WHEN TO TRAVEL to Georgia

Location

Climate

Georgia is a fascinating country that attracts many visitors thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Seasons in Georgia: low and high season

Georgia's climate is marked by significant regional differences. The Caucasus mountains experience harsh winters with heavy snowfalls, while the coastal areas enjoy a milder climate. It is therefore crucial to take into account the region you wish to visit in order to choose the best time of year.

Georgia's high tourist season: June to September

There high tourist season in Georgia runs from June to September. During this period, temperatures are pleasant throughout the country, averaging between 20 and 30°C. It's also the time of year when many cultural events take place, such as the Art-Gene festival or the Tbilisi Open Air. The high season offers great opportunities for discovery and encounters, but you'll have to contend with higher accommodation rates and increased tourist numbers.

Low season in Georgia: October to May

The rest of the year is considered the low season tourist season in Georgia. Although temperatures are less mild during this period, they remain bearable in some regions. The west coast, for example, enjoys a mild subtropical climate, even in winter. The months of April and May may be a good time to discover the country without too many tourists. On the other hand, expect more rain during these months.

Major cultural events in Georgia

Georgia has a rich cultural tradition that is reflected in its many festivals and events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the major events not to be missed:

• Art-Gene Festival: This annual festival takes place in July and lasts a week. It features concerts, art exhibitions and folk dance demonstrations.
• Tbilisi Open Air: This music festival usually takes place in June and features international artists as well as local bands.
• CinéDoc Tbilisi : This international documentary film festival takes place in May and features works from all over the world.
• New Wine Festival: This event takes place in May in Tbilisi and celebrates the new Georgian wine harvest. Visitors can taste local wines and learn about the country's rich winemaking tradition.

Public holidays in Georgia

When traveling to Georgia, it's essential to know the public holidays in order to plan your visits and activities. Here are the country's main public holidays:

• January 1: New Year
• January 7: Orthodox Christmas
• January 19: Epiphany
• March 3: Mother's Day
• April 9: National Unity Day
• April 12: Orthodox Easter (date varies)
• May 26: Independence Day
• August 28: Feast of the Assumption of Mary
• October 14: Svetitskhovloba (religious holiday)
• November 23: Giorgoba (feast of Saint George)

General immigration trends in Georgia

According to available data, immigration to Georgia has increased significantly in recent years. The reasons are diverse, ranging from easier visa procedures, to business and educational opportunities, to the political and economic stability offered by the country. Interestingly, immigrants mainly come from neighboring countries or the wider region, including :

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Türkiye
• Iran
• Russia

Most popular visas in Georgia

The Georgian government offers several types of visa to meet the varied needs of immigrants wishing to enter the country. The most popular visas in Georgia are the following:

• Visitor visa Our new "L'OCCITANE" concept: designed for tourists, business travelers and people coming for family or personal reasons.
• Study visa: granted to foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in Georgia.
• Work visa: for foreign nationals with a job offer or wishing to set up their own business in Georgia.
• Temporary residence visa: for people who need to stay in Georgia for an extended period, for example to work, study or join a family member.
• Permanent residence visa: for immigrants who intend to settle permanently in Georgia.

These visas offer different benefits depending on each immigrant's status and project, but it's clear that the majority of applications come from people looking to work, study or simply visit this fascinating country.

International tourism in Georgia: figures and trends

Tourism plays an important role in the Georgian economy and contributes to its rapid development. According to data provided by the World Tourism Organization, the number of international visitors to Georgia has grown steadily over the past decade:

• Around 2 million visitors in 2010
• Over 3 million in 2015
• Nearly 9 million in 2019

Origin of international tourists to Georgia

The data also show that the majority of tourists visiting Georgia come from neighboring countries or the wider region. The main outbound tourist markets are as follows:

• Russia
• Türkiye
• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Iran

However, there has also been an increase in the number of visitors from other parts of the world, notably Western Europe and North America.

Tourist Attractions in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide variety of tourist attractions that attract visitors from all over the world. Among the must-see sites are :

• The capital, Tbilisi, with its picturesque alleyways, sulphurous baths and lively nightlife.
• The wine-growing region of Kakhetia, cradle of viticulture and producer of some of the world's finest wines.
• The Caucasus mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking, skiing and climbing.
• Batoumi, the Black Sea resort famous for its beaches, nightlife and modern architecture.