Ananuri Weather
Ananuri weather sits halfway between the heat of the capital and the cold of the high Caucasus. The fortress overlooks the Zhinvali Reservoir at about 800 m, a little over an hour north of Tbilisi, with July and August afternoons near 28 °C (82 °F) and January nights around -6 °C (21 °F). About 661 mm of rain falls in a year. June to September is easiest, though the snowy castle has its own winter appeal.
Ananuri weather: 7-day forecast
Forecast for 42.164° N, 44.704° E, 800 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 | 4° | −6° | 32 mm | 6 | 35% | 9.4 h | 08:27–17:52 |
| February | 6° | −4° | 39 mm | 7 | 37% | 10.6 h | 07:59–18:32 |
| March | 11° | 0° | 45 mm | 8 | 39% | 11.9 h | 07:15–19:06 |
| April | 16° | 5° | 71 mm | 10 | 40% | 13.3 h | 06:22–19:41 |
| May | 21° | 9° | 98 mm | 12 | 37% | 14.5 h | 05:41–20:14 |
| June | 25° | 13° | 87 mm | 10 | 27% | 15.2 h | 05:24–20:38 |
| July | 28° | 16° | 59 mm | 7 | 18% | 15.0 h | 05:37–20:37 |
| August | 28° | 15° | 53 mm | 7 | 19% | 13.9 h | 06:08–20:04 |
| September | 24° | 11° | 47 mm | 6 | 23% | 12.6 h | 06:40–19:13 |
| October | 18° | 7° | 49 mm | 7 | 31% | 11.2 h | 07:12–18:21 |
| November | 11° | 1° | 45 mm | 7 | 34% | 9.8 h | 07:51–17:41 |
| December | 6° | −4° | 36 mm | 6 | 34% | 9.1 h | 08:22–17:30 |
| Year | 17° | 5° | 661 mm | 93 | 31% |
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.
Ananuri weather through the year
SpringMar–May
Spring at the fortress is fresh and changeable. Daytime temperatures climb from roughly 11 °C in March to around 21 °C by May, while April, the cloudiest month, can still bring sleet. May is the wettest month, with about 98 mm on 12 days, and the wooded hills around the water turn bright green. After a shower the courtyard stones and the stairs of the watchtower get slick, so wear shoes with real soles.
Highs 11° to 21° · lows 0° to 9° · 214 mm rain
SummerJun–Aug
Summer is warm and mostly bright. June afternoons reach about 25 °C and July and August about 28 °C, with nights cooling to 13 to 16 °C, a relief after Tbilisi. July has the clearest skies, around 18% cloud. Midday light on the reservoir is harsh and tour buses peak in late morning, so arrive early or late; in June the sun does not set until about 20:38.
Highs 25° to 28° · lows 13° to 16° · 199 mm rain
AutumnSep–Nov
September is warm and dry, with highs of about 24 °C and only six rain days. October cools to about 18 °C as the slopes above the reservoir take on autumn colours, which makes it a favourite month for photographers. November brings about 11 °C by day, frost on clear nights and, now and then, a first dusting of snow on the hills behind the fortress.
Highs 11° to 24° · lows 1° to 11° · 141 mm rain
WinterDec–Feb
Winter is cold and often snowy. December to February highs reach about 4 to 6 °C, nights average around -4 to -6 °C, and most winters bring snow that may stay for days or a few weeks. The fortress looks striking against white hills, and the crowds vanish. Steps and tower stairs can be icy, so wear proper boots, and remember the Jvari Pass further north may be closed.
Highs 4° to 6° · lows −6° to −4° · 107 mm rain
Best time to visit Ananuri
The best time to visit Ananuri is June, August or September, when days reach about 24 to 28 °C and the reservoir looks its bluest under clear skies. September is the calmest of the three, with fewer groups and steady weather. Photographers should come early, when soft light and still water suit the classic view from the lookout just south of the walls. In winter, a clear day after fresh snow pays off, easily combined with Gudauri.
The Zhinvali Reservoir shapes the weather in Ananuri on calm, cold mornings. In autumn and winter mist can lie over the water at dawn and lift as the sun warms the valley, leaving the fortress veiled for an hour or two. Arrive at first light for a moody picture, or mid-morning for a clear one. A glance at the Ananuri weather by month also shows sub-zero nights all winter, so expect icy steps after any snowfall.
What to pack for Ananuri
- Shoes with grip for the steep tower stairs
- A light jacket for chilly mornings by the water
- A sun hat for the shadeless reservoir viewpoint
- Warm boots for icy steps from December to February
- A compact umbrella for rainy May
Ananuri weather: FAQ
Is Ananuri worth visiting in winter?
Yes, on a clear day. After a fresh fall, which may last a few days or stretch to some weeks, the fortress stands above white hills and a wintry shoreline, and visitor numbers drop sharply. January afternoons reach only about 4 °C (39 °F) and nights fall to about -6 °C (21 °F), so dress warmly and take care on icy steps.
What time is sunset at Ananuri in summer?
Around 20:38 in late June and about 20:37 in July, with sunrise between about 05:24 and 05:37. Georgia keeps the same clock all year, so long summer evenings let you visit after the day-trip crowds have left. In December the sun sets around 17:30, so plan winter stops before mid-afternoon.
Can you see Ananuri on a rainy day?
Yes. Much of the visit is the carved church facades and the frescoed interiors, which work in any weather. Spring showers are often short, so waiting half an hour can bring a dry spell. Expect the most rain from April to June, about 71 to 98 mm a month, and wear grippy shoes on wet stone.
How different is the weather at Ananuri and in Kazbegi?
Quite different. On a summer afternoon Ananuri averages about 28 °C (82 °F), while Stepantsminda, at about 1,740 m, sits around 22 °C (72 °F), so bring a layer for the rest of the drive. In winter Kazbegi is far snowier, and the Jvari Pass between them can close.
Weather nearby
July and January average highs, nearest first.
Places with this weather
Sights and villages close to Ananuri and at a similar height.
Tours that visit Ananuri Fortress
Not sure the weather will suit your plans?
We check the forecast for Ananuri every week. Message us your dates and we will tell you what to expect and what to pack.
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