Things to Do in Tbilisi in November

November Weather in Tbilisi

12°C (54°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to summer peak, with quality guesthouses available for ₾40-60 ($15-23) per night instead of ₾80-100
Ideal hiking weather in 10-15°C (50-59°F) range - comfortable for Narikala Fortress climbs and David Gareja monastery treks without summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat exhaustion risk
Wine harvest season brings fresh wine festivals and reduced prices at family wineries - tastings cost ₾15-25 ($6-9) instead of summer's ₾35-50, plus access to limited-edition harvest wines
Cozy café culture peaks with chestnuts roasting on Rustaveli Avenue and mulled wine (ღვინო თოვლისა) served in Old Town courtyard restaurants from 4pm onwards

Considerations

Daylight shrinks to just 9.5 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 5:15pm) limiting outdoor sightseeing time and making evening activities start earlier
Unpredictable weather requires constant outfit adjustments - temperatures can swing 8°C (14°F) within a day, and sudden rain showers disrupt outdoor plans 40% of days
Some mountain cable cars and high-altitude attractions close or reduce hours due to weather conditions and low tourist demand

Best Activities in November

Sulfur Bath District Thermal Experiences

November's cool 4-12°C (39-54°F) temperatures make the 37-40°C (99-104°F) sulfur baths absolutely perfect. Locals flock here during cold months, creating authentic communal atmosphere. Private baths cost ₾40-80 ($15-30) per hour, significantly less crowded than summer months. The contrast between crisp air and hot mineral water is therapeutic after walking Tbilisi's hilly streets.

Booking Tip: Book same-day at traditional bathhouses like those in Abanotubani district. Prices range ₾25-80 ($10-30) depending on private vs. shared facilities. Peak local hours are 2-6pm weekends, so visit mornings for shorter waits.

Georgian Wine Region Day Tours

November is crush season aftermath with fresh wines ready for tasting and harvest celebrations continuing into early month. Kakheti region tours cost ₾100-180 ($38-68) including transport and 4-6 winery visits. Cool weather makes vineyard walking comfortable, and winemakers have more time for personal tastings since tourist crowds have dispersed.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day Kakheti tours typically cost ₾120-200 ($45-75) including lunch. November offers access to exclusive harvest wines not available other months.

Old Town Walking and Courtyard Exploration

November's mild temperatures and 70% humidity make extended walking tours comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Historic courtyards offer warm indoor spaces during sudden rain showers. Many traditional restaurants set up heated outdoor seating with blankets, creating cozy atmosphere unique to cooler months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal, but guided tours cost ₾50-90 ($19-34) for 3-4 hours. Start tours by 10am to maximize 9.5-hour daylight window. Bring layers as temperature drops 6-8°C (11-14°F) from afternoon to evening.

Traditional Cooking Classes and Food Tours

November brings seasonal Georgian dishes like lobio (bean stew) and mtsvadi (grilled meat) that are perfect for cool weather. Indoor cooking classes provide warm, social atmosphere during rainy afternoons. Local markets sell seasonal ingredients like fresh walnuts and late-harvest vegetables at lowest prices.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost ₾80-150 ($30-57) for 3-4 hours including meal. Book 3-5 days ahead as November is popular with locals for learning traditional winter recipes. Classes usually include market visits best done in morning hours.

Narikala Fortress and Cable Car Adventures

Cool November air eliminates summer heat that makes fortress climbing exhausting. Cable car operates in most weather conditions, and fortress offers panoramic views of autumn-colored city. Evening visits showcase city lights starting at 5:15pm sunset, creating romantic atmosphere with fewer crowds than summer months.

Booking Tip: Cable car costs ₾2.50 ($1) each way, operates 10am-midnight daily. Combination walking-cable car routes work well in November's moderate temperatures. Allow 2-3 hours total, starting by 3pm to catch both daylight and evening lighting.

David Gareja Monastery Complex Tours

November offers perfect hiking weather for this desert monastery 70km (43 miles) southeast of Tbilisi. Summer temperatures here reach dangerous 40°C+ (104°F+), while November provides comfortable 8-15°C (46-59°F) for exploring cave complexes. Fewer tourists mean more intimate experience at this UNESCO site.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ₾150-250 ($57-95) including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead as weather-dependent. Tour involves 3-4km (1.9-2.5 miles) walking on rocky terrain, perfect in November's mild conditions but impossible in summer heat.

November Events & Festivals

Mid October to Early November

Tbilisoba City Festival

Annual celebration of Tbilisi's founding with street performances, traditional food stalls, and craft demonstrations throughout Old Town. Features wine tastings, folk dancing, and artisan markets. Free outdoor events with indoor backup venues for weather.

Early to Mid November

New Wine Festivals

Celebration of fresh wine from October harvest, featuring family wineries opening their cellars for special tastings. Small venues in Kakheti and local Tbilisi wine bars host intimate events with winemaker presentations and exclusive bottle sales.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 4°C (39°F), afternoons reach 12°C (54°F), requiring easy add/remove layers

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - rain occurs 10 days per month, usually afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily sightseeing

Warm evening clothes - temperatures drop to 4-6°C (39-43°F) after sunset at 5:15pm, requiring sweaters or jackets for dinner

Light scarf and gloves - essential for early morning cable car rides and fortress visits where wind chill drops perceived temperature 3-5°C (5-9°F)

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on maps and translation apps, draining batteries faster

Cash in Georgian Lari - many traditional restaurants and bath houses don't accept cards, especially smaller denominations for tips

Sunglasses despite cool weather - UV index of 3 and reflection off wet streets can cause glare during midday hours

Small daypack for layers - you'll constantly add/remove clothing as you move between heated indoor spaces and cool outdoor areas

Hand warmers for evening activities - outdoor wine tastings and fortress visits become uncomfortable after sunset without extra warmth

Insider Knowledge

Georgians heat their homes minimally until December, so indoor restaurants and guesthouses may feel cool (16-18°C/61-64°F) - bring layers for indoor comfort

November is 'soup season' when traditional Georgian winter dishes appear on menus - try khinkali (dumplings) and khash (morning soup) that aren't featured during summer months

Local families start preparing winter wine supplies in November, making it the best time to buy quality bottles directly from small producers at 30-50% below tourist season prices

Tbilisi's famous weekend flea market at Dry Bridge becomes much more comfortable for browsing in November's cool weather - locals sell winter items like traditional wool socks and vintage Soviet coats perfect for the season

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for 12°C (54°F) afternoon highs while ignoring 4°C (39°F) morning lows and wind chill effects on fortress visits

Scheduling too many outdoor activities after 4pm when darkness falls quickly and temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F) within an hour

Assuming summer restaurant hours - many outdoor terraces close or reduce hours, and dinner service starts earlier to accommodate shorter days