Mestia Weather
Mestia weather is mountain weather at ~1,500 m: warm, bright summer days, cool nights and a long snowy winter. In July and August afternoons reach about 24 °C (75 °F) and skies are clear more often than not, while January brings highs near 0 °C (32 °F) and nights around -7 °C (19 °F). Snow usually covers the ground from about November to March. Summer suits hikers, and late December to March suits skiers at Hatsvali and Tetnuldi.
Mestia weather: 7-day forecast
Forecast for 43.046° N, 42.730° E, 1,500 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 | 0° | −7° | 61 mm | 10 | 43% | 9.3 h | 08:38–17:58 |
| February | 3° | −7° | 47 mm | 10 | 43% | 10.5 h | 08:08–18:38 |
| March | 7° | −3° | 56 mm | 9 | 42% | 11.8 h | 07:23–19:14 |
| April | 11° | 2° | 86 mm | 12 | 41% | 13.4 h | 06:29–19:50 |
| May | 16° | 6° | 87 mm | 13 | 40% | 14.6 h | 05:46–20:24 |
| June | 21° | 9° | 109 mm | 14 | 35% | 15.3 h | 05:29–20:49 |
| July | 24° | 12° | 95 mm | 11 | 24% | 15.1 h | 05:42–20:47 |
| August | 24° | 12° | 97 mm | 9 | 22% | 14.0 h | 06:14–20:14 |
| September | 20° | 8° | 85 mm | 9 | 28% | 12.6 h | 06:47–19:22 |
| October | 14° | 3° | 89 mm | 9 | 33% | 11.1 h | 07:21–18:28 |
| November | 6° | −2° | 78 mm | 10 | 39% | 9.8 h | 08:01–17:47 |
| December | 2° | −5° | 77 mm | 11 | 41% | 9.0 h | 08:33–17:35 |
| Year | 12° | 2° | 967 mm | 127 | 36% |
Rain and rain days come from Mestia's own weather station (daily records 1966-1992, NOAA GHCN-Daily). Temperatures are estimated for this spot from 1991–2020 station averages and a 1 km climate model (CHELSA). 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.
Mestia weather through the year
SpringMar–May
Spring comes late. March highs are about 7 °C with frost most nights, and snow usually lies in town until the month is out. April and May warm to 11 and 16 °C, but both are showery, with 12 to 13 rainy days. Lower walks such as the path to Latali open up first, while Koruldi Lakes and the high passes usually stay snowbound until June or later.
Highs 7° to 16° · lows −3° to 6° · 229 mm rain
SummerJun–Aug
June is the wettest month, about 109 mm over 14 days, often in afternoon showers. July and August are the most settled: highs around 24 °C, nights near 12 °C, and cloud cover down to about 22 to 24 percent, the clearest skies of the year. This is peak season for the Mestia to Ushguli trek, so book beds early and set off on hikes in the morning.
Highs 21° to 24° · lows 9° to 12° · 301 mm rain
AutumnSep–Nov
September is a fine hiking month: around 20 °C by day, 8 °C at night and only nine rainy days. October brings autumn colour and crisp air, with highs near 14 °C and nights close to 3 °C. By November highs fall to about 6 °C, nights drop below freezing and the first lasting snow usually arrives in town.
Highs 6° to 20° · lows −2° to 8° · 252 mm rain
WinterDec–Feb
Mestia weather by month hits its low point from December to February, when highs hover between 0 and 3 °C and nights fall to between -5 and -7 °C. It is the driest stretch of the year, February only about 47 mm, but what falls comes as snow and stays. Skiing runs at Hatsvali above town and at Tetnuldi, and Lamproba, the Svan torch festival, lights up the villages in February.
Highs 0° to 3° · lows −7° to −5° · 185 mm rain
Best time to visit Mestia
The best time to visit Mestia for hiking is July to mid-September, when trails to Koruldi Lakes, Chalaadi Glacier and the Mestia to Ushguli trek are clear of snow and the skies are at their clearest. June is greener and quieter but wetter, with snow still on high ground. For skiing, aim for late December to March. October is a good compromise for photographers: cooler, still fairly dry, and far fewer visitors.
The weather in Mestia decides whether you fly. The small planes serving Mestia airport need good visibility, and low cloud, rain or snow in the valley can delay or cancel flights, so leave a spare day before an international flight home. In winter, anti-skid chains are usually required on the road to Ushguli, and rockfall or avalanche danger can shut its last stretch beyond Kala for hours or days.
What to pack for Mestia
- Warm fleece for 12 °C summer nights
- Rain shell for June showers and storms
- Broken-in boots for Koruldi Lakes and the Ushguli trek
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright mountain days
- Insulated boots and gloves from December to March
Mestia weather: FAQ
How cold is Mestia in January?
The coldest month brings daytime highs of around 0 °C (32 °F) and lows near -7 °C (19 °F). Snow lies in the streets for most of the winter, and pavements are icy in the morning. A down jacket, warm boots and gloves are enough for town; skiers heading up to Tetnuldi should expect harsher cold on the slopes.
Is June a good time to visit Mestia?
June is green and quieter than high summer, with highs about 21 °C (70 °F). It is also the wettest month, around 109 mm on 14 days, and snow often lingers on the high passes, which can make the Mestia to Ushguli trek harder early in the month. Valley walks and day trips are fine.
Does bad weather cancel flights to Mestia?
It can. The small planes that serve Mestia need good visibility, so low cloud, rain or snow may delay or cancel departures. Treat the flight as a bonus rather than a guarantee, keep the road in mind as a fallback (about three hours from Zugdidi), and leave a buffer day before any onward flight.
Is October a good month for Mestia?
October is one of the most photogenic months, with autumn colour in the valley and fresh snow on the peaks. Highs are about 14 °C (57 °F), nights near 3 °C (37 °F), and rain falls on roughly nine days. Some guesthouses and trekking services wind down for the season, so arrange transport ahead.
Weather nearby
July and January average highs, nearest first.
Places with this weather
Sights and villages close to Mestia and at a similar height.
Tours that visit Mestia
Not sure the weather will suit your plans?
We check the forecast for Mestia every week. Message us your dates and we will tell you what to expect and what to pack.
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