A part of the Caucasus region, Georgia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. A fascinating fact about the country is that it partly lies in Europe and partly in Asia. This transcontinental country is flanked by the Black Sea to its west, but the star attraction of the place is its large mountains. Apart from this, gorgeous landscapes, interesting culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and delicious food are some of the things Georgia is known for. While December is not peak tourist season in Georgia, there is some charm in visiting the country during the last month of the year. Here is a complete guide about everything you need to know about visiting Georgia in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Georgia?
Georgia is not the first destination that comes to people’s minds when one thinks of a winter holiday. The Georgia weather in December is freezing cold, and some of the regions in the country also experience snowfall. But if you want to avoid the crowded beach destinations where everyone is headed to, Georgia would be a good option for a peaceful holiday. Plus, many of the areas in the country turn into a winter wonderland. The festivities during December also add to the charm of the place. Then there are winter sports to enjoy and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to see, without the need to fight a sea of people for space. Also, everything from the flight charges to hotel rates are less during December, due to it being an off-season. In short, it is the best time to visit Georgia in December.
Weather in Georgia in December
Georgia experiences extreme cold climate in December. But the Georgia temperature in December is not the same in all regions. The coastal areas have a milder winter, with temperatures between 7-degree C and 12-degree C, with rarely any snowfall. The capital city of Tbilisi is also chilly, with the temperature ranging between 8-degree C and 0-degree C. The city may also receive a few days of snowfall. The most snowfall can be seen in the mountain regions, where the temperature can fluctuate between –6-degree C to –2-degree C.
- Temperature: Low: -2-degree Celsius; High: 7-degree Celsius
- Humidity: Moderate to High (depending on the region)
- Chance of Rain (%): 10%
- Daylight (Hrs): 9.5 hours
- Sunrise: 8 AM
- Sunset: 5.30 PM
Things to do in Georgia in December
Indulge in Skiing and Other Snow Adventures
One of the best things to do in Georgia in winter is going on a ski trip. The best ski resorts in the country are in Gudauri and Bakuriani. The snow-peaked mountains are not just breathtaking but are perfect to put your skiing skills to use. Apart from skiing, these places also offer activities like snowboarding and other winter adventures. Even if you are not interested in any of these, these are the perfect places to play in the snow with your family and friends.
Revel in the Christmas Spirit
Christmas in Georgia is celebrated on January 7, as per the Gregorian Orthodox Church’s calendar. But the Christmas celebrations begin in mid-December, complete with Christmas lights, markets, villages, and celebrations. Fabrika Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Tbilisi, where you can buy local handicrafts and gifts and enjoy some gozinaki (Christmas candy) and hot mulled wine. You can also check out the Christmas Tree right in front of the Parliament building, which is known for its Christmas carols, light displays, musical performances, and more. You must also explore the Christmas Village in Tbilisi, which is known for its mini parades, ice rink, and musical shows.
Welcome the New Year
If you are in Georgia in the last week of December, it is one of the best places to enjoy New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of ways to enjoy New Year’s Eve in this country. If you are in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, you can enjoy fireworks, live musical performances, parties at the nightclub, and more. You can also walk around the different parts of the cities you visit to enjoy their beautiful decorations. New York fairs are also fairly common, where you can walk through stalls selling local food, traditional crafts, and festive decorations. You can also take this chance to know about the unique New Year traditions of the Georgians during this time of the year.
Take a Dip in the Thermal Pools
With the temperature well beyond the freezing point, a cozy bath in the tub would sound enticing. But in Georgia, you can take it a step higher by making it therapeutic by dipping into a thermal pool. The country is dotted with sulfuric pools that are not only warm but also help in healing different kinds of health problems. Many of the cities in Georgia have bathhouses where you can enjoy some time in the warm sulphuric pools and indulge in some massage and wellness treatments. Alternatively, there are places where you can enjoy these Sulphur pools amidst nature. Tbilisi, Borjomi, Dikhashko, Nokalakevi, etc., are some of the places where you will find thermal pools.
Try the Georgian Cuisine
Image Credit : winesgeorgia.com
If there is one thing you should not miss during your winter holiday in Georgia is the Georgian cuisine. While every region of the country has distinct foods and flavors, there are some that are an essential part of the cuisine. Georgian cuisine is heavy on salads, braises, and stews. The perfect dish to enjoy on a winter day is Khachapuri, a canopy-shaped bread that is filled with egg, cheese, and butter. Pkhali, Churchkhela, Kharcho, Mtsvadi, Khinkali, etc., are some of the other dishes to try. Spiced mulled wine and Chacha or grape brandy are two beverages you need to try during your winter visit to Georgia.
Places to See in Georgia in December
Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is one of the top places to visit in Georgia. The city comes alive with Christmas celebrations, including markets, lights, and villages, which make it worth the visit. Tbilisi is a modern city that still has the remnants of the ancient past. Strolling through the Old Town of Tbilisi is something you must not miss. Apart from this, the Georgian National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Georgian Stonehenge, and Mtatsminda Park are the best places to visit in this city.
Kazbegi
If you want to enjoy a stunning, snowy winter landscape, a visit to Kazbegi is a must. A four-hour drive from Tbilisi will take you to Kazbegi. While the place itself is gorgeous, the drive to the town in itself is breathtaking. Located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi is home to beautiful landscapes that will leave you in awe. One of the best things to do in Kazbegi is exploring the Kazbegi National Park, which is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Gergeti Trinity Church is a prominent attraction here. You can learn about the interesting culture of the place as well as the local cuisine during your visit.
Gudauri
Gudauri is the most popular place to visit in Georgia in December. Located in the South Caucasus, Gudauri is a premium ski resort where you can indulge in skiing and other snow-related adventures. You can try skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing here. Moreover, the scenery here is to die for. Go on a Gudauri-Kobi cable car ride to witness the breathtaking views of the area, including that of Mount Kazbeg. You can also go on a fun ride on the numerous ski lifts available here. Snowshoe hiking, visiting Gudauri Panorami Viewpoint, and indulging in tubing, sledding, and ice skating are a few of the interesting activities to try here.
Batumi
Batumi is the coastal city of Georgia, bordered by the Black Sea. The temperature in this city does not drop beyond 10-degree C, making it warmer than most parts of Georgia. Although you may not get to swim or play in the sea, you can definitely sit on the sand and enjoy the beautiful waves. During your trip to Batumi, you can visit the Svaneti mountain range. The place has several museums where you will get to know about its history and culture. You can also enroll yourself in a Georgian cooking class, where you will get to learn the art of cooking the local dishes from a professional.
Kakheti
The wine county of Georgia, Kakheti is usually not on the list of places to visit in Georgia in December. But the snow-clad grape farms have a charm of their own, and it is something you should not miss. You can enjoy a wine tour along with wine tasting during your visit to Kakheti. Alzani Valley and Kvareli Lake, Sighnaghi, and Gremi are some of the interesting places to visit here. One of the star attractions of Kakheti is the 46-meter Chadar tree in Telavi. The fascinating thing about this tree is that it is 900 years old.
Georgia Festivals and Events in December
Festivals in Georgia in December
Saint Barbara’s Day: Saint Barabara’s Day is celebrated by the Orthodox Georgians. The day celebrates the life of Saint Barabara, a Christian Saint, who was tortured by her father after she converted into Christianity. Believers attend a special service in the church followed by several traditions and rituals, which vary from region to region. There is also the Feast of Barbara, where bean pies are cooked as a respect to the saint.
When: December 4’ 2024
Location: All over Georgia
Events in Georgia in December
Amerimeri: Amerimeri is a wine festival awaited by all wine enthusiasts. The festival was started by Soliko Tsaisgvili in 2017 and was done to revive the natural wine making process in Georgia. This festival brings together wine makers who use the traditional wine making process. This includes organic cultivation of grapes and not using industrial additives to make the wine. You get to taste different types of wines and learn about their origin.
When: December 7’ 2024
Location: Hotel Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort, Tskaltub,
Travel Tips to Visit Georgia in December
- Before you travel to Georgia, you need to get your tourist visa. Citizens of most countries can apply for an e-visa for Georgia.
- If you are planning to drive a rented vehicle while exploring the country, do remember to be careful, especially on mountain roads as they will be covered with ice. It is best to hire a local driver or a tour guide while exploring such places.
- If you are planning to go skiing, book a ski resort early, as these get filled up fast.
- It is important to take basic medicines with you while traveling to Georgia, especially if you are going to visit high altitude places.
- If you need to carry prescription medicines, you must also carry the prescription script given by your doctor.
- It is crucial to dress modestly when you are visiting places of worship like churches.
- The cold weather in the country may make you forget to drink water. But it is extremely important to drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Things to Know Before Visiting Georgia in December
What to Pack for Georgia in December
As the weather is extremely cold during winter, it is necessary to pack a lot of warm clothes. Thermal wear should be part of your Georgia wardrobe. Winter accessories like beanies, woolen scarves, thick socks, snow boots or waterproof shoes, shell jacket, and gloves should be packed. As most hotels and accommodations are uninsulated, you should carry warm clothes for lounge wear and to sleep in. If you are from a non-European country, you will have to carry a universal charger to charge your devices without any issues. Do not forget to pack a reusable bottle. Tap water is safe to drink, and you can refill your bottle at several public places. Carrying a moisture-resistant bag would be a good idea. This will give your electronic devices safe from rain or snow.
What to Wear in Georgia in December
It is a no-brainer that you need to dress up in layers when stepping out in Georgia in December. The base layer should be thermal wear that will keep you warm and comfortable. Go for woolen tops and T-shirts and jeans for your second layer. This should be layered with a warm jacket or jumper. You also need to wear a beanie, a scarf, woolen gloves, and socks. For footwear, snow boots would be best as they give you a good grip while walking on snowclad roads and pathways.
Getting Around Georgia in December
There are several options to try while traveling in Georgia. Public buses and trains are available that connect the different towns and cities of Georgia. There are also Marshrutka vans, minivans, which is a smaller version of a bus and a cheap way to travel within the country. Alternatively, you can hire a car and explore the country on your own. But this is only if you are an expert driver. You can also book organized day trips, where the journey will be managed by tour companies. Taxis are the best option to move within the cities of Georgia. You should download a taxi booking app to make the process of booking a taxi easy and efficient.
Where to Stay in Georgia in December
Where to stay in Georgia would depend on your budget. For budget and solo travelers, there are plenty of hostels where you can find a comfortable bed and basic amenities and facilities. If you are staying for a long time, Airbnbs are a good option. Bed and breakfasts are a great option for those who want to experience living with a local family and look at their culture and lifestyle closely. For a more luxurious stay, it is best to opt for a hostel or a resort, and there are plenty of them here. Of course, there are also the ski resorts that are perfect for a winter holiday in Georgia.
What to Eat in Georgia in December
Your trip to Georgia would not be complete without tasting authentic, local cuisine. Georgian cuisine is heavily influenced by Russia and Persia, and you will find it like the cuisines of Armenia and Turkey. Most of the dishes are heavy on meat, leavened dough, and cheese, although they are also balanced with lots of vegetable salads. Walnuts are quite lavishly used for seasoning and so are garlic, dill, coriander, and tarragon. Badrijani Nigvzit, Pkhali, Gebjalia, Jonjoli, etc., are some of the starters to try, while Kharcho, Khashi, and Chikirtma are the most popular soups. When it comes to main courses, there is Khachapuri, Khinkali, Elarji, Ojakhuri, Lobio, etc. The Georgian cuisine also has its fair share of desserts as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can go on a guided food tour to enjoy the Georgian cuisine to the fullest.
FAQs About Visiting Georgia in December
1. How safe is Georgia for travel?
Georgia is one of the safest countries to travel in Europe. Still, it is important to be vigilant, especially when you are in crowded places.
2. Is it important to know Georgian language while visiting the country?
English is spoken by most locals, especially in the cities. You will also find signs in both Georgian and English in most places. Still, it would be a good idea to learn a few basic phrases before going to the country.
3. What is the currency of Georgia?
Lari (GEL) is the national currency of Georgia. You must carry some amount of cash while traveling to the country, although credit cards are widely accepted too.
Conclusion
If you love how the snow transforms the landscapes beautifully, December is the best time to visit Georgia. Do not forget to pack ample warm clothes to keep yourself comfortable during your trip.
