While I often say there’s no ‘bad time’ to visit Tbilisi, summer is definitely my least favourite time of year in Georgia’s capital. The reason is simple: It’s just too hot!
Temperatures of 40°C in July and August in Tbilisi are not uncommon. Combined with blazing sun and thick air, I find summer oppressive and energy-draining.
Having lived in Georgia for over two years now and experienced Tbilisi in every season, I think the city has a different feel in summer. When the mercury rises, locals who can head to the mountains or the coast for some reprieve. Tourists arrive in their place, and the city centre starts to feel a bit claustrophobic.
Looking beyond the city? Here are my 15 favourite things to do in Georgia in summer.
Having said that, if your only opportunity to visit Tbilisi is during summer, then you should of course still take it! If you’re the kind of person who enjoys warm temperatures, you’ll have no issues. If not, there are things you can do to beat the heat – plus lots of special summer-approved activities, festivals and other events to enjoy.
Read on for my selection of the best things to do in Tbilisi in summer plus suggested summer day trips.
Also see: My mega list of things to do in Tbilisi in any season.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
How hot does it get in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi is located in a valley surrounded by hills. Because of this, temperatures rise quickly and it always feels a few degrees warmer than it actually is, especially if there’s no breeze. Air quality is also an issue, but on the plus side there are fewer cars in the city during summer holidays.
July and August are the hottest months in Tbilisi, with average highs of around 30-33°C. June and September are also warm, averaging highs of 26-28°C.
June in Tbilisi
Every year is different, but generally speaking the first half of June normally feels like a continuation of spring in Georgia. It can be windy and rainy, but at least it’s cool. It gets progressively warmer as June rolls on, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s by month’s end.
June is wetter and slightly more humid than July and August, but it’s still a nice time to visit as there are fewer tourists around and you can catch the last of the spring blooms.
Also read: Special things to do in Tbilisi during spring.
July in Tbilisi
Things really start to warm up in Tbilisi in July. The average high is 31°C – but you’ll find the mercury pushing 40°C for consecutive days by the middle of the month. 42°C is the record high for July.
The feel of the city changes in July when school holidays come around. Businesses stay open, but many local families leave for the villages or the coast. It’s far too hot and dry in Tbilisi for my liking – being outdoors for long periods of time simply isn’t pleasant.
On the plus side, July is one of the driest months of the year and has the most sunshine hours. Long days = more time for fun!
August in Tbilisi
Much like July, August brings oppressive heat to Georgia’s lowlands, including Tbilisi. Temperatures are roughly the same, with an average high of 31°C, but the heat almost seems to have a cumulative effect so that by the end of August, the sun leaves you feeling completely drained.
September in Tbilisi (AKA the ‘fourth month of summer’)
September is so warm, it’s sometimes called the ‘fourth month of summer’. The average high for September in Tbilisi is 26°C, but temperatures do reach the high 30s. Cooler evenings (dropping down to 15°C) take the edge off.
The first signs of autumn foliage appearing at higher altitudes and special cultural celebrations such as the Rtveli wine harvest makes September (especially late September) one of the best overall times to visit Georgia. I have not included September in this post – see my full guide to visiting Georgia in autumn for ideas.
Also read: Special things to do in Tbilisi in autumn.
Cool ways to beat the heat in Tbilisi this summer
Now that you have a rough idea of what to expect from the weather, here are my recommended summer activities, excursions, and tips for beating the summer heat.
1. Wake up early & wander the empty streets
Something curious I’ve noticed about Tbilisi is that people don’t adjust their hours during summer. After spending so much time in Southeast Asia, where people take advantage of the cooler mornings to get their shopping and outdoor work done, I was expecting something similar in Georgia. But no, it’s still very quiet in Tbilisi on summer mornings. Instead, people work and play much later into the evening.
That means you have a good 4-5 hours between the sun coming up and most people starting their day. Embrace the cooler temperatures and quiet streets and do your exploring while the rest of the city is still sleeping.
Tbilisi is a walking city, and you can easily spend hours in neighbourhoods such as Sololaki and Chugureti simply getting lost down side streets and admiring the eclectic architecture. Tbilisi’s shared yards are a beautiful sight in the summer months, laden with overgrowing vines and laundry lines.
If the sun starts to pinch at your shoulders, dive into a shady courtyard or duck into a cool entryway.
Related: Beautiful buildings, courtyards and entryways in Tbilisi.
2. Enjoy a pool day in a spectacular setting
There are dozens of swimming pools in and around Tbilisi, many of them offering day passes.
Choose from inner-city highrise pools with spectacular views of the Old Town – Anne Semonin Spa at the Radisson Blu Iveria is very impressive – or chill on a sunbed at Forma Summer in Chugureti. The latter is one of many new ‘destination swimming pools’ around Tbilisi where there is also a bar, a restaurant and a DJ deck for all-day-all-night entertainment.
If you’re prepared to go a bit further afield, there are some great resort-style outdoor pools north of Tbilisi in Mtskheta and Saguramo.
Related: The best swimming pools in and around Tbilisi.
3. Head for the hills
If you can manage to find your way out of the valley, it always feels a few degrees cooler when you’re standing atop one of Tbilisi’s many hills or ridges.
Mtatsminda, the highest summit in the city centre, is an obvious choice. There isn’t much to do there during the day, but it’s a great place for sunset views.
Betlemi Rise on Narikala Hill is a nice place to eat a picnic lunch and breathe in (relatively) fresh air. The Open Air Museum of Ethnography is located in the hills and usually feels quite fresh (though it is all outdoors and requires walking in the sun), while the National Botanical Gardens has some shaded hiking paths.
4. Chill out at an urban lake
There are three major lakes in Tbilisi: Turtle Lake, Lisi Lake and the Tbilisi Sea. The latter is actually a reservoir. It has ‘beaches’, lakeside bars and a watersports complex. Swimming is technically OK, but I’ll let you make the call.
Lisi Lake above the Saburtalo neighbourhood is my favourite lake in Tbilisi. It is small but has a picturesque mountain backdrop, with bike paths (and a bike hire shop), restaurants, and even a sauna and sulfur bathhouse.
Further afield, Sioni Lake and Bazaleti Lake can both be reached in under 1.5 hours from Tbilisi by car.
5. Go underground
There are subterranean cellars, chambers and basements all over Tbilisi. Sunk deep into the earth where cool water springs trickle down and lined with bricks, they are always surprisingly cool in summer!
It’s not a bad idea to try and head underground during the hottest part of the day. You could tour the Tbilisi Wine Museum and spend a good two hours learning about Georgia’s 8000 years of viniculture while wandering the cool lower levels of the old palace and caravanserai.
Some bars in Tbilisi such as Ghvino Underground and Spirit are located in beautiful old brick cellars. Restaurants such as Pictograma, underneath the Hotel London, and Klike’s Khinkali, also with a basement location, offer cool summer dining experiences.
6. Eat a lazy garden lunch
By the same token, summer is a great time for outdoor dining in Tbilisi, with many of the city’s best restaurants offering shady courtyards and leafy terraces.
My favourite outdoor restaurants include Sofia Melnikova’s, Ninia’s Garden, Makashvilebtan and Cafe Littera. They tend to fill up fast, especially on busy summer evenings, so it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time.
Related: 35 of the best restaurants in Tbilisi for this year.
7. Cool off with a gourmet ice cream
Georgia doesn’t traditionally have much of a dessert culture, but Tbilisi sure loves its ice cream. In addition to the many year-round ice cream shops there are also pop-up parlours that appear in popular locations during summer and inside street markets (more on markets later).
The Cone Culture is my favourite ice cream shop in Tbilisi. Imaginative flavour combinations are inspired by local ingredients: Adjika and vanilla, black tea and brownie, tarragon and apricot. You can find them on Shevchenko Street, behind Rustaveli Avenue, and inside the new Orbeliani Bazaar.
For classic scoops and yummy frappes, crowd-favourite Luca Polare is a Georgian chain with branches all over Tbilisi and beyond.
On hot summer nights, nothing beats an alcoholic icy treat from Cream Bar. This quirky bar on Kostava Street (opposite Stamba Hotel) serves boozy ice creams and adults-only shaved ice.
8. Gorge on summer fruits & guzzle homemade lemonade
One of the best things about summer in Georgia is the abundance of fresh produce. You know it’s summer in Tbilisi when you feel your shoes sticking to the sidewalk because of all the squished berries lying about!
Blueberries, blackberries, mulberries, raspberries and berries I’ve never seen before and don’t know the names of – they all grow in Georgia and make their way into Tbilisi’s markets from late June onwards. After spotting the first berries, wait a few weeks for prices to come down. Once they hit the sweet spot, a kilogram of berries costs 8-12 GEL.
Another classic sign of summer is when you start seeing Lada cars with their boots popped and stacks of giant watermelons inside. Some vendors sell frozen watermelon and in the villages, you’ll always see watermelons chilling under a running cold water tap.
Georgia has an amazing array of stone fruits (peaches, apricots), pears, quince, and later in summer, figs and persimmons. Many chefs create special dishes around these fruits, local mushrooms and fresh leafy greens – look out for summer specials on cafe menus.
Another perfect way to cool down is with a jug of homemade Georgian lemonade – which is not like regular lemonade at all. It’s not super sweet or sugary: this delicious local beverage is made by combining carbonated mineral water with fresh fruit, mint and ice. It’s very refreshing and my go-to drink whenever I eat out in summer.
9. Spend the evening at an outdoor cinema
There are several venues that screen outdoor films throughout the summer months, including social enterprise Cafe Mziuri. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Fabrika runs a summer Cine-Club on their rooftop, with plein-air screenings of international movies and new Georgian films. Details here.
10. Enjoy the many summer street markets & food festivals
Every summer, STALL organises street food, handicraft and agrarian markets at various parks and green spaces around Tbilisi, and on Rustaveli Avenue.
Markets are also staged during spring and autumn, and in winter as part of Tbilisi’s Christmas celebrations. But the summer markets are usually some of the best, especially the evening food markets. Check STALL’s Facebook page for upcoming dates.
11. Immerse yourself in Georgian culture at the Art-Gene Fest
The Art-Gene Festival was established in 2004 and takes place every year in July at the Open Air Museum of Ethnography near Turtle Lake.
A celebration of Georgian folklore and cultural traditions, it features folk music concerts and dance performances, craft and culinary demonstrations, contemporary art showcases, and wine-making displays from Georgia’s different regions. Sukhishvili, Georgia’s national ballet, usually performs.
The festival is normally held over two weekends (six days in total) in mid to late July, from late afternoon until the evening. In 2022, Art-Gene took place on July 15-17 and 22-24. It’s a ticketed event – more information and prices here.
12. Watch Sukhishvili at Takara
Seeing a Sukhishvili performance is one of the best things you can possibly do in Georgia. I’ve been lucky enough to see them twice now, once at a backstage rehearsal and again at a special concert for Ukraine.
The troop usually returns home to Tbilisi in July for a short run of summer performances in between touring Europe. In recent years, they have been performing at Takara, a purpose-built outdoor stage located 30 minutes from the city.
Tickets are available through TKT.GE. As soon as a show is announced, it sells out – so you have to get in quick.
Related: Where to hear Georgian folk music and watch traditional dance in Tbilisi.
13. Attend WinExpo
Held in the first weeks of June, WinExpo is the only international wine and spirits fair in the South Caucasus.
Hundreds of winemakers and wine professionals from Georgia and across the region gather at Expo Georgia to showcase their latest creations and technologies. It’s an all-you-can-drink event and a whole lot of fun to attend, especially if you’re interested in wine.
In 2022, WinExpo was held on June 10-12. More information and tickets here.
14. Watch a rugby match at Dinamo Stadium
Summer sports season in Tbilisi sees the city’s largest arena, Dinamo Stadium, host rugby and football matches almost every weekend. Tournament matches held as part of the UEFA Nations League, Europe Conference League and Erovnuli Liga always attract big, raucous crowds.
With a history going back to 1925, FC Dinamo Tbilisi is the beloved home team and battles it out with other regional teams (from Kutaisi, Batumi and Tskaltubo) or is matched up against Dynamo Moscow or Dynamo Kyiv.
It can be tricky to find information about upcoming matches – it’s often easiest to visit the stadium box office in person, or you can check on TKT.GE.
More things to do in Georgia in summer – around Tbilisi
Here are more ideas for things to do beyond Tbilisi city plus easy summer day trips.
15. Hide out in the forest
There are plenty of leafy forests right on Tbilisi’s doorstep where you can get some respite from the heat under a thick canopy of trees.
To the north-east, Tbilisi National Park has several walking trails. The hike to Martkopi Monastery is particularly nice.
To the west, Algeti National Park is a jungle paradise with both coniferous forests and rainforest-like areas. There are sheltered walking tracks that follow ambling streams, and there’s also a rope park. In summer, it’s best to stick to the area behind Manglisi and avoid Birtvisi Fortress, as the rocky canyon is very exposed and scorching hot.
Related: The best hiking trails in and around Tbilisi.
16. Escape to higher ground
The mountains and high plateaus that form Tbilisi’ natural border are another great place to cool off and fill your lungs with fresh air.
Close to the city, Kojori is accessible by city bus. Summit the ruins of Azeula Fortress and visit the abandoned summer house that was once frequented by Lavrentiy Beria (according to legend, anyway).
The Didgori Battle Memorial is an hour’s drive from Tbilisi and is one of the most spectacular locations in Georgia in my books.
Because it’s higher up, it’s pleasantly cool and in summer, the fields are plastered with wildflowers. This is another great picnic spot – and the drive through the hills from the Manglisi side is incredible.
Further afield, the Javakheti Plateau is one of the coldest places in lowland Georgia, covered in snow for most of the year and also surprisingly cool during summer. Hire a bicycle and ride around the lakes – you might get lucky and spot some nesting birds. The canyons around Tsalka and hiking routes in Trialeti National Park are also very appealing.
For an extended day trip or overnight escape, the mountain regions of Kazbegi and Racha are both a 3-4 hour drive from Tbilisi.
17. Swim in a waterfall near Tbilisi
There are two urban waterfalls in Tbilisi city centre, one behind the sulfur baths and another (more magnificent) one inside the Botanical Garden.
West of Tbilisi towards Gori in Shida Kartli region you can find natural waterfalls in the Ateni, Rkoni and Tana valleys. Biisi Waterfall in Ateni Gorge is one of the most beautiful. In winter, it’s a popular spot for ice climbing. In summer, you can walk a short trail (marked here on Wikiloc) to visit the sheer-rock cascade and swim in the Tkhinala River.
18. Go rafting on the Aragvi River
The Mtiuleti Aragvi and Gudamakari Aragvi (two of many rivers named ‘Aragvi’ in Georgia – this was done on purpose to confuse enemy invaders) both originate in Georgia’s high mountains and meet near Pasanauri, a village on the Georgian Military Highway that leads from Tbilisi to Kazbegi and the Russian border. Also known as the ‘White and Black Aragvi’, this viewpoint is famous for its views of the point where the dark and light waters meet.
This is a great place for white-water rafting, with several outfits operating from Pasanauri and the other side of the valley. Aragvi Adventure Center is one of the most reputable and has been running for over a decade. Their office is a 1.5 hour drive from Tbilisi.
Guided 75-minute trips along the Pshavi Aragvi River start from May. Graded moderate but suitable for first-timers, it offers just enough adventure – and naturally lots of refreshing spray. More information and booking via their Facebook page.
Weekend Travelers Georgia often organises small group rafting trips in early summer. Keep an eye on the WT website for event announcements, and remember to mention Wander-Lush at the time of booking to get 10% off any tour.
19. Eat at a farm-to-table restaurant
Farm-to-table restaurants are becoming popular in Georgia, with several new venues popping up this summer. Salty Garden Tavern in Mlashe and lostinbazaleti on the shore of Bazaleti Lake (both 60 minutes from Tbilisi by Bolt taxi) are idyllic summer escapes, where you can spend a day eating good food, sipping Georgian wine, and basking in the scenery.
As well as serving artisanal cheese and some of the best regional food in Kakheti, Marleta’s Farm in Telavi has an inviting pool that looks out towards the Greater Caucasus. It’s under two hours from Tbilisi via the green Gombori Pass, which is splendid to drive along in summer.
The new Silver Lakes Farm near Telavi, co-founded by Georgian celebrity chef Tekuna Gachechiladze, has a series of cabins and a swimming pool set around picturesque artificial lakes. It’s primarily a hotel, but the restaurant welcomes day guests. The kitchen spotlights local and seasonal ingredients, including produce cultivated on the grounds: Foraged mushrooms, wild plums, peaches and greens.
Quick tips for visiting Tbilisi in summer
- Summer is peak season in Tbilisi and Georgia, so some forward planning is recommended. Book your hotels in advance, and reserve tickets for popular travel routes (particularly the Tbilisi to Batumi train) as far ahead of time as possible.
- Some restaurants in Tbilisi require a reservation in summer. If in doubt, contact them on Facebook or give them a quick call to check.
- AC is common throughout Tbilisi in restaurants, cafes and shopping malls. All hotels and most guesthouses and Airbnbs have AC.
- Avoid using public transport (particularly the metro) during peak hour in summer as it can be very cramped and sweaty! Peak hour in Tbilisi is from around 10am in the morning and from 7pm in the evening.
What to pack for a summer trip to Tbilisi
The dress code in Tbilisi is more relaxed in summer, but I still recommend wearing long, loose clothing that will protect your skin from the sun. Remember you still need to cover up when visiting churches and monasteries, even in the city centre.
Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent as both can be tricky to find and expensive to buy in Georgia. A hat and sunglasses are also essential.
See my full Georgia packing list for more suggestions.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
HOSTEL
Pushkin 10
MID-RANGE
Graphica Hotel
BOUTIQUE
Communal Sololaki
HIGH-END
Stamba Hotel
More Tbilisi posts you’ll love
- Georgia Travel Guide – all my 200+ posts for Georgia
- 25 Tbilisi travel tips – essential reading for first-timers
- The ultimate Georgia itinerary – the best of Tbilisi & beyond in 1-4 weeks
- How to plan your Caucasus travel itinerary – discover Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
- What to pack for a trip to Georgia – and what to wear in Tbilisi
- How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city – 5 best transport options
- The best things to do in Tbilisi – the ultimate insider’s city guide
- Where to stay in Tbilisi – best neighbourhoods & accommodations
- The best restaurants in Tbilisi – where to find the best Georgian food
- The best cafes in Tbilisi – for coworking, coffee & more
- The best breakfasts in Tbilisi – cafes that open early
- The best gift shops in Tbilisi – where to buy authentic souvenirs
- The best walking tours in Tbilisi – discover the city by foot
- Tbilisi’s best walking streets – architecture, people-watching & street photography
- The best boutique hotels in Tbilisi – art hotels, wine hotels & more
- The best hostels in Tbilisi – accommodation on a budget
- Visiting Gulo’s Spa – the best sulfur bath in Tbilisi
- Visiting the Dezerter Bazaar – Tbilisi’s incredible green market
All comments are moderated and may take a little while to appear. If you’ve submitted your comment, I’ve got it!