The Geography of Georgia: Mountains, Sea, and Climate
Discover where Georgia is located, its diverse natural zones, its highest peaks, and what kind of climate to expect across the different regions.
Where is Georgia Located?
Georgia is situated in the South Caucasus, on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It covers an area of 69,700 km². The country is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast.
Landscape and Terrain
Approximately 80% of the territory is mountainous. The Greater Caucasus range towers to the north, while the Lesser Caucasus lies to the south. In between, you will find the Kolkheti Lowland and the Shida Kartli plains.
The Highest Peaks
- Shkhara — 5,193 m (The highest point in Georgia, located in Svaneti)
- Jangha — 5,059 m
- Kazbegi — 5,054 m (Khevi region)
- Shota Rustaveli — 4,860 m
- Tetnuldi — 4,858 m
Climate
Georgia is a land of contrasts; on the same day, you could experience +30°C in Batumi and -10°C in Gudauri. It is one of the few countries in the world that features between 9 and 12 distinct climatic zones.
- Black Sea Coast — Humid subtropical (Batumi, Kobuleti)
- Inner Lowlands — Moderate continental (Tbilisi, Kutaisi)
- Mountainous Regions — Cold and snowy (Svaneti, Khevsureti, Tusheti)
- Southern Plateaus — Harsh continental (Javakheti)
Waters
- Major Rivers: Mtkvari, Rioni, Alazani, Enguri, Chorokhi
- Lakes: Paravani, Ritsa, Kartsakhani
- Black Sea Coastline — 310 km
Natural Zones
In Georgia, you can travel from subtropical landscapes to zones of eternal snow in just 3-4 hours along a single route. Because of this, make sure to pack both your swimwear and a warm jacket for your trip!