Abano Pass Weather
Abano Pass weather stays alpine even in midsummer. At ~2,950 m on the only road into Tusheti, July and August highs average just 15 °C (59 °F), nights about 5 °C (41 °F), and in a typical year snow covers the ground from October to April. The dirt 4x4 road normally opens at the end of May or in June and shuts when heavy snow returns in October. Drivers, cyclists and hikers crossing it should expect cold, cloud and fast-changing conditions at the top.
Abano Pass weather: 7-day forecast
Forecast for 42.278° N, 45.508° E, 2,950 m, updated through the day: data from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0). The monthly averages below are long-term climate, not a forecast.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain | Rain days | Cloud cover | Daylight | Sunrise–sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | −9° | −16° | 50 mm | 6 | 43% | 9.4 h | 08:24–17:49 |
| February | −7° | −15° | 54 mm | 6 | 46% | 10.5 h | 07:56–18:29 |
| March | −4° | −12° | 65 mm | 8 | 50% | 11.9 h | 07:12–19:03 |
| April | 1° | −7° | 118 mm | 12 | 53% | 13.3 h | 06:19–19:38 |
| May | 6° | −3° | 158 mm | 16 | 49% | 14.6 h | 05:37–20:11 |
| June | 12° | 2° | 136 mm | 14 | 37% | 15.2 h | 05:20–20:35 |
| July | 15° | 5° | 111 mm | 10 | 25% | 15.0 h | 05:34–20:34 |
| August | 15° | 5° | 97 mm | 9 | 24% | 13.9 h | 06:04–20:01 |
| September | 10° | 0° | 88 mm | 9 | 28% | 12.6 h | 06:37–19:10 |
| October | 4° | −5° | 73 mm | 8 | 37% | 11.1 h | 07:09–18:18 |
| November | −3° | −12° | 67 mm | 7 | 41% | 9.8 h | 07:48–17:38 |
| December | −7° | −15° | 51 mm | 6 | 41% | 9.1 h | 08:20–17:27 |
| Year | 3° | −6° | 1,068 mm | 111 | 40% |
Estimated for this exact spot: 1991–2020 averages of the nearest weather stations, carried across the mountains and valleys with a 1 km climate model (CHELSA) and checked against more than 100 Georgian stations (typical error about 1 °C and 15% of the rain). Cloud cover: CHELSA 1981–2010. Daylight and sunrise are for the 15th of each month (Georgia keeps UTC+4 all year). A rain day has at least 1 mm.
Abano Pass weather through the year
SpringMar–May
There is no real spring at the top. March and April stay below or near freezing even by day, with highs of about -4 °C and 1 °C, and April is the cloudiest month (53%). May brings the most precipitation, about 158 mm, falling largely as snow up here, with highs near 6 °C and frosty nights. Crews usually clear the road in late May or June, depending on the winter's snow.
Highs −4° to 6° · lows −12° to −3° · 341 mm rain
SummerJun–Aug
Summer is the crossing season. June highs reach about 12 °C with nights near 2 °C, and June is very wet (about 136 mm). July and August are the mildest months, with afternoons near 15 °C, nights about 5 °C and, in August, the clearest skies (24% cloud). Old snow can line the upper bends early in the season, and even in August cloud can sit on the pass, with sleet or hail possible.
Highs 12° to 15° · lows 2° to 5° · 344 mm rain
AutumnSep–Nov
September is often the calmest month for the drive, with clearer skies, highs near 10 °C and nights around 0 °C. By October the average high is about 4 °C and the low -5 °C, and the first heavy snowfall usually closes the road at some point in the month. November is full winter at the top, with highs below freezing.
Highs −3° to 10° · lows −12° to 0° · 228 mm rain
WinterDec–Feb
From October to April the pass is buried, and drifts linger into May. January highs average about -9 °C and lows -16 °C, and with snow lying for some seven months, winter here takes up more than half the calendar. The road stays closed through winter and spring, avalanches can sweep the switchbacks on both sides, and Tusheti can be reached only by helicopter.
Highs −9° to −7° · lows −16° to −15° · 155 mm rain
Best time to visit Abano Pass
The best time to visit Abano Pass, or rather to cross it, is July to mid-September. Read the Abano Pass weather by month and the reasons are clear: June is wet, and early in the season the road can be muddy, with snow walls and meltwater on the upper bends. July and August give the mildest temperatures, about 15 °C at the top, while September brings clearer skies and fewer travellers but freezing nights. Hikers and cyclists should cross in the morning, before cloud builds. October crossings are a gamble against the first snow.
The weather in the Abano Pass area changes fast: cloud often wraps the pass while the valleys below are clear, and rain at Pshaveli can mean sleet or snow at the top. The bigger hazard is water. Heavy rain loosens the slopes and can bring rockfall or mud onto the unpaved road, sometimes closing it for a day. Have your driver check the road the evening before, set off early, and carry food, water and warm clothes.
What to pack for Abano Pass
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves, even in August
- Waterproof layer for sleet and rain at the top
- Motion-sickness tablets for the long, winding climb
- Food and water in case of delays
- Sunglasses for snow glare early in the season
Abano Pass weather: FAQ
When is the Abano Pass open?
Normally from the end of May or sometime in June until heavy snow closes it in October, which gives four to five months of driving a year. The opening date depends on how much snow fell over winter and how quickly crews clear it. Rain or early snow can shut the road for a day or more at any time in the season, so check its status before you travel.
How cold is it at the top of the Abano Pass in summer?
Cold enough for a jacket. In July and August the average high is about 15 °C (59 °F) and the average low about 5 °C (41 °F), while in June and September nights hover around freezing. Cloud and wind make it feel colder still, so dress for winter-like conditions when you stop at the top.
Can it snow on the Abano Pass in summer?
Yes. With nights only a few degrees above freezing even in July, and close to 0 °C (32 °F) in June and September, snow or sleet showers are possible in any month. Snow lies at the pass from about October to April, and patches of old snow beside the road are normal into early summer.
What happens to the Abano Pass road after heavy rain?
The dirt surface turns to mud, streams spill across the track, and rockfall or landslides can block it for hours or days. May and June are the wettest months on the pass, at about 158 mm and 136 mm. If heavy rain is forecast, wait a day; experienced local drivers will usually make that call for you.
Weather nearby
July and January average highs, nearest first.
Tours that visit Abano Pass
Not sure the weather will suit your plans?
We check the forecast for Abano Pass every week. Message us your dates and we will tell you what to expect and what to pack.
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