Georgia has risen above the ‘underrated travel destination’ category in 2025, catching worldwide travelers’ attention. Then, we are here to convince you that spending the winter in Georgia is a good idea. The soaring Caucasus Mountains are cloaked in pristine snow, natural springs simmer among the cold, and the medieval towns become sleepy once Christmas leaves the calendar. In a nutshell, winter in Georgia means dramatic snowy landscapes, ski adventures, quaint city tours, and cultural experiences.
So, are you considering traveling to Georgia, or have an underrated winter escape this year? TripLeader Lama, our trip consultant and host, puts her recommendations in this guide after two years of hosting trips to Georgia. You will find everything you need to know, including a packing list and weather information, to plan a winter trip to Georgia.
Winter in Georgia – Summary
- What Does Winter in Georgia Looks Like?
- When is Winter in Georgia?
- Best Month to Visit Georgia in Winter
- Winter Destinations in Georgia
- Things to Do in Winter in Georgia
- Georgia Winter Packing List
- Is Georgia Worth Visiting in Winter?
What Does Winter in Georgia Looks Like?
Winter paints the most part of Georgia with pristine white snow and brings a jolly yet tender atmosphere to the major cities. The scenery varies depends on where you go:
Snowy Mountains in the North
The Greater Caucasus Mountains, tucked in Northern Georgia, turn into a snowy paradise. It calls travelers to ski on the heavily-powdered slopes, especially around Kazbegi and Gudauri. With Alpine villages gleaming with warm lights against the white backdrop, Georgia’s mountainous region looks straight out of a winter postcard. It is also the part of Georgia with the most snowfall and the lowest temperatures, ranging around -5°C to -10°C.
Eastern Georgia – the Capital and Beyond
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is the main stop for travelers looking forward to dig into the country’s beauty. But, if you are looking for a snowy scene like what you can get in Vienna or London, keep your hopes down. Snowfall is occasional rather than constant in Tbilisi. Nonetheless, it does not dim the city’s charming medieval feels, fairy lights, and holiday spirits. Other famous regions in Georgia, like Kakheti, experience the same winter pattern as Tbilisi.
Snowless Black Sea Coast
Tucked on the shores of the Black Sea, cities like Batumi, Ureki, and Borjomi have humid sub-tropical climate. Having that climate pattern resulted to the coast’s snowless winter. Winters here are mild, breezy, and rainy with temperatures ranging around 6°C to 11°C. If you are looking for a winter without snow by the sea, visiting Batumi and its surrounding cities can be a good idea.
When is Winter in Georgia?
Winter in Georgia runs from December to February, though cold weather in the mountains often lasts into March or even April. Here’s what each month feels like:
- December: Festive markets, light snow in cities, and the beginning of ski season. Temperatures range widely between 0°C and 10°C, depending on the region.
- January: The coldest month, with heavy snowfall in the mountains and freezing temperatures in many regions. Tbilisi often drops below 0°C at night.
- February: Still cold, but ski resorts are in peak condition and weather becomes a bit more predictable. Good travel deals appear during this month.
- Early March: Winter lingers in the mountains but cities begin to soften into early spring.
Best Month to Visit Georgia in Winter
When choosing the best winter month to visit Georgia, it often depends on the traveler’s preference for holiday festivities, snow levels, and crowd sizes.
1. December: Holiday Vibes and Festivities
December marks the start of winter celebrations in Georgia. Tbilisi’s streets light up with holiday decorations, Christmas markets open, and hotels and restaurants offer special seasonal menus.
2. January: Snow-Peaked Mountains and Events
January is ideal for snow sports enthusiasts, as Georgia’s ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani are in peak condition. It’s also the time when locals celebrate Orthodox Christmas and the New Year, providing a unique cultural experience.
3. February: Fewer Crowds and Crisp Weather
February can be a great choice for travelers looking to avoid the crowds. Snow still covers the mountains, but cities and resorts are less crowded. Plus, travel costs for accommodation and flights tend to be more budget-friendly in February.
Top Winter Destinations in Georgia
So, where should you travel to in Georgia during the snowy season? Here are some of the best places to visit in Georgia that you can visit from December to February.
1. Tbilisi
The capital city, Tbilisi, exudes a cozy winter charm. Visitors can explore Narikala Fortress covered in snow, stroll through the Old Town with festive lights, and warm up in sulfur baths.
2. Gudauri
Gudauri is Georgia’s most popular ski resort, with plenty of slopes for all skill levels and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing are top activities here.
3. Bakuriani
Bakuriani is a family-friendly ski resort with gentle slopes, winter parks, and cozy guesthouses. It’s especially popular among locals and great for travelers wanting a quieter, more traditional Georgian winter experience.
4. Svaneti
For those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Svaneti provides a rugged, picturesque winter escape. The region is known for its traditional stone towers, remote villages, and deep snowdrifts.
5. Kazbegi
Kazbegi, located in the north, is a must-visit for its iconic views of Mount Kazbek. Winter adds a layer of enchantment to the already stunning landscape, and the Gergeti Trinity Church is especially magical surrounded by snow.
Things to Do During Winter in Georgia
From adrenaline-pumping sports to relaxing cultural experiences, Georgia offers numerous activities to suit all tastes.
1. Hit the Ski Slopes
“Not a lot of people know that Georgia is actually a great place to ski. You can go to Gudauri, a well-known ski resort surrounded by beautiful mountains,” said Lama. Besides beautiful, Georgia’s ski resorts welcome both beginners and expert skiers, offering excellent powdered slopes. The ski pass is also very affordable, something that you cannot find when skiing in Western Europe. Aside from that, Gudauri embraces après-ski culture and offers ski bars where people can mingle with each other.
2. Explore Thermal Spas
In Tbilisi, the Abanotubani sulfur baths are a perfect way to warm up during the colder months. These natural thermal baths are believed to have healing properties and are a unique experience in the city.
3. Georgian Cuisine
Lama travels to Georgia at least three months a year – and do you know what makes her keep going back? The food! Lama mentioned that Georgian food are delicious and hearty, perfect to savor regardless the season. However, for winter, she recommended to bite into khachapuri, a cheese-filled flat bread, and let the warm, gooey cheese warm your tastebuds. Besides that, have some khinkali (chicken and veggies dumpling) and a bubbling hot chikhirtma (chicken soup). Wrap them up with a spieced mulled wine and locally made chacha (grape brandy).
4. Join Local Festivals and Events
Georgia is lively in winter thanks to its New Year and Christmas celebrations:
- Alilo Processions: Street parades and church traditions
- January 1: New Year’s fireworks
- January 7: Orthodox Christmas
- January 14: Old New Year (a second celebration)
Georgia Winter Packing List
Winter conditions in Georgia range from mild in the cities to extreme cold in the mountains. Here’s what to pack:
Tbilisi & Lowland Cities:
- Warm winter coat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sweaters and layers
- Scarf, gloves, beanie
- Umbrella (rain is common)
- Power bank for long city days
Mountain Regions (Gudauri, Kazbegi, Mestia):
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof ski jacket and pants
- Snow boots with good traction
- Gloves, ski gloves if needed
- Neck warmer or balaclava
- UV sunscreen (snow reflects sunlight)
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Wine Regions & Road Trips:
- Light winter jacket
- Warm socks
- Car chains if driving
- Hand warmers
Other Essentials:
- Cash (mountain regions may have limited card acceptance)
- Travel insurance (especially for skiing)
- Reusable water bottle
Is Georgia Worth Visiting in Winter?
Generally, Georgia is a beautiful yet underrated Eurasian country that offers outdoor adventures, breathtaking natural landscapes, and exciting cultural experiences. It is a less-crowded alternative to more famous European spots like Prague, Edinburgh, or Salzburg – thanks to the medieval atmosphere and magnificent holiday festivities. If you are looking for a less-crowded destination or down for an out-of-the-box adventure, Georgia is 100% worth visiting in winter.
Here’s why:
- Fewer tourists: As Georgia is quite a hidden gem for international crowds, it attracts less tourists compared to famous winter destinations like Austria and Germany
- Affordable prices: Accommodation, ski passes, and food are incredibly budget-friendly
- Snowy landscapes: Seeing the snow-coated Caucasus Mountain, Gergeti Church stands in the middle of pure white mountains, and other breathtaking scenes will be a feast for your eyes
Georgia is an astonishing and unique winter destination. It is not a surprise that spending a winter in Georgia leads to one of the best travel experiences in your life. Then, are you ready to travel to Georgia in the holiday seasonr? Leave the planning part behind and explore with local travel buddies at JoinMyTrip!
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