Mount Kazbek Weather
Mount Kazbek weather decides every summit attempt on the dormant volcano above Stepantsminda. At the 5,054 m top, even July and August average an estimated high of only about 1.5 °C (35 °F) and lows near -8 °C (18 °F), before wind chill. In midwinter lows sink to about -29 °C (-20 °F). The summit figures are estimates, a guide to how cold it gets rather than a measurement. July and August are the climbing season.
Mount Kazbek weather: 7-day forecast
Forecast for 42.697° N, 44.518° E, 5,054 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 | −22° | −29° | 78 mm | 8 | 43% | 9.4 h | 08:30–17:52 |
| February | −20° | −28° | 69 mm | 8 | 43% | 10.5 h | 08:00–18:32 |
| March | −16° | −25° | 93 mm | 10 | 47% | 11.9 h | 07:16–19:07 |
| April | −12° | −20° | 140 mm | 14 | 50% | 13.3 h | 06:22–19:42 |
| May | −7° | −16° | 192 mm | 19 | 47% | 14.6 h | 05:40–20:16 |
| June | −2° | −12° | 213 mm | 19 | 38% | 15.3 h | 05:23–20:41 |
| July | 2° | −8° | 188 mm | 15 | 24% | 15.0 h | 05:36–20:39 |
| August | 2° | −8° | 178 mm | 13 | 21% | 14.0 h | 06:08–20:06 |
| September | −3° | −13° | 101 mm | 12 | 24% | 12.6 h | 06:40–19:14 |
| October | −9° | −18° | 98 mm | 12 | 31% | 11.1 h | 07:14–18:22 |
| November | −16° | −24° | 84 mm | 9 | 38% | 9.8 h | 07:53–17:41 |
| December | −21° | −27° | 77 mm | 9 | 40% | 9.1 h | 08:25–17:29 |
| Year | −11° | −19° | 1,511 mm | 148 | 37% |
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.
Mount Kazbek weather through the year
SpringMar–May
Spring is still winter at altitude. Estimated summit highs climb from about -16 °C in March to -7 °C in May, while precipitation rises sharply to about 192 mm in May on 19 days, all of it snow up high. Avalanche danger on the approach is real, and crevasses on the Gergeti glacier hide under fresh snow. Only experienced alpinists with avalanche training should go up now.
Highs −16° to −7° · lows −25° to −16° · 425 mm rain
SummerJun–Aug
July and August are the climbing months. Estimated summit highs reach about 1.5 °C and lows about -8 °C, but wind usually makes it feel far colder, and summit pushes start in the small hours. June is the snowiest summer month, about 213 mm on 19 days, so the glacier is deep and soft. August is the clearest month, around 21% cloud, with July close behind.
Highs −2° to 2° · lows −12° to −8° · 579 mm rain
AutumnSep–Nov
September is possible for strong teams, with estimated summit highs around -3 °C, lows about -13 °C and less precipitation than summer, about 101 mm. Days are shorter and the cold bites harder. In October the summit manages about -9 °C at best, with lows near -18 °C, and by November the mountain is in full winter. The huts usually empty out after mid-September.
Highs −16° to −3° · lows −24° to −13° · 283 mm rain
WinterDec–Feb
Winter on Kazbek is serious alpinism. Estimated highs stay around -20 to -22 °C from December to February, lows reach about -27 to -29 °C, and wind chill drives the felt temperature much lower. Daylight lasts only about nine hours. Getting there can also stall at the Jvari Pass, which closes repeatedly in snow, so allow spare days just to reach Stepantsminda.
Highs −22° to −20° · lows −29° to −27° · 224 mm rain
Best time to visit Mount Kazbek
The best time to visit Mount Kazbek for a summit attempt is mid-July to late August, when the estimated summit high sits just above freezing and the skies are clearest. Build in at least one spare weather day, since storms and whiteouts can arrive within hours. June and September are possible but snowier and colder. Trekkers who only want views can walk from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church and the glacier viewpoint from June to September.
Wind is what the averages leave out. Kazbek rises well above the surrounding ridges, so the summit and upper glacier take its full force, and a -8 °C night can feel far colder. Snow can fall in any month around the Bethlemi hut (~3,650 m), and the weather in Mount Kazbek's upper reaches can turn from clear to whiteout fast. The Mount Kazbek weather by month helps you choose the season; on the day, set a firm turnaround time.
What to pack for Mount Kazbek
- Insulated mountaineering boots for summit day
- Down jacket and mitts for nights near -8 °C
- Glacier glasses and high-factor sunscreen against snow glare
- Crampons, ice axe and harness for the glacier
- An insulated bottle so water does not freeze
Mount Kazbek weather: FAQ
When is the climbing season on Mount Kazbek?
July and August are the main season, with the best odds of clear skies, around 21 to 24% cloud, and an estimated summit high of about 1.5 °C (35 °F). June and September are possible for experienced teams but bring more snow and colder nights. Outside these months, the climb becomes a winter expedition.
How cold is it on the summit of Kazbek?
In July and August the estimated summit temperature ranges from about -8 °C (18 °F) at night to 1.5 °C (35 °F) in the afternoon, and wind makes it feel much colder. In January lows are near -29 °C (-20 °F). These are estimates rather than measurements, so prepare for colder conditions than the numbers suggest.
Can you climb Kazbek in winter?
Only as a serious winter expedition. Estimated summit lows of about -27 to -29 °C (-17 to -20 °F) from December to February, deep snow, short days and repeated closures of the road over the Jvari Pass make it a climb for experienced alpinists with full winter gear. Most guided climbs run in summer.
How much snow falls on Kazbek in summer?
Quite a lot. June brings an estimated 213 mm of precipitation on 19 days, July about 188 mm and August about 178 mm, nearly all of it as snow near the summit. Fresh falls can hide crevasses on the Gergeti glacier, so climb roped and with a qualified guide.
Weather nearby
July and January average highs, nearest first.
Tours that visit Mount Kazbek
Not sure the weather will suit your plans?
We check the forecast for Mount Kazbek every week. Message us your dates and we will tell you what to expect and what to pack.
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