When you are looking for a destination that combines lower prices, winter atmosphere, and the beginning of the ski season, Georgia in December becomes one of the options worth considering. Tourist crowds decrease during the month, while the ski season officially begins on the twenty-seventh of it. Tbilisi transforms into a festive city filled with lights and winter markets, at the same time as the mountains become covered in snow. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Georgia in December, this guide will help you choose the right destination while knowing the weather, activities, and practical tips.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Georgia
December is classified within the low tourist season in Georgia, which is reflected in lower hotel and trip prices compared to summer. Most attractions and restaurants continue to operate normally in Tbilisi and major cities, while winter markets start in mid-December and continue until the beginning of January. For those who want to ski, the season officially begins in Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia, and Goderdzi on the twenty-seventh of the month.
The festive season reaches its peak on the thirty-first of December, when Tbilisi hosts fireworks and a free concert on Rustaveli Avenue. Some small restaurants and shops may close between the thirty-first of December and the first week of January, but this does not prevent Tbilisi from retaining enough activity throughout the month.
Weather in Georgia in December
One single weather description cannot be given for Georgia in December, because temperatures and snow amounts differ significantly by region. The following table shows the main differences between the most important destinations.
| Destination | Best For | Snow | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | Urban tourism and celebrations | Rare | 0 to 8 degrees |
| Gudauri | Skiing and snow sports | Abundant | -6 to -2 degrees |
| Bakuriani | Skiing and families | Abundant | -5 to -1 degrees |
| Kazbegi | Mountain scenery | Heavy | -10 to -5 degrees |
| Borjomi | Thermal springs and relaxation | Moderate | 0 to 6 degrees |
| Kutaisi | Urban tourism | Light | 2 to 8 degrees |
| Batumi | Winter coast | Rare | 7 to 12 degrees |
| Mestia | Skiing and culture | Very heavy | -20 to -5 degrees |
Despite the winter atmosphere, Tbilisi usually sees only two or three days of snow annually, and snow does not last long there. In contrast, the semi-tropical climate makes Batumi the warmest destination in Georgia during winter. As for Mestia, temperatures may reach 20 degrees below zero in January, which makes December more suitable for visiting it.
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Best Places to Visit in Georgia in December
Choosing the best place depends on the type of experience you want, because each destination offers a different aspect of Georgian winter.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi in December suits those who want to combine urban tourism and festive atmosphere in the same trip. Winter lights decorate Rustaveli Avenue and the Old Town, while winter markets spread across several areas, including the famous Fabrika Market. Temperatures during the day range between zero and 8 degrees, and may drop to zero at night.
The value of the sulfur baths in Abanotubani increases during cold weather, while museums, churches, and markets continue to receive visitors throughout the month. As for the thirty-first of December, it turns Rustaveli Avenue into a pedestrian zone hosting a free concert and fireworks that residents and visitors attend together.
Gudauri
When skiing and snow sports are needed, Gudauri is one of the most important options in Georgia during late December. The season officially begins on the twenty-seventh of the month with the lifts running, and temperatures range between 6 degrees below zero and 2 degrees below zero.
The resort’s altitude exceeding 2200 meters helps provide snow, while the equipped trails extend for 80 kilometers and suit different levels. Alongside skiing, the new Gudauri provides restaurants and bars that are active during the evening. Reaching it from Tbilisi takes about two hours by car via the Georgian Military Highway.
Bakuriani
For families and beginners, Bakuriani offers a different experience from Gudauri thanks to the green and blue slopes at Didveli. Its lifts start operating on the twentieth of December, a few days before Gudauri.
The pine forests covered in snow give the resort a visually different appearance from Gudauri, while the town itself has shops, restaurants, and a train station connecting it to Borjomi and Tbilisi.
Kazbegi
Kazbegi suits those for whom snow-covered mountain scenery is the main priority of their trip. Gergeti Church appears above the hill with the snow of Mount Kazbek in the background, while temperatures range between 10 and 5 degrees below zero.
The Tbilisi–Kazbegi road remains open, but driving on it requires caution. The area can be visited on a day trip from Tbilisi, but spending one night allows viewing the scenery at sunrise and sunset better. For accommodation, Rooms Kazbegi is considered one of the best options in the area.
Borjomi
If the goal is rest and relaxation, Borjomi provides a calmer atmosphere with temperatures ranging between zero and 6 degrees. The central parks and the open thermal springs that were once private baths for the Romanov family give the visitor a different experience in the winter cold.
Borjomi is distinguished by more moderate temperatures than Gudauri and Kazbegi, with the possibility of stopping in front of the Golden Tulip Hotel with its Persian design for photos even without staying there. The city is located four hours from Tbilisi, and it can also be used as a stop on the way to Bakuriani for skiing.
Kutaisi
Temperatures in Kutaisi during December range between 2 and 8 degrees, with lower crowds that make visiting Gelati Monastery and Motsameta Monastery more comfortable.
The local markets and streets give the trip an authentic character away from intensive tourism. Kutaisi can also be used as a starting point for visiting Bakuriani resort on a day trip.
Batumi
Batumi is the most suitable option for those who want higher temperatures on the Georgian coast, as they range during December between 7 and 12 degrees. The Black Sea looks completely different from summer, and the pebbly beaches become almost empty.
Museums and restaurants continue to operate, but the atmosphere is much quieter than the summer season. As for the mountain areas of Adjara near Batumi, they see heavy snowfall, which adds another option for adventure lovers.
Mestia
Mestia in December suits adventurers more than a tourist looking for an easy winter trip. The snow-covered Svaneti defensive towers give the area an exceptional sight, while the Hatsvali resort may be ready in late December even though Tetnuldi opens on the fourth of January.
Temperatures at night may reach 20 degrees below zero, and the road requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Museums and restaurants in the city remain open throughout the season, but reaching it from Tbilisi takes about 10 hours, so travel there requires careful advance planning.
Read more: Tbilisi Georgia Attractions
Best Places for Adventure Lovers
Those looking for adventure in December have more than one way to enjoy the Georgian winter.
- Skiing in Gudauri: Starts on the twenty-seventh of December, with 80 kilometers of trails suitable for different levels.
- Skiing in Bakuriani: Starts on the twentieth of December, and is more suitable for families and beginners.
- Snowshoeing: You can practise it in the valleys of Kazbegi and Mestia with a specialized local guide.
- Kobi-Gudauri Cable Car Ride: Extends across the Caucasus mountains and provides views of Mount Kazbek.
- Frozen Waterfalls: You can see them in Dariali Gorge near Kazbegi during mid-winter.
- Quad Bike Mountain Safari: Provides in Bakuriani a means to reach the remote Lake Tabatskuri.
New Year’s Celebrations in Georgia
The thirty-first of December is the biggest celebration in Georgia throughout the year. Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi turns into a pedestrian zone after being closed to cars, and a free concert is held and broadcast by the national television. At midnight, fireworks are launched and fill the city sky.
Georgian celebrations of the New Year are not limited to one night; they first celebrate on the thirty-first of December, then a second time on the fourteenth of January on the occasion of the Orthodox New Year. The first celebration is noisier, while the seventh of January brings an Orthodox religious celebration that includes the Alilo procession from the churches to Sameba Cathedral.
As for the winter markets, they start in Tbilisi from mid-December and include shops for handicrafts, local food, and hot drinks. Among these markets, Fabrika Market stands out as one of the most lively options.
What to Pack for Georgia in December
What you need to put in your bag depends on the areas you will visit and the nature of the planned activities.
For Tbilisi and Cities:
- A warm winter coat.
- Waterproof shoes.
- A hat, gloves, and scarf.
- Multiple layers of clothing.
For Mountain Resorts and Skiing:
- Waterproof ski clothing or renting it from the resort.
- Heavy ski socks.
- Ski goggles or reflective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays reflected by snow.
- Thermal inner layers.
For All Destinations:
- Travel insurance that includes winter sports, which is mandatory for entry into Georgia since January 2026.
- A Metromoney card for using the metro and cable car in Tbilisi.
- The Bolt app for taxis.
- Light laundry powder because dryers are rare in Georgia.
Travel Tips for Visiting Georgia in December
Before traveling to Georgia in December, there are a set of practical matters that must be checked.
- Comprehensive travel insurance for winter sports is mandatory for entry into Georgia since January 2026 with a minimum of 30,000 lari of coverage.
- When renting a car for mountain areas, choose a four-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires that are mandatory between the first of December and the first of March.
- The Tbilisi–Kazbegi Military Highway may close for hours or days due to the risk of avalanches, so follow the GeoRoad page on Facebook.
- Gudauri hotels need early booking because the beginning of the ski season raises occupancy quickly, especially during New Year’s week.
- Checking the hotel’s location alone is not enough in Tbilisi; check also the type of heating, because many old buildings use fireplaces instead of central heating.
- The sun sets in winter around five-thirty in the evening, so make outdoor visits and activities in the morning as much as possible.
Read more: Best Skiing in Georgia
Is Georgia Expensive in December
December is considered one of the cheapest times to visit Georgia, except for New Year’s week. Tbilisi hotel prices drop noticeably compared to summer, while ski resorts are the main exception; accommodation prices in Gudauri and Bakuriani rise with the start of the season, especially between December 28th and January 1st.
Restaurant, transportation, and attraction prices remain at their usual levels throughout the year. When compared to most European destinations, Georgia remains clearly less expensive even during peak season.
Why Choose Makani Travel and Tourism for Your Georgia Trip in December
Makani Travel and Tourism has been operating for more than 22 years as a licensed agency based in Ajman, with a direct presence in Georgia. Its record supports its ranking among the top 100 travel companies in the world and its receipt of the Best Agency in Ajman 2025 award. For winter trips, the company provides a set of dedicated services.
- December packages that combine accommodation, transportation, and tours according to the traveler’s budget and interests.
- The direct presence in Georgia helps provide exclusive hotel prices and ski packages.
- The team follows the trip from the initial inquiry until the traveler returns to minimize surprises during the trip.
Contact Makani now and book your place in Georgia in December.
Conclusion
Before choosing your destination, determine the type of experience you want from December in Georgia; the country combines during this month lower prices, a festive atmosphere, and the beginning of the ski season. The best places to visit in Georgia in December differ with the goal: Tbilisi for the city and celebrations, Gudauri and Bakuriani for skiing, Kazbegi for mountains and scenery, and Batumi for the warmer coast. Early planning remains particularly important during New Year’s week because of the high demand for bookings.
FAQs
Is Georgia worth visiting in December?
Yes, especially for those who want lower prices, lighter crowds, and a winter atmosphere. The ski season begins in late December, and New Year’s celebrations in Tbilisi add a different experience.
Where to go in Georgia in December?
Choose Tbilisi for celebrations, Gudauri and Bakuriani for skiing, Kazbegi for the mountains, Borjomi for springs and relaxation, and Batumi for those who want warmer weather on the coast.
Which part of Georgia is most beautiful?
That depends on the required experience; in December Kazbegi stands out with Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Church, while Mestia provides the snow-covered Svaneti towers for adventure lovers.
Is 3 days enough for Tbilisi?
Yes, three days are enough for the most prominent attractions: the Old Town, the baths, and Narikala, then the museums, Rustaveli, and Sameba, with the third day dedicated to a trip to Mtskheta.
Is Georgia cheap or expensive?
Georgia is affordable compared to Western Europe, and prices drop in December compared to summer, except for ski resorts during New Year’s week.
Is Georgia or Turkey better?
The choice depends on the trip’s goal; Georgia for nature, skiing, and a less crowded atmosphere, and Turkey for history, entertainment, and a wider tourist infrastructure. In December, Georgia stands out for the winter experience.
