Winter Georgia: ski resorts, empty Tbilisi and sales

In winter, people travel to Georgia for more than just skiing. Starting in December, the country enters its quiet season: mountain resorts run at full capacity, while Tbilisi empties out from tourist crowds.

Winter in the cities here is mild. We cover Tbilisi weather in more detail below, in the section on warm winters.

Here are five reasons to consider such a trip. We'll also name the catches right away: it's cold in the mountains, daylight hours are short, and the newer resorts still have weak infrastructure.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Why winter Georgia is worth the trip

💡 In short:

• The ski season in Gudauri and Bakuriani runs from December to April.
• Winter in Tbilisi is mild, weather details in section 2.
• In winter, accommodation gets cheaper and there are almost no lines at museums.
• Fairs and New Year's lights run until mid-January.

1. Ski resorts Gudauri and Bakuriani

Georgia has two well-known ski resorts. Gudauri is located in the Greater Caucasus and offers slopes of varying difficulty with modern lifts. Bakuriani in the Lesser Caucasus is more often chosen by families and beginners. Both open their season in December, with snow lasting until April (as of 09/2026, official tourism portal of Georgia).

© David1010 · CC BY-SAPhoto: David1010, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In addition to these, Hatsvali, Tetnuldi, and Goderdzi have appeared in recent years. They have fewer tourists so far, but the infrastructure is minimal too: a couple of lifts, a cafe, and rental equipment. These slopes get more snow and have almost no lines (as of 09/2026, Gudauri.ski portal).

© rugbyxm · CC BYPhoto: rugbyxm, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

A ski pass in Georgia costs several times less than in Austria, Italy, or Switzerland. Hotels near the lower stations get booked up early, especially for New Year dates. Compare hotels in Gudauri on Trip.com.

• The catch: the newer resorts have almost no nightlife and few lifts.

2. Mild winter in Tbilisi

Georgia lies south of the Alps, so winters in the cities are mild. In Tbilisi, daytime temperatures are around 6-8 °C, and at night they drop to around freezing (as of 09/2026, Weather Atlas). Snow in the city is rare.

A light jacket and a raincoat will be enough. It rains on roughly six days a month, and the rest of the time is dry. If you are also heading to the mountains, bring real winter clothing: it is noticeably colder at altitude.

© David1010 · CC BY-SAPhoto: David1010, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

You will not get thirty-degree heat here in winter, and that is normal. Walking around the city is comfortable if you dress for the weather. In the evening, a warm scarf will come in handy.

• The catch: at night it is around freezing, and daylight hours are short.

3. Empty sights

In summer, crowds stand at the entrance to the old town and on the way up to Mtatsminda. In December, you walk through the same places almost alone and take photos without rushing. You enter museums without a queue, even the popular ones.

When demand drops, private guides are more willing to do an individual tour at a group price. It is better to discuss this in advance by message. Find Tbilisi tours on GetYourGuide.

© Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BYPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Empty streets make for calm shots. You can study the facades without waiting for a clear angle. Photographers value winter in the old town precisely for this.

4. New Year lights and fairs

By mid-December, cities start to light up. Garlands hang not only on central avenues but also in parks, so an evening walk feels festive. The lights stay up until mid-January.

The country's main Christmas tree is set up on First Republic Square in Tbilisi. It is lit in the second half of December, usually in the evening. From that day on, the fair stalls open as well.

© David Osipov 0000 0005 1802 960X 0009-0005-2713-9242 · CC BYPhoto: David Osipov 0000 0005 1802 960X 0009-0005-2713-9242, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The fairs follow a European model: areas near shopping centers, parks, and streets with cafes. The selection includes souvenirs, clothing and cosmetics from local makers, street food, and mulled wine. Locals are skeptical about mulled wine and say that boiling wine means wasting the product.

In the evenings, local bands perform songs in Georgian at the main fairs. Entry is free, so you just show up and listen.

• The catch: the exact date of the tree lighting is announced shortly before the holiday.

5. Sales and cheap accommodation

In winter, the discount season starts in local stores. Prices are cut on items from local designers and major brands, and Tbilisi has a large selection of designer clothing. You can shop the sales in other months too, but in winter the discounts are deeper.

Outside the tourist season, accommodation costs drop as well. You pay less for the same apartment than in May or September. Check hotel prices in Tbilisi.

• The catch: over the New Year dates, accommodation prices spike and the savings disappear.

How to get to the mountain resorts

The easiest way to reach Gudauri and Bakuriani is from Tbilisi. The road to Gudauri follows the Georgian Military Road and takes a few hours with stops for views. Public transport runs, but with transfers.

Khatsvali, Tetnuldi and Goderdzi are easier to reach from Batumi or Kutaisi. Taxi apps and private transfers operate within the country, so you don't need your own car.

Book a Tbilisi - Gudauri transfer.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Tbilisi in December?

Winter in Tbilisi is mild, snow in the city is rare, rain is more common. Temperatures and the number of rainy days are described in the "Mild winter in Tbilisi" section. In the mountains at the same time, temperatures stay below freezing and there is snow cover, so bring a separate set of warm clothes for Gudauri.

How much does a ski pass cost in Georgia?

A ski pass costs noticeably less than at Alpine resorts. In Gudauri it comes to about 70 lari. The exact price depends on the resort, the season and the number of ski days. Multi-day passes work out cheaper per day. Current rates are published on resort websites before the season opens.

Is it worth going skiing without your own gear?

Yes, gear is easy to rent on site. Rental shops and ski schools operate near the lifts in Gudauri and Bakuriani, so you don't have to bring your own skis. A set is rented by the day or for several days. Over the New Year dates, it's better to book rentals in advance, when demand peaks.

What is there to do in Tbilisi in winter without skiing?

Walk around the old town, go up to Mtatsminda and visit museums without queues. In December, fairs and New Year lights are added, and local bands perform in the squares in the evenings. Tours in the low season are cheaper than in summer.

When is the main Christmas tree lit in Tbilisi?

The ceremony takes place in the second half of December on First Republic Square, usually in the evening. The exact date is announced a few days in advance, so check local event listings. The fair stalls open together with the lighting of the lights.

In short: who winter Georgia suits

Winter Georgia suits those who want to ski cheaper than in the Alps and stroll through uncrowded cities. The choice matrix is simple:

• If your goal is the mountains: choose Gudauri.
• If you're traveling with children: choose Bakuriani.
• If you only need the city and fairs: stay in Tbilisi.
• If you want cheap accommodation: plan dates outside the New Year week.

Before your trip, compare prices: hotels in Gudauri and transfer from Tbilisi. That way you'll work out your budget in advance and won't overpay on the spot.