Things to Do in Tbilisi in August

August Weather in Tbilisi

32°C (89°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

41 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fruit season - August brings the best Georgian peaches, grapes, and figs at their absolute sweetest. Local markets overflow with produce at 40-60% lower prices than spring
Longer daylight hours until 8:30pm allow for extended evening exploration of Old Town's winding streets without rushing dinner plans
Wine harvest season begins in Kakheti region - vineyard tours include fresh grape tastings and traditional crushing ceremonies not available other months
Outdoor terrace dining reaches its peak - every restaurant opens rooftop spaces and courtyards that remain closed in cooler months, doubling dining options

Considerations

Afternoon heat can reach uncomfortable levels between 1-4pm, requiring indoor breaks and limiting midday sightseeing effectiveness
Tourism peaks in August mean popular attractions like Narikala Fortress have 40-50% more visitors, and restaurant wait times double on weekends
Air conditioning struggles in older Soviet-era buildings - budget accommodations under 150 GEL may become stuffy by afternoon

Best Activities in August

Narikala Fortress and Cable Car Tours

August's extended daylight means you can visit Narikala at 7-8pm for sunset views when temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F). Morning visits before 10am avoid both crowds and heat. The cable car provides relief from climbing in warm weather while offering panoramic city views.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2-5 GEL depending on direction. Buy combination tickets for fortress entry. No advance booking needed but visit before 9am or after 6pm to avoid peak crowds. See current guided tours in booking section below.

Kakheti Wine Region Day Trips

August marks the beginning of harvest season in Georgia's premier wine region. Vineyards offer fresh grape tastings, traditional qvevri wine-making demonstrations, and harvest participation not available in other months. The 2-hour drive from Tbilisi provides escape from city heat to cooler mountain elevations.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost 80-150 GEL including transport and tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead as August is peak season. Look for tours including both Signagi and vineyard visits. Check current wine tour options in booking section below.

Sulfur Bath District Evening Sessions

The historic Abanotubani sulfur baths become particularly appealing in August's heat. Evening sessions after 6pm offer cooler air temperatures while maintaining warm 37-40°C (98-104°F) therapeutic spring water. August's longer days mean you can enjoy post-bath Old Town walks until 9pm.

Booking Tip: Private bath rooms cost 30-80 GEL per hour depending on facility quality. No advance booking required but arrive early evening for best availability. Public baths cost 3-5 GEL but may be crowded in peak season.

Georgian Cooking Classes and Food Tours

August showcases Georgian cuisine at its peak with fresh seasonal ingredients. Cooking classes feature summer vegetables, fresh herbs, and traditional preservation techniques for winter. Evening food tours benefit from extended daylight and active street life continuing past 9pm.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range 60-120 GEL per person including meal. Food tours cost 40-80 GEL for 3-4 hours. Book 3-5 days ahead in peak August season. Look for classes including khinkali and khachapuri basics. See current culinary experiences in booking section below.

Mtskheta Historical Site Visits

Georgia's ancient capital, 20 km (12 miles) from Tbilisi, offers escape from city heat with mountain breezes and shade from historic churches. August provides perfect conditions for exploring Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery with comfortable morning temperatures and clear mountain views.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 50-90 GEL including transport. Marshrutka public transport costs 1 GEL each way but requires local knowledge. Visit mornings before 11am or late afternoons after 5pm for best weather. Check current Mtskheta tours in booking section below.

Tbilisi Night Walking Tours

August's warm evenings and extended daylight create ideal conditions for evening exploration. Night tours showcase illuminated Old Town architecture, active nightlife districts, and rooftop bars that operate fully only in summer months. Comfortable temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make 3-4 hour walking tours pleasant.

Booking Tip: Evening walking tours cost 25-50 GEL per person for 2-3 hours. No advance booking typically required but check weather for occasional evening showers. Tours usually start 7-8pm and end around 10pm. See current night tour options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Tbilisi Wine Festival

Annual celebration in Rike Park featuring Georgian wine tastings, traditional music, and local food vendors. Over 200 Georgian wineries participate with special harvest season offerings unique to August timing.

August 28

Traditional Mariamoba Festival

Religious celebration honoring the Assumption of Mary with special church services, traditional Georgian polyphonic singing, and community feasts throughout the city's historic churches.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

SPF 50+ sunscreen minimum - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off Old Town's cobblestone streets

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - Old Town's polished stones become slippery when wet from brief showers

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month and last 20-30 minutes

Portable water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in 32°C (89°F) heat, fountains available throughout city center

Modest clothing for church visits - shoulders and knees must be covered at Georgian Orthodox sites year-round

Light evening jacket for 20°C (68°F) nights - temperature drops significantly after sunset

Portable phone charger - extended daylight means longer sightseeing days draining battery faster

Cash in small Georgian Lari notes - many traditional restaurants and markets don't accept cards

Comfortable closed-toe shoes for wine region day trips - vineyard tours involve walking on uneven terrain

Insider Knowledge

Locals escape afternoon heat at Vake Park's shaded areas and Turtle Lake - both offer 3-5°C cooler temperatures than city center due to elevation and tree cover

Traditional Georgian supra (feast) timing shifts in August - locals start dinner later around 8-9pm to avoid peak heat, restaurants get busiest after 7pm

The new Saburtalo metro line extension completed in 2024 now connects directly to wine country tour departure points - saves 30-40 minutes versus old routing through city center

August utility costs spike for air conditioning - book accommodations with included electricity to avoid surprise charges that can add 20-40 GEL per night

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor sightseeing between 1-4pm when temperatures peak - this leads to exhaustion and rushed experiences at major sites

Wearing synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential for comfort during extended walking tours

Not carrying cash for traditional markets and family restaurants - many authentic Georgian establishments still operate cash-only