Ask a Georgian when to visit and most will say autumn. September and October bring warm days, cool nights, and rtveli — the wine harvest that turns every Kakhetian village into a two-week party. Svaneti's larches turn burnt gold, Tbilisi's café terraces stay open into November. Here's the full 2026 autumn guide.
Best for
- Wine lovers — rtveli harvest (mid-Sept to early Oct)
- Photographers — Svaneti larches peak mid-October
- Hikers — Kazbegi and Tusheti at their crispest
- City breaks — Tbilisi at 20–25°C into late October
- Foodies — pomegranates, persimmons, walnuts, fresh churchkhela
Weather
- Daytime highs: 20–28°C in September, 15–22°C in October, 8–15°C in November (Tbilisi)
- Overnight lows: 12–18°C in September, 6–12°C in October, 0–6°C in November (Tbilisi)
Tusheti road closes around Oct 20 (snow). Svaneti stays open all year but the pass gets snow by early Nov.
What to pack
- Light layers + one warm jacket for evenings and mountains
- Rain shell — October brings brief showers
- Comfortable walking shoes (hikers if you go to the mountains)
- A camera — this is the photogenic season
Top experiences
Sample itinerary
Frequently asked
When exactly is rtveli 2026?
The harvest window shifts each year with weather but is reliably mid-September to early October. We confirm exact dates with our partner cellars each August.
When do Svaneti larches peak?
Usually October 10–25. Book Mestia lodging early — it's the region's busiest photo week.
Is autumn better than summer?
For most travellers, yes. Same warm days in Tbilisi, cooler nights, harvest food, no summer crowds, and often better hotel rates.
Can I still hike in November?
Low-altitude yes (Kakheti, Borjomi, Signagi). High Caucasus tracks close from early November as snow arrives.