Things to Do in Tbilisi in February

February Weather in Tbilisi

8°C (47°F) High Temp

0°C (32°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect clear-air conditions for cable car rides to Narikala Fortress - visibility reaches 20-30 km (12-18 miles) on crisp February days versus summer's hazy 5-8 km (3-5 miles)
Wine cellar season is at its peak - traditional Georgian cellars maintain ideal 12-14°C (54-57°F) temperatures, and February is when winemakers tap their best reserves from autumn harvest
Thermal baths are most therapeutic in cold weather - the contrast between 38-40°C (100-104°F) sulfur springs and freezing outdoor air creates the traditional Georgian bathing experience locals prefer
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - February rates run 40-60% below summer peaks, with quality guesthouses available for ₾40-60 ($15-22) per night versus ₾120+ ($45+) in peak season

Considerations

Daylight ends by 6:30 PM with sunrise not until 8:00 AM - limits outdoor sightseeing to 8-9 hours daily and requires careful itinerary planning
Many rooftop restaurants and outdoor terraces close or operate limited hours - Tbilisi's famous rooftop dining scene largely shuts down until March
Occasional morning frost makes cobblestone streets in Old Town extremely slippery - proper footwear with grip is essential for navigating historic areas safely

Best Activities in February

Sulfur Bath District Thermal Experiences

February's freezing temperatures make the ancient sulfur baths most authentic - locals traditionally use thermal springs during winter months when the contrast between 38-40°C (100-104°F) mineral water and sub-zero air creates therapeutic shock treatment. Bath houses operate extended hours in winter to accommodate local demand.

Booking Tip: Reserve private bath chambers 2-3 days ahead (₾60-120 per chamber for 2-4 people). Go early morning or late afternoon when contrast with outdoor temperature is greatest. Look for establishments that maintain traditional wooden chambers and natural spring flow.

Georgian Wine Cellar Tours

Traditional Georgian wine cellars (marani) maintain perfect 12-14°C (54-57°F) temperatures year-round, making February ideal for serious wine tasting. This is when family wineries open their best qvevri (clay vessel) wines that have been aging since autumn harvest. Cold weather enhances appreciation of warming wines like Saperavi and aged Rkatsiteli.

Booking Tip: Book cellar experiences through established wine tour operators (₾80-150 per person including transport). February offers access to private family cellars that close to tourists in summer. Sessions typically run 3-4 hours including traditional supra (feast) elements.

Narikala Fortress Cable Car and Winter Photography

Clear February air provides exceptional visibility extending 20-30 km (12-18 miles) across the Caucasus foothills - impossible during summer's heat haze. Snow-dusted mountains create dramatic backdrops for the fortress ruins, and fewer crowds mean unobstructed photo opportunities during the brief but intense golden hour from 5:30-6:30 PM.

Booking Tip: Cable car operates 10 AM-10 PM daily (₾5 round trip). Best photography light occurs 4:30-6:30 PM when low sun illuminates both city and mountains. Bring extra batteries - cold weather drains camera power 40-50% faster.

Traditional Georgian Cooking Classes

February is prime season for hearty Georgian winter dishes like chakapuli (herb stew), khinkali (dumplings), and churchkhela making. Local cooking schools focus on warming soups and stews that showcase winter ingredients. Many classes include market visits to source seasonal produce and explain how Georgians preserve foods through winter months.

Booking Tip: Book hands-on cooking experiences 5-7 days ahead (₾120-200 per person including meal). Look for classes that include traditional bread baking in tone ovens and market visits. Sessions run 4-5 hours and often include wine pairings with each dish.

Mtskheta Ancient Capital Winter Tours

February's bare trees reveal architectural details of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery that summer foliage obscures. Cold weather means fewer tour groups, allowing quiet contemplation in these UNESCO sites. Fresh snow on surrounding hills creates postcard conditions, and heating inside ancient churches provides welcome respite.

Booking Tip: Day tours to Mtskheta typically cost ₾100-180 including transport and guide. Winter schedule may be reduced, so confirm departure times. Tours often combine with Gori or other destinations since daylight hours are limited. Allow 6-8 hours for comprehensive visit.

Tbilisi's Underground Scene and Jazz Clubs

February drives nightlife indoors, making it peak season for Tbilisi's renowned jazz clubs and alternative music venues. Local musicians perform more frequently during winter months, and intimate venues create cozy atmospheres perfect for cold nights. Many clubs offer traditional Georgian polyphonic singing performances alongside contemporary acts.

Booking Tip: Research current venues through local listings as the underground scene changes frequently. Cover charges range ₾15-40. Many venues don't accept reservations - arrive early for prime seating. Performances typically start 9-10 PM and run past midnight.

February Events & Festivals

February 14

St. Valentine's Day Georgian Style (Tsitsamuri)

Georgians celebrate February 14th with traditional Tsitsamuri customs including exchanging handmade gifts and special wine toasts. Many restaurants offer traditional supra feasts with live polyphonic singing, and wine bars host special tastings of romantic Georgian wines like Khvanchkara.

Late February

Tbilisi Fashion Week Winter Edition

Emerging Georgian designers showcase winter collections in various venues across the city. Events include runway shows, pop-up markets, and designer workshops. Much smaller scale than major fashion weeks but offers insight into contemporary Georgian creative culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with deep tread - Old Town cobblestones become ice rinks when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Layered clothing system with merino wool base layer - indoor heating can be inconsistent, and you'll move between 0°C (32°F) outdoor and 22°C (72°F) indoor temperatures frequently

Power bank with cold-weather rating - phone batteries drain 50-60% faster in sub-zero temperatures, essential for navigation and photos

Lightweight down jacket that compresses - bulky coats are impractical in crowded sulfur baths and wine cellars but essential outdoors

Waterproof phone case - steam from sulfur springs and occasional sleet can damage electronics during outdoor exploration

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflects strongly off snow-covered surfaces, and you'll spend significant time outdoors despite cold

Lip balm with SPF and hand moisturizer - 70% humidity drops significantly in heated buildings, causing rapid skin drying

Compact umbrella - February's 10 rainy days often bring sudden downpours lasting 15-20 minutes

Cash in Georgian Lari notes - many traditional establishments and thermal baths operate cash-only, ATMs can freeze in extreme cold

Headlamp or small flashlight - daylight ends at 6:30 PM, and some historic areas have limited street lighting for evening exploration

Insider Knowledge

Sulfur bath etiquette requires bringing your own towel and flip-flops - rental towels cost extra ₾10-15 and quality varies significantly between establishments

Georgian toast-making (tamada) reaches peak complexity during winter wine tastings - learn basic phrases like 'gaumarjos' (cheers) and be prepared for 15-20 formal toasts during traditional supra meals

Morning frost creates best conditions for cable car photography between 9-10 AM when sun hits frost-covered city but crowds haven't arrived - after 11 AM visibility often decreases due to urban heating

February is peak season for traditional Georgian felt-making workshops - local artisans teach ancient techniques for creating warm clothing, perfect timing given cold weather and limited tourist competition for spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 5 PM leaves insufficient daylight for photography and sightseeing, requiring major itinerary adjustments

Wearing fashion boots instead of proper winter footwear - results in dangerous slips on icy cobblestones and cold, wet feet that ruin entire days of exploration

Booking accommodation without confirmed heating - some budget guesthouses reduce heating in low season, making rooms uncomfortable during sub-zero nights