Things to Do in Tbilisi in September

September Weather in Tbilisi

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

35 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect harvest season - September is when Georgian wine harvest (rtveli) peaks, with wineries offering harvest experiences and 15-20% discounts on wine tours throughout Kakheti region
Ideal hiking temperatures - mornings start cool at 16°C (60°F), perfect for Tbilisi's steep climbs to Narikala Fortress or Mtatsminda Park without the exhausting summer heat
Tourist crowds drop by 40% after August peak - major attractions like sulfur baths in Abanotubani and cable car queues are 50% shorter than summer months
Peak pomegranate and persimmon season - local markets overflow with fresh Georgian produce, and restaurants feature seasonal dishes like badrijani nigvzit with harvest vegetables

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - September sees 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours that can disrupt walking tours and outdoor dining plans for 2-3 hours
Temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) daily require layered clothing - mornings need light jackets while afternoons can be uncomfortably warm for indoor activities
Some mountain attractions close early - cable cars to Turtle Lake and some hiking trails reduce hours after mid-September due to shorter daylight and weather concerns

Best Activities in September

Kakheti Wine Region Harvest Tours

September is peak harvest season when family wineries welcome visitors to participate in traditional grape picking and wine making. Temperatures are perfect for vineyard walking at 20-24°C (68-75°F), and you'll experience authentic Georgian supra (feast) traditions. Many wineries offer 20% harvest season discounts.

Booking Tip: Book wine harvest experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as capacity is limited during peak harvest. Tours typically cost 120-180 GEL ($45-65) including transport from Tbilisi, tastings, and traditional lunch. Look for family-owned wineries offering hands-on harvest experiences rather than just tastings.

Old Town Walking and Thermal Bath Experiences

September's moderate temperatures make exploring Tbilisi's cobblestone streets comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. Morning temperatures of 16-18°C (60-64°F) are perfect for climbing to Narikala Fortress, followed by afternoon relaxation in Abanotubani sulfur baths when it warms to 24-26°C (75-79°F).

Booking Tip: Private sulfur bath rooms cost 20-40 GEL ($7-15) per hour and should be booked same-day morning to avoid crowds. Walking tours run 25-45 GEL ($10-18) and work best starting at 10am when morning coolness fades but afternoon heat hasn't peaked.

Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery Day Trips

Georgia's ancient capital is stunning in September with golden autumn light and comfortable walking temperatures. The 20 km (12.4 mile) drive from Tbilisi takes you through changing landscapes, and the hilltop Jvari Monastery offers spectacular views without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Day tours to Mtskheta typically cost 60-100 GEL ($22-38) including transport and guide. Book through licensed operators offering small groups (8-12 people) for better experience. September allows for leisurely exploration without rushing between air-conditioned vehicles.

Georgian Cooking Classes with Seasonal Produce

September brings peak harvest of Georgian ingredients like badrijani (eggplant), pomegranates, and fresh herbs. Cooking classes feature seasonal dishes and take advantage of comfortable kitchen temperatures. You'll learn khinkali, khachapuri, and seasonal specialties using the freshest ingredients.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from 80-150 GEL ($30-55) for 3-4 hour experiences including market visits and full meals. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as September is popular for food experiences. Look for classes that include visits to Dezerter Bazaar for ingredient shopping.

Uplistsikhe Cave City Explorations

September offers ideal conditions for exploring this ancient rock-hewn city 90 km (56 miles) from Tbilisi. Temperatures stay comfortable for the moderate climbing required, and September's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions across the Mtkvari River valley.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 70-120 GEL ($25-45) including transport. The site requires 2-3 hours of walking and moderate climbing, perfect in September's temperatures but challenging in summer heat. Combine with Gori Museum for full-day experiences.

Kazbegi and Stepantsminda Mountain Tours

September provides the last reliable weather window for accessing Kazbegi region before winter snows. Clear mountain air and comfortable temperatures make the 150 km (93 mile) Georgian Military Highway journey spectacular, with opportunities to see Mount Kazbek on clear days.

Booking Tip: Full-day Kazbegi tours cost 100-180 GEL ($38-68) and should be booked 1 week ahead to secure good weather days. September has 70% clear day probability compared to 40% in October. Look for tours including Gergeti Trinity Church and Ananuri Fortress.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Tbilisoba Festival

Tbilisi's biggest celebration typically occurs in mid to late September, featuring traditional music, dance, crafts, and food throughout the Old Town. Streets fill with local artisans, wine tastings, and folk performances showcasing Georgian culture.

All of September

Wine Harvest Season (Rtveli)

Throughout September, Georgian families and wineries celebrate harvest season with traditional grape-picking ceremonies, communal feasts, and new wine blessings. Many rural areas hold local harvest festivals with folk music and dancing.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings at 16°C (60°F) require light jackets, afternoons reach 26°C (79°F) needing breathable cotton or linen shirts

Waterproof light jacket or compact umbrella - September averages 10 rainy days with sudden 30-60 minute downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Tbilisi's cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during clear afternoon periods, especially dangerous at higher altitudes around Mtatsminda

Light scarf or cardigan for evening dining - outdoor restaurant terraces get cool after sunset, dropping to 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Small backpack for day trips - wine region tours and mountain excursions require carrying water, snacks, and layers for temperature changes

Cash in small denominations - many family wineries, sulfur baths, and local restaurants prefer Georgian Lari cash over cards

Portable phone charger - September's variable weather means more indoor time and increased phone usage for photos and navigation

Warm pajamas or sleepwear - nighttime temperatures can drop to 16°C (60°F), and many guesthouses have limited heating in September

Insider Knowledge

Book wine region tours for weekday mornings - weekends see Georgian families visiting their own vineyards, making authentic experiences harder to find and 30% more expensive

Use September's variable weather as an advantage - rainy afternoons are perfect for visiting covered markets like Dezerter Bazaar or indoor attractions like National Museum, often with fewer crowds

Tbilisi's thermal baths are busiest 4-7pm when locals visit after work - go early morning (9-11am) or late evening (after 8pm) for authentic experiences and lower prices

September is when Georgian families preserve food for winter - ask your accommodation host about joining traditional activities like making ajika (spicy sauce) or churchkhela (grape candy)

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - September mornings and evenings require warm layers, and many tourists underestimate the 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swing

Booking only outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days, having indoor backup plans like cooking classes, museums, or bath house visits prevents wasted time

Rushing through wine region visits - September harvest season offers unique experiences beyond just tastings, but requires full-day commitments rather than quick half-day tours