Kakheti is a magnificent land of valleys and vineyards framed by a chain of mountain peaks. This region in the east of Georgia is one of the most picturesque places in the country. You can travel here at any time of year, as even in winter the weather is fairly mild. The climate of Kakheti gives each season its own unique character, and each one appears to travellers and locals alike with its own special charm.
In terms of its landscape, Kakheti is a fairly diverse region. It has wide plains, mountain ranges and the full-flowing Alazani River, which runs through almost the entire area. Naturally, the scenery and weather conditions vary somewhat from one district to another. On the whole, however, air temperature and humidity stay within roughly the same range.
Climatically, Kakheti belongs to the humid subtropical zone. Summers here are fairly hot, with few clouds and light winds. Winters in the region are relatively mild, with rare snowfall. The transitional seasons also have their own distinctive features. As a result, the landscapes of Kakheti change and transform from month to month, so travelling through the region at different times of year will surprise and delight you on every visit.
The large number of sunny days, moderate humidity and rich, fertile soils of Kakheti have made it an ideal place for growing grapes. That is why the region is dotted everywhere with neat rows of vines. It has been proven that the people of these lands were making wine thousands of years ago. It is worth noting that the grapevine is a rather demanding plant, and many favourable conditions must come together to produce a full harvest of large, juicy berries. Its climate makes Kakheti the region of Georgia where thousands of tonnes of large bunches of grapes are harvested every year.
Weather Conditions
Spring in Kakheti starts in the very first days of March. Apricot trees blossom here earlier than anywhere else in Georgia, and as early as May the locals pick the first harvests of strawberries, peaches, plums and even watermelons. Everything around is in bloom, rose buds open, the air is filled with enchanting scents, and the sun warms the earth more and more with each passing day. It is in spring that the famous lavender fields near the village of Nukriani begin to bloom. This is a favourite location for photo shoots and for capturing the endless land glowing with lilac colour.
As early as March, daytime temperatures can reach 18°C, and in April 20°C. May in Kakheti already feels almost like summer: a comfortable 25°C lets you enjoy the surrounding beauty in light T-shirts, shorts and dresses.
Summer in Kakheti is warm, with occasional fairly hot days. However, travelling around the region involves visiting sights located on higher ground, so your journey will be accompanied by a light, fresh breeze. If you set off to explore Lagodekhi National Park, its rushing rivers will give you a chance to cool off and recharge with pure natural energy. Rain is fairly rare in summer, and temperatures stay at around 28–35°C.
Autumn in Kakheti can be divided into two stages. Hot weather lasts until mid- to late October, and it feels as if summer has no intention of ending. It is at this time that Kakheti hosts Rtveli, the traditional grape harvest festival, in which all the local winemaking households take part. The second half of autumn can rightly be called “golden”. Nature’s colours change from green to orange, yellow, red and purple, and the surrounding mountain slopes are transformed beyond recognition.
Travelling around Kakheti in autumn is a real pleasure! The temperature averages 18–20°C, and there are very few rainy days.
Winter in Kakheti is another time of transformation and change. The cold gradually sets in, and the air warms up to an average of 1°C to 5°C. However, there is no need to worry. Warm transitional-season clothing and good footwear will let you enjoy your trip even at the coldest time of year. Snow falls once or twice a season, though it melts almost immediately. If you want to capture the magical panoramas of Sighnaghi under a light layer of first snow, you should keep an eye on the weather forecasts.
Curious Exceptions
All of the above applies mostly to the most popular tourist areas of Kakheti: Telavi, Sighnaghi, Kvareli, the Alazani Valley, the Gombori Pass and the surrounding areas. However, the region has two completely unique natural areas with radically different weather conditions. These are the mountain area of Tusheti (in the north of the region) and Vashlovani National Park (the easternmost part of Georgia).
Tusheti is known for its unpredictable weather. In winter, it is completely impossible to get here because of snow many metres deep. This is a high-mountain part of the country, and its main sights lie at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level. Even in summer, heavy rains often cause landslides, which can block the mountain roads completely. The tourist season here lasts only a few months, from June or July to September, depending on the year. In autumn, the locals move down to the villages of the Akhmeta district, where they spend the winter. Tusheti is an incredibly picturesque but sparsely populated area. Because of the difficult natural conditions and frequent transport disruptions, it is not easy to get there. Who knows, perhaps you will be the lucky one to see the picturesque gorges and endless mountain peaks of this stunningly beautiful part of Georgia.
Vashlovani Park is easier to reach, but it is best to go either in the second half of spring or in September–October. Summers here are dry and hot, and the dangerous, venomous blunt-nosed viper (gyurza) is common in the local fields among the rocky hills. In spring and autumn, the weather is moderately warm, with daytime temperatures of around 25°C. At night, the temperature drops sharply, so it is worth bringing a warm sweater and a blanket. A journey through the protected areas of this national park will leave you with unforgettable impressions. Many who have been here say it felt as if they had seen the surface of Mars, unable to believe that Georgia could be so varied and so rich in the most diverse landscapes.
Overall, the climate of Kakheti is fairly mild and suitable both for travel and for permanent residence. Be sure to visit its protected corners and its labyrinths of vineyards, and enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes – and Kakheti will stay in your heart forever!