main mountain pass may be snowy or closed. If that happens, you can reach it via Gudauri or Kobi, take a cable car, and then drive to Kazbegi. It’s recommended to use local transport for safety and convenience.
For those who want to enjoy snow without the travel challenges, Georgia has four main ski resorts: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Svaneti, and Goderdzi. These resorts are perfect for winter sports, snow activities, and simply enjoying the snowy landscapes. Even if you’re not skiing, you can experience the snowy scenery, cozy mountain villages, and winter festivals in these areas.
Which one is better, Gudauri or Bakuriani?
You really can’t say which one is better. It depends on what kind of winter holiday you want. Both Gudauri and Bakuriani are great, but they offer different experiences.
Bakuriani
Bakuriani is the oldest ski resort in Georgia and has a warm, nostalgic feeling, especially for locals who grew up spending their winters there. It sits at around 1700 meters and is known as a very family-friendly winter destination. Besides skiing, you have parks, restaurants, an ice rink and even night skiing on the Didveli slope.
Bakuriani has 12 ski lifts, 33 kilometers of slopes and three ski areas: Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi. It also hosted the 2023 World Championships, which really improved its reputation internationally. The infrastructure is modern and the resort can make extra snow when natural snowfall is low, so the ski season usually runs well from December to March. The evergreen forests around the resort make the whole area very cozy and beautiful.
Gudauri
Gudauri is the main ski area of Georgia and is perfect for people who want a more active winter holiday. It is located at about 2200 meters and offers a very open, wide mountain landscape with great snow quality. The resort has 14 lifts, many long slopes for all levels and a very relaxed skiing atmosphere.
Gudauri is also popular for extra activities like paragliding, freeriding, heli-skiing and a snow park. The hotels, restaurants, bars and spas give it a lively and social feel, especially in the evenings. It is connected to Kobi by a panoramic lift, and from there you can easily reach Stepantsminda, one of the most beautiful small towns in the region. Gudauri was originally developed with Austrian expertise and still keeps a modern and comfortable standard. Its close location to Tbilisi also makes it great for short ski trips.
When to visit Gudauri and Bakuriani?
The best time to visit both Gudauri and Bakuriani is from mid-December to late March, when the snow is at its best.
January and February are the peak months for strong snow and the most reliable skiing conditions in both resorts.
So which one should you choose?
If you want a cozy place, family activities and a more peaceful winter holiday, Bakuriani is the best choice.
If you want adventure, high slopes, great snow and a more energetic atmosphere, then Gudauri is perfect for you.
Winter in Georgia is truly magical, from the rare snow in Tbilisi to the snowy mountain peaks. Whether you’re strolling through festive city streets, wandering quiet forests, or enjoying the slopes at Gudauri or Bakuriani, there’s something for everyone. As a DMC, we love helping travelers experience the best of Georgia in winter, from cozy villages to breathtaking landscapes, making each trip feel special and unforgettable.
