Omalo (Tusheti) Weather
Omalo weather follows Tusheti's short summer. At ~1,880 m (upper Omalo sits nearer 2,000 m), snow usually lies on the ground from November to April, and the only road in, over the Abano Pass, normally opens in late May or June and shuts again when heavy snow returns in October. July and August bring highs of about 22 °C (72 °F), nights around 11 °C (52 °F) and the year's lowest cloud cover, perfect for walking between tower villages. Otherwise Tusheti is nearly empty.
Omalo (Tusheti) weather: 7-day forecast
Forecast for 42.379° N, 45.630° E, 1,880 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 | −1° | −9° | 29 mm | 4 | 35% | 9.4 h | 08:24–17:48 |
| February | 0° | −8° | 29 mm | 5 | 38% | 10.5 h | 07:55–18:28 |
| March | 4° | −5° | 36 mm | 6 | 41% | 11.9 h | 07:12–19:03 |
| April | 8° | 0° | 72 mm | 10 | 44% | 13.3 h | 06:18–19:37 |
| May | 14° | 4° | 97 mm | 13 | 43% | 14.6 h | 05:37–20:10 |
| June | 19° | 8° | 92 mm | 12 | 35% | 15.3 h | 05:20–20:35 |
| July | 22° | 11° | 89 mm | 9 | 25% | 15.0 h | 05:33–20:33 |
| August | 22° | 11° | 74 mm | 8 | 24% | 14.0 h | 06:04–20:01 |
| September | 18° | 7° | 58 mm | 8 | 27% | 12.6 h | 06:36–19:10 |
| October | 12° | 2° | 42 mm | 6 | 33% | 11.1 h | 07:09–18:17 |
| November | 5° | −5° | 38 mm | 5 | 34% | 9.8 h | 07:48–17:37 |
| December | 0° | −8° | 28 mm | 5 | 33% | 9.1 h | 08:19–17:26 |
| Year | 10° | 1° | 684 mm | 91 | 34% |
Rain and rain days come from Omalo (Tusheti)'s own weather station (daily records 1955-1992, 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.
Omalo (Tusheti) weather through the year
SpringMar–May
In March Omalo still sees highs of about 4 °C and nights near -5 °C, with deep snow all around. April, at 8 °C, is the cloudiest month, and May the wettest, about 97 mm on 13 days. The road usually opens in late May or June, once crews have cleared the snow on the Abano Pass, and families who wintered in the lowlands start coming back up with their flocks.
Highs 4° to 14° · lows −5° to 4° · 205 mm rain
SummerJun–Aug
June is green but changeable, about 19 °C by day with 12 rainy days. July and August are the heart of the season: highs around 22 °C, nights near 11 °C and August the clearest month at 24% cloud. Days feel warm in the sun but cool fast in the shade and on the passes above the valleys. Atnigenoba in July and Tushetoba in August both fall in this settled spell.
Highs 19° to 22° · lows 8° to 11° · 255 mm rain
AutumnSep–Nov
September is the last reliable month: highs near 18 °C, nights around 7 °C, rain on about eight days and quiet trails. October highs drop to 12 °C and lows to 2 °C, and sometime that month a big snowfall normally ends the driving season. Many guesthouses shut by then, so leave a spare day in case snow arrives early.
Highs 5° to 18° · lows −5° to 7° · 138 mm rain
WinterDec–Feb
From late October to late May, Tusheti is effectively cut off. January days stay just below freezing and nights average about -9 °C, snow cover is deep and lasting, and only a handful of residents stay on, supplied by occasional helicopter flights. Winter visits are not practical for travellers. December and January are the driest months, under 30 mm each, though with the road shut it hardly matters.
Highs −1° to 0° · lows −9° to −8° · 86 mm rain
Best time to visit Omalo (Tusheti)
The best time to visit Omalo is July and August, when the weather is warmest (about 22 °C by day) and most stable, guesthouses are open and festivals such as Tushetoba take place. Late June and September are good too: quieter, with cooler nights of 7 to 8 °C and fresh snow sometimes dusting the peaks. Treks between Omalo, Dartlo, Parsma and Girevi are best from mid-July to mid-September. Omalo weather by month matters less than the road, which is passable for only about four to five months a year.
Everything about the weather in Omalo turns on snow: the village is usually white from November to April, and the Abano Pass above from October. It decides when Tusheti can be reached at all. The 4x4 road is usually passable for a short summer window only, and summer downpours can still close it for a day with mud or rockfall. Build a buffer day into any trip, and carry enough cash for an unplanned wait.
What to pack for Omalo (Tusheti)
- Warm jacket for 10 °C summer evenings
- Rain shell for June showers on the trails
- Sturdy, broken-in boots for walks to Dartlo and Parsma
- Hat and sunscreen for strong sun at altitude
- Warm sleeping layer for 7 °C September nights
Omalo (Tusheti) weather: FAQ
When does the road to Omalo open?
Usually in late May or June, once the Abano Pass has been cleared of snow, and it stays open until heavy snow returns in October. Exact dates change every year, so check before you book. In season, shared 4x4s and private drivers make the trip from Kvemo Alvani. The drive takes most of a day, so start early.
How cold does Omalo get at night in summer?
Colder than people tend to assume. In July and August the average low is still about 11 °C (52 °F), and in June and September it falls to around 7 to 8 °C (45 to 47 °F). Bring a warm layer for evenings outside, and something cosy to sleep in if your guesthouse room is unheated.
Can you visit Tusheti in winter?
Not as a regular traveller. The road over the Abano Pass closes with the first heavy snow in October and stays shut until late spring, and in Omalo itself snow usually lies from November to April. Only a few residents stay, reached by occasional helicopter. January nights average about -9 °C (16 °F).
What is the weather like for Tushetoba?
Tushetoba, held in Omalo in August, falls in Tusheti's warmest and clearest month: average highs are about 22 °C (72 °F) and cloud cover only around 24%. A few rainy days are still normal, about eight in the month, and evenings cool to about 11 °C (52 °F), so bring layers for watching the horse races.
Weather nearby
July and January average highs, nearest first.
Places with this weather
Sights and villages close to Omalo (Tusheti) and at a similar height.
Tours that visit Omalo
Not sure the weather will suit your plans?
We check the forecast for Omalo (Tusheti) every week. Message us your dates and we will tell you what to expect and what to pack.
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