When to Visit Georgia and How Much a Trip Costs: Seasons and Budget

The short answer: the best months are May to early June and September to October. The full answer depends on what you want, so here is the year season by season, followed by real numbers for the budget.

Georgia by season: a quick overview

• May – early June: everything green, 22–27°C in Tbilisi, reasonable prices.
• July – August: hot in the lowlands (32°C+), ideal in the high mountains.
• September – October: grape harvest in Kakheti, stable weather, the top window.
• December – March: skiing in Gudauri and the lowest city prices of the year.

Spring (May – early June)

Tbilisi sits at 22–27°C, Kakheti is green, and the Caucasus valleys fill with wildflowers. The highest passes (Tusheti, parts of Svaneti) usually open from mid-June, so if you want serious altitude, aim slightly later. For everything else, this is one of the two sweet spots.

Summer: cool air in the Caucasus

In July and August Tbilisi reaches 32–35°C. It is, however, the most reliable period for the high mountains: Kazbegi, Svaneti and Tusheti run at 15–22°C by day, and every road and pass is open. If you come in summer, build the trip around the mountains and keep city days short.

Autumn (September – October): harvest in Kakheti

For us this is the number one period. September gives 24–28°C, the light turns golden, and the rtveli, the grape harvest, takes over Kakheti. Wineries press grapes in front of you and every table fills up. A Kakheti wine day trip in late September is the single best day you can plan in Georgia.

Winter: Gudauri skiing and low Tbilisi prices

Gudauri sits at 2,200 m, two hours from Tbilisi, with a season from December to early April. A day ski pass costs roughly 25–30€ and equipment rental 15–20€, well below most European resorts. Tbilisi itself is quiet and cheap in winter; hotel rates drop 20–30% versus autumn.

Flights from Greece: prices and when to book

Athens to Tbilisi takes about 2 hours 45 minutes direct. Return tickets start around 110–150€ if you book 2–3 months ahead; one-way fares often appear from 51–110€. The most expensive periods are August and the holidays. Cheap flights to Tbilisi are easiest to find for May, June and October departures.

Accommodation costs

• Hostels and guesthouses: 10–25€ per person.
• Good 3-star hotels in Tbilisi: 35–50€ per double room.
• Boutique hotels in the Old Town: 60–70€.
• Family guesthouses in the mountains with breakfast and dinner: 20–30€ per person.

Food, transport and excursions

Khinkali cost 1–1.5 lari each (about 0.35–0.50€) and a full dinner with wine at a good restaurant runs 40–70 lari (13–23€) per person. The Tbilisi metro costs 1 lari, a Bolt ride across town 5–15 lari, and the marshrutka (local minibus) from Tbilisi to Kazbegi about 15–20 lari. An organised Kazbegi day trip with a guide and vehicle costs more than the minibus, but covers Ananuri, Gudauri and Gergeti in one day without logistics.

Sample 5-day budget (per person, excluding flights)

• Budget: 250–350€. Guesthouses, local canteens, metro and marshrutkas, one group excursion.
• Mid-range: 500–650€. A 3-star or boutique hotel, restaurants daily, two day trips, Bolt everywhere.
• Comfortable: 900–1,200€. Old Town boutique hotel, wine tastings, private tours with a driver and guide.

Currency and payments: the lari

Georgia's currency is the lari (GEL); 1€ is roughly 3 lari. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere in Tbilisi, but carry cash for markets, marshrutkas and mountain villages. ATMs are everywhere and euro exchange rates are fair. Many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge to the bill; if not, around 10% is a normal tip.

How to save money

• Book flights 2–3 months ahead and avoid mid-August.
• Travel in May or October: nearly the same weather, lower prices.
• Eat where locals eat; a canteen lunch costs 10–15 lari.
• Use the metro and Bolt instead of street taxis.
• Join group day trips; the per-person cost drops sharply.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Georgia? May to early June and September to October. For skiing, January to March in Gudauri.

Do Greek citizens need a visa? No. You can stay up to one year visa-free with a passport.

How much money per day? Around 40–50€ per day mid-range, excluding accommodation; 70–90€ with a good hotel included.

When are prices lowest? November and January to March, everywhere except Gudauri.

If you want a ready itinerary with dates and prices, tell us about your trip or message us on WhatsApp. The Traverse team answers from Tbilisi and books everything locally.