Things to Do in Tbilisi in October

October Weather in Tbilisi

20°C (68°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season temperatures - warm enough for walking tours at 20°C (68°F) highs, cool enough to explore Old Town cobblestones comfortably without sweating through layers
Wine harvest season brings fresh chacha and new wine tastings at urban wineries, plus locals celebrate Rtveli harvest with traditional feasts you can join
Autumn colors transform Mtatsminda Park and National Botanical Garden into spectacular photo opportunities, while the Caucasus Mountains backdrop shows early snow caps
Moderate rainfall (46mm/1.8 inches) means fewer tourists than summer but attractions stay open - you'll have Narikala Fortress and sulfur baths largely to yourself

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from sunny 20°C (68°F) to chilly 11°C (51°F) within hours - pack layers or spend money buying warmer clothes locally
Daylight shrinks to 11 hours by late October, limiting outdoor exploration time and making evening strolls in Rike Park less appealing
Traditional Georgian feast season means restaurants get crowded with local celebrations, especially weekends - book dinner reservations 2-3 days ahead

Best Activities in October

Georgian Wine Region Day Tours

October harvest season (Rtveli) transforms Kakheti wine region into active celebration. Temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make vineyard walks comfortable while avoiding summer's heat. Family wineries offer fresh chacha tastings and traditional feast participation unavailable other months. Mountain views are crystal clear before winter fog sets in.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators offering small group tours (8-12 people maximum). Full-day tours typically cost 150-220 GEL including lunch and tastings. Look for operators including Sighnaghi town visit and traditional bread-making demonstrations. See current options in booking section below.

Old Town Walking Food Tours

October's crisp weather makes 3-4 hour walking tours through cobblestone streets comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. Harvest season brings fresh adjika, churchkhela made from new grape juice, and hearty khinkali perfect for cooling weather. Restaurant terraces stay open but aren't overcrowded like peak season.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (10am start) work best before afternoon showers. Group tours cost 60-90 GEL, private tours 200-300 GEL for 2 people. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm rain policy. Look for tours including sulfur bath district and covered market visits. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Caucasus Mountains Day Hiking

October offers last chance for high-altitude hiking before snow closes mountain passes. Temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation but crystal-clear visibility reveals Georgia's best mountain panoramas. Autumn colors peak in oak and beech forests around Kazbegi and Svaneti regions.

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours 10-14 days ahead as weather windows are limited. Day trips to Kazbegi cost 120-180 GEL, multi-day Svaneti tours 300-500 GEL per day. Ensure operators provide warm gear and have 4WD vehicles for mountain roads. Check current mountain tour availability in booking section.

Traditional Bath House Experiences

October's variable weather (11-20°C/51-68°F swings) makes sulfur baths particularly appealing after cool morning explorations. Abanotubani district's historic bath houses offer private rooms perfect for recovering from autumn chill. Less crowded than summer peak season but warm enough to enjoy post-bath courtyard relaxation.

Booking Tip: Private bath rooms cost 50-80 GEL for 2 hours, shared baths 15-25 GEL per person. Book afternoon sessions (2-6pm) to warm up after morning sightseeing. Include traditional massage (additional 40-60 GEL) and tea service. Weekend slots fill quickly - reserve 2-3 days ahead.

Soviet History and Underground Tours

October's shorter daylight and frequent overcast skies create perfect atmospheric conditions for exploring Tbilisi's Soviet-era bunkers, Stalin Underground Printing House Museum, and brutalist architecture tours. Indoor focus works well during the 10 rainy days typical in October.

Booking Tip: Underground museum tours cost 20-30 GEL, architectural walking tours 70-100 GEL. Book covered or partially indoor tours for backup during rainy days. Many Soviet sites require advance booking through official channels. Stalin Museum day trips to Gori cost 80-120 GEL. See booking options below.

Georgian Cooking Classes with Market Tours

October brings seasonal ingredients perfect for traditional Georgian dishes - fresh walnuts for pkhali, late harvest tomatoes for ajapsandali, new wine for cooking. Indoor cooking classes provide excellent rainy day activity while learning skills you'll use at home. Harvest season markets offer best ingredient variety.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes including market tour cost 100-150 GEL per person. Book 5-7 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 8-10 participants. Morning classes (9am start) allow market visits when produce is freshest. Look for classes including traditional bread baking and wine pairing. Current cooking class options in booking section.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Tbilisoba Festival

Annual city celebration featuring traditional Georgian music, dance performances, craft exhibitions, and street food throughout Old Town. Multiple stages showcase regional folk traditions while local artisans sell handmade goods. Free wine and chacha tastings celebrate autumn harvest.

Early to Mid October

Rtveli Wine Harvest Celebrations

Traditional grape harvest festivals in nearby Kakheti region and urban wineries. Participate in grape stomping, traditional feast preparation, and folk singing. Many Tbilisi restaurants host special Rtveli menus featuring new wine and harvest dishes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - October's 10 rainy days bring sudden 30-45 minute downpours that catch tourists unprepared

Comfortable walking boots with ankle support - Old Town's ancient cobblestones become slippery when wet and uneven surfaces cause twisted ankles

Layering system: light sweater, fleece, and t-shirts - temperature swings from 11°C to 20°C (51-68°F) happen within hours

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning Narikala Fortress visits at 11°C (51°F) feel much colder with Mtkvari River wind

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden showers while exploring outdoor markets and street art in Fabrika district

Thermal underwear for mountain day trips - elevation gains of 1,000m (3,281 ft) drop temperatures significantly

Sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen - October's clear days have UV index of 4, intensified by reflection off whitewashed Old Town buildings

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more night photography and navigation usage

Cash in small denominations - many traditional restaurants and sulfur baths don't accept cards, need exact change for marshrutkas

Insider Knowledge

Visit Dezerter Bazaar early Saturday mornings (7-9am) when village vendors bring fresh churchkhela made from October's grape harvest - locals buy supplies before tourists arrive

Use October's cool weather to walk the entire Narikala-to-Mtatsminda cable car route instead of riding - save 15 GEL per person and see neighborhoods tourists miss from cable cars

Book accommodations in Sololaki district rather than Old Town - locals prefer this area for authentic restaurants, prices are 30-40% lower, and it's only 800m (0.5 miles) to major attractions

October wine tastings at urban wineries like Chateau Mukhrani cost 50% less than summer peak season and include harvest activities not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing only summer clothes - many tourists arrive unprepared for 11°C (51°F) morning temperatures and end up buying overpriced jackets from tourist shops

Planning full outdoor days without indoor backup options - October's 10 rainy days can derail sightseeing plans if you don't have covered alternatives like museums or cooking classes

Booking wine tours to distant regions without checking weather forecasts - mountain roads to Kakheti become difficult in heavy October rains, some tours get cancelled last-minute