The diversity of Georgian landscapes and moods – especially during different seasons is truly inspiring. For me personally spring is the most precious among all the other seasons - it's the time when the hybernation mode is finally over and nature rings the bell within my body and soul. But it's a completely different story for a traveler like you - whenever you go to a foreign place, you are curious and you find different things, whatever time of the year it is. I decided to sum up seasons in Georgia and hopefully give you some glimpses of what's to come.
Winter: Adventure and Solace in the Snow
As snow carpets the Georgian mountaineous landscapes (which there are plenty of), a rare type of wilderness emerges—perfect for travelers craving both skiing adrenaline and ancestral comfort.
In the Guria region, perched between 1926–2050 meters, lies Bakhmaro, a hidden winter gem known for its remote location and raw beauty. Accessible only by snowcat, Bakhmaro is a freerider's dream. Deep powder—often up to five meters—covers slopes untouched by lifts or crowds. Snowcat-assisted ski touring and freeriding reign supreme here. Brightly painted wooden cottages, originally built for summer, now stand like winter storybook homes against a pristine backdrop.
Farther north, the Svaneti region offers a high-altitude experience steeped in medieval history. Here, skiing is more than sport—it's a journey through medieval villages, snow-laced peaks, and Svan hospitality. In February, the ancient festival of Lamproba adds a striking cultural dimension. Villagers light tall torches made from pine and birch to honor their ancestors, creating glowing rivers of fire across the snowy night—a beautiful ritual of memory and light.
There are also other Ski resorts in Georgia: 1) Bakuriani famous for it's lush pine forests and more suitable for comfortable family vacations. 2) Gudauri located just 2-2,5 hours away from Tbilisi if you are looking for a short weekend getaway. 3) Goderdzi located in Adjara region, known for it's fantastic snow quality but only very few pistes.
If you do decide to ski somewhere along the lesser or greater Caucasus (especially Bakhmaro), don't forget to take a short detour to Vani archaeological museum en route, which hosts fantastic exhibition of Georgian treasures from bronze age, stunning pieces of jewelry, statues – Vani was apparently Georgian Eldorado back in the day. Not too far from Vani there is another gem of a location, called Dikhashkho -it's an open air, natural, sulfur hot tub which is accessible for whole year, for FREE. Don't get intimidated by some locals joining you in though, there is plenty of space for everyone. After hardcore skiing and sore muscles, soak in this hottub is like a doctors prescription. Other options for soaking and relaxing include the ancient, historic sulphur baths of Tbilisi, with their beehive-shaped domes. These thermal springs have soothed the weary for centuries. Visitors seeking deeper relaxation can also turn to the historic spa towns of Borjomi and Tskaltubo, where mineral waters and wellness rituals have long been part of local life.
Spring: Rebirth, Rituals, and Raw Tradition
As Georgia begins to bloom, ancient traditions stir to life in villages, valleys, and city streets alike.
I vividly remember bizarre scenes from my childhood, when my father used to drive us to the countryside of Georgia in the spring. We would sometimes be stopped on roads by a group of people wearing colorful but partially torn clothes, strange masks of different animals and creatures, holding wooden staffs and demanding money from us. When this happened for the first time, I was scared to depth, but seeing my father smiling at those weirdly dressed creatures and handing them some coins as an offering, made me realize that there is no real danger:
In Kakheti, the Berikaoba festival bursts forth like the spring itself—chaotic, theatrical, and rooted in ancient fertility rites. Performers wear wild animal-hide masks and parade through the streets, playfully demanding wine, bread, and blessings in exchange for good fortune. Choreographed folk tales, music, and Chidaoba wrestling give the festival a folkloric energy few travelers ever witness.
Spring also brings Lelo Burti, Georgia's famously ferocious folk rugby. Played in Shukhuti on Orthodox Easter Sunday, the game has no rules, no field, and no time limit. Two teams push a 16-kilo leather ball across rivers, yards, and open roads—an epic test of strength and unity. While its roots are sacred, Lelo is also a celebration of village pride, echoing Georgia's love of tradition and endurance.
Summer: Festivals, Folklore, and Highland Heritage
With sunlit valleys and open mountain passes, summer in Georgia invites deep exploration—through music, mountains, and ancestral customs.
In Tbilisi, the Art-Gene Festival turns the Open Air Museum into a vibrant celebration of folk music, crafts, and cuisine. Traditional ensembles share the stage with modern musicians, bridging generations in an atmosphere of joyful cultural expression.
In the remote highlands of Tusheti, the Tushetoba Festival honors local heritage with equestrian competitions, feltmaking, and mountain feasts. Visitors can sample Tushetian khinkali, learn about shepherding, and experience the fierce beauty of Georgia's most isolated region.
Summer also brings a new energy to Bakhmaro, where the Doghi horse race in August draws crowds from across Guria. This highland competition—set against misty pine forests—adds excitement to a village better known for its serenity and stunning views.
Regions like Racha, Khevsureti, and Svaneti invite hiking, storytelling, and connection to nature. Wooden balconies overflow with geraniums, and trails lead to waterfalls, ancient towers, and remote monasteries—a summer haven for the culturally curious.
Autumn: Harvests, Festivals, and Sacred Traditions
As the landscape glows with amber and gold, Georgia's autumn becomes a season of gratitude, cultural celebration, and communal spirit.
In Kakheti, the traditional Rtveli grape harvest gathers families and guests for days of picking, pressing, and toasting. Grapes are crushed by foot and poured into ancient qvevri vessels, continuing an 8,000-year-old winemaking legacy. The season ends with a lively supra, filled with song, toasts, and overflowing hospitality.
In Tbilisi, October brings Tbilisoba, a city-wide celebration of heritage and harvest. Rike Park hosts symbolic grape-pressing rituals, while open-air concerts, artisan markets, and food stalls fill the streets. Guests sample traditional dishes like mtsvadi and churchkhela, and watch performances ranging from polyphonic choirs to puppet shows—all culminating in fireworks over the Old Town.
Back in Kakheti, Alaverdoba offers a sacred counterpart to the city's bustle. Pilgrims from across the Caucasus gather at the 6th-century Alaverdi Monastery for solemn processions, candlelight rituals, and a final, powerful tradition—horsemen circling the church while singing the ancient warrior song Dalai.
In November, the nation honors its patron saint on Giorgoba, a blend of solemnity and warmth marked by services, feasts, and toasts. In Svaneti, where Saint George holds special significance, families prepare traditional dishes like kubdari, sing, and dance in a communal affirmation of faith and resilience.
Meanwhile, Batumi closes the season with Batumoba and Gandagana, festive events that showcase Adjarian rural culture through cooking competitions, live music, and crafts markets. With the sea as a backdrop and mountains nearby, it's a fitting conclusion to Georgia's vibrant autumn.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is a land shaped by rhythm—the changing seasons, the cadence of folk songs, the beat of horses' hooves, the clink of toasting glasses. Each time of year offers a unique way to connect—with the land, with its people, and with something timeless.
Whether you're freeriding down untouched snow in Bakhmaro, dancing with berikas in a Kakhetian village, sharing laughter at a summer supra, or pressing grapes in a city square, Georgia invites you to slow down and feel the pulse of tradition.
At Darani, we specialize in crafting immersive, tailor-made journeys through Georgia's seasonal beauty—each experience rooted in authenticity and the soul of place. We have many memories and believe that these memories can be used as a fabric for trips which we are inviting you to!