Things to Do in Tbilisi in July

July Weather in Tbilisi

31°C (88°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

41mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak festival season with Tbilisi Open Air music festival and numerous wine harvest celebrations starting late July
Perfect weather for exploring the Old Town on foot - warm but not scorching, with cooling evening breezes from the Mtkvari River
Restaurant terraces and rooftop bars are at their absolute best, with extended daylight until 9pm creating magical evening dining experiences
July marks the beginning of Georgia's legendary grape harvest season, with wineries offering special tastings and early harvest participation

Considerations

Peak tourist season means popular attractions like Narikala Fortress and sulfur baths require advance booking and have longer queues
Accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season, with boutique guesthouses in Old Town commanding premium rates
Evening thunderstorms can be intense and sudden, typically lasting 45-60 minutes and causing temporary flooding in lower Rustaveli areas

Best Activities in July

Narikala Fortress and Cable Car Experiences

July's clear skies provide the best visibility for panoramic city views from the 4th-century fortress. Morning visits (8-10am) offer cooler temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) and softer light for photography. The cable car operates until 11pm in July, perfect for sunset views over the Mtkvari River. Evening temperatures around 26°C (79°F) make the fortress walls comfortable for extended exploration.

Booking Tip: Reserve cable car tickets online 3-5 days ahead during July peak season. Combined fortress and sulfur bath packages typically cost 45-65 GEL ($17-24). Book morning slots to avoid midday crowds and heat.

Kakheti Wine Region Day Tours

July marks the pre-harvest season when vines are at their most beautiful and wineries offer exclusive tastings of previous year's vintages. The 2-hour drive east offers relief from city humidity, with Kakheti temperatures 3-5°C cooler. Traditional qvevri cellars maintain constant 12-14°C (54-57°F) temperatures, perfect for escaping July heat while learning about 8,000-year-old winemaking traditions.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 1-2 weeks ahead through licensed operators, typically 120-180 GEL ($45-67) including transport, 4-5 winery visits, and traditional lunch. Many tours include Sighnaghi's medieval walls with stunning Alazani Valley views.

Mtskheta Historical Sites Tours

The former Georgian capital, just 25km (15.5 miles) north of Tbilisi, offers UNESCO World Heritage sites with significantly fewer crowds than city attractions. July's long daylight hours allow comfortable exploration of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. The elevation difference provides 2-3°C cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes from the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 60-90 GEL ($22-34) including transport and guide. Morning departures at 9am avoid afternoon heat and return by 2pm for Tbilisi evening activities. Combine with Gori and Uplistsikhe for full-day options.

Traditional Cooking Class Experiences

July's abundant fresh herbs, vegetables, and early wine grape leaves make it ideal for learning khachapuri, khinkali, and churchkhela preparation. Most classes run in temperature-controlled environments during hot afternoon hours (2-6pm), offering relief from outdoor heat while engaging in cultural immersion. Evening classes often include terrace dining with city views as temperatures cool to comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F).

Booking Tip: Book classes 5-7 days ahead, typically 80-120 GEL ($30-45) for 4-5 hour experiences including market visits, cooking, and communal dining. Many include wine pairings with local Rkatsiteli and Saperavi varieties. Small groups of 6-8 people ensure personalized instruction.

Kazbegi Mountain Day Adventures

July offers the most reliable weather for reaching Kazbegi at 1,740m (5,709ft), with clear views of Mount Kazbek at 5,047m (16,558ft). The 3-hour drive north provides dramatic temperature relief - expect 15-20°C (59-68°F) at Kazbegi versus Tbilisi's heat. Gergeti Trinity Church hikes are manageable in July conditions, with wildflowers in full bloom and snow-capped peaks providing stunning photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD tours 7-10 days ahead during July peak season, typically 150-200 GEL ($56-75) for full-day experiences including transport, guide, and traditional mountain lunch. Weather can change rapidly above 2,000m (6,562ft), so tours include backup indoor activities.

Abanotubani Sulfur Bath Districts

July heat makes the traditional sulfur baths especially appealing, with natural 37-40°C (99-104°F) mineral waters providing therapeutic relief. The domed brick bathhouses maintain cool interiors even during peak summer heat. Evening sessions (6-10pm) are particularly pleasant, followed by cool walks along the illuminated Mtkvari River embankment as temperatures drop to comfortable levels.

Booking Tip: Private bath sessions typically cost 60-100 GEL ($22-37) for 2 hours including massage options. Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead except weekends. Public baths cost 15-25 GEL ($6-9) but require advance booking during July tourist season.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Tbilisi Open Air Music Festival

Georgia's premier electronic music festival featuring international DJs and local artists across multiple stages. The event transforms Lisi Lake area into a massive outdoor venue with art installations, food courts featuring Georgian fusion cuisine, and camping options. Night sessions take advantage of July's warm evenings.

Late July

Rtveli (Grape Harvest) Preparation Celebrations

While the main harvest begins in August, July sees preparatory festivals at local wineries and restaurants throughout the city. Traditional music performances, wine barrel making demonstrations, and early grape blessing ceremonies. Many involve communal feasting with summer specialties like mtsvadi (Georgian barbecue) and fresh badrijani (eggplant rolls).

Essential Tips

What to Pack

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

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in Old Town, which become slippery during evening thunderstorms

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - July storms are sudden and intense, lasting 45-60 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8, particularly strong at elevated attractions like Narikala Fortress

Layers for mountain day trips - temperatures drop 15-20°C (27-36°F) at Kazbegi elevation of 1,740m (5,709ft)

Dressy casual outfit for upscale restaurant terraces - Tbilisi dining culture is fashion-conscious, especially at rooftop venues

Power bank and waterproof phone case - extended sightseeing days and potential rain exposure during outdoor activities

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in 31°C (88°F) heat, many attractions have limited shade for extended periods

Insect repellent for evening river walks - mosquitoes are active along Mtkvari River embankment areas after sunset

Small day pack for wine tours - carrying water, cameras, and purchases during 8-10 hour Kakheti region excursions

Insider Knowledge

Locals escape July heat by shopping in underground passages connecting metro stations - Rustaveli, Freedom Square, and Marjanishvili stations have extensive cool shopping areas

Restaurant lunch hours shift to 2-4pm in July when tourists are indoors escaping heat, offering better service and sometimes impromptu live music sessions

The Dry Bridge flea market operates best on Sunday mornings in July (8-11am) before heat intensifies - vendors offer better prices early when tourist crowds are lighter

Evening thunderstorms often clear by 9-10pm, revealing spectacular starlit skies perfect for late-night terrace dining and photography - locals plan outdoor activities after storms pass

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking midday (12-4pm) outdoor tours in July heat instead of early morning or evening options when temperatures are 5-8°C cooler

Underestimating evening thunderstorm intensity - tourists get stranded without proper rain protection during sudden 45-60 minute downpours

Not reserving restaurant terrace tables for evening dining - July's perfect weather makes outdoor seating extremely popular and often fully booked by 4pm