Things to Do in Tbilisi in May

May Weather in Tbilisi

23°C (74°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks while weather remains excellent for sightseeing
Ideal hiking temperatures on Mtatsminda and David Gareja trails - warm days but cool enough for all-day outdoor activities without overheating
Wine harvest season preparation means cellars are open for tastings and Georgian families start preparing churchkhela (grape candy) - authentic cultural experiences
Long daylight hours (14+ hours) with stunning golden hour lighting from 7-8pm perfect for photography of old city architecture

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers can disrupt outdoor plans - carry backup indoor activities as 40% chance of rain any given day
Evening temperatures drop significantly to 13°C (55°F) - you'll need layers even after warm 23°C (74°F) afternoons
Some high-altitude monastery excursions may still have muddy conditions from winter snow melt

Best Activities in May

Old Tbilisi Walking Tours and Sulfur Bath Experiences

May's moderate temperatures make this perfect for exploring cobblestone streets without summer's intense heat. Spring light illuminates the colorful balconies beautifully, and sulfur baths are ideal after cool evening temperatures. The 70% humidity actually enhances the therapeutic benefits of the sulfur springs.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed guides. Sulfur baths cost 15-25 GEL per person for 1 hour. Visit baths in late afternoon (4-6pm) when temperatures start dropping. See current tour options in booking section below.

Georgian Wine Region Day Trips

Kakheti wine region is stunning in May with green vineyards and perfect 23°C (74°F) temperatures for cellar visits. Pre-harvest season means winemakers have time to explain processes, and you'll taste last year's wines at their peak. Mountain drives offer clear views without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Full-day wine tours typically cost 80-120 GEL including transport and 4-5 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for small group experiences. Private tours range 200-300 GEL. Check current wine tour availability in booking widget below.

Caucasus Mountain Hiking and David Gareja Monastery

May offers ideal hiking conditions - warm enough for comfortable trekking but cool enough to avoid overheating on steep monastery climbs. David Gareja's desert landscape is particularly beautiful after spring rains. Clear mountain visibility for photography.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost 60-90 GEL with transport included. Bring layers as mountain temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) from city. Book through licensed mountain guides 5-7 days ahead. See hiking tour options in booking section.

Traditional Georgian Cooking Classes

Spring vegetables are at peak freshness for making authentic khachapuri and khinkali. Indoor activities perfect for rainy days (expect 10 rainy days in May). Cooking classes use seasonal ingredients like fresh herbs and spring onions that define Georgian cuisine.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range 50-80 GEL per person for 3-4 hours including meal. Small groups (6-8 people) book up quickly. Reserve 10-14 days ahead. Many include market visits for ingredient selection.

Mtatsminda Park and Funicular Railway

May's clear weather offers spectacular city views from 727m (2,385 ft) elevation. Cooler mountain temperatures provide relief after warm city exploration. Amusement park activities comfortable in moderate weather, and restaurants have perfect patio dining conditions.

Booking Tip: Funicular costs 2.50 GEL each way. Park activities 5-15 GEL each. Visit late afternoon for sunset views around 7:30pm. No advance booking needed but weekends get crowded after 2pm.

Tbilisi Nightlife and Jazz Clubs

May's comfortable evening temperatures make rooftop bars and outdoor terraces perfect. Students are still in session so nightlife is vibrant. Cool evenings mean indoor jazz venues are cozy without being stuffy, and outdoor beer gardens are ideal.

Booking Tip: Most venues don't require reservations except weekends. Cover charges 10-20 GEL at live music venues. Nightlife starts late (10pm+) so perfect after day sightseeing. Dress in layers for temperature changes.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Tbilisi Art Fair

Annual contemporary art exhibition featuring Georgian and international artists. Showcases modern Georgian art scene with gallery exhibitions, installations, and artist talks throughout the city's cultural district.

Throughout May

Spring Wine Festival preparation events

While harvest is in autumn, May features pre-season cellar openings and traditional winemaking demonstrations. Many family wineries offer special tastings and vineyard tours before summer tourist season peaks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) from day to night, pack t-shirts AND a warm sweater

Waterproof jacket or compact umbrella - spring showers happen 40% of days and last 20-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones get slippery when wet from frequent May showers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and mountain reflection intensifies exposure during hiking

Light scarf or pashmina - essential for evening dining and church visits, plus temperature drops after sunset

Portable phone charger - long 14-hour daylight means extended sightseeing days drain batteries quickly

Cash in Georgian Lari - many local restaurants and markets don't accept cards, ATMs widely available

Modest clothing for churches - covered shoulders and long pants required, many travelers forget this

Comfortable day pack - perfect weather for all-day exploration, need space for layers as temperatures change

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Sololaki or Vera districts - locals prefer these areas in May for walkability and avoid tourist-heavy Old Town pricing premiums

Eat lunch between 2-4pm like locals - restaurants offer better value lunch menus and avoid dinner crowds when prices increase by 20-30%

Take marshrutkas (shared minibuses) instead of taxis for routes under 3km (1.9 miles) - costs 1 GEL vs 8-12 GEL taxi fare, locals use them exclusively

Visit sulfur baths on weekday mornings (9-11am) - locals avoid weekend crowds and you'll get better service and cleaner facilities for same price

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evenings - tourists wear summer clothes all day then freeze after sunset when temperature drops to 13°C (55°F)

Only planning outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days expected, having no indoor backup plans ruins itineraries when weather turns

Booking accommodations in Old Town thinking it's most convenient - locals know Rustaveli Avenue area offers better value and metro access