Batumi, Georgia: a year-round guide

The capital of the Ajara region, Batumi is Georgia’s second largest city and one of its most exciting. Sat on a headland on the Black Sea coast, it boasts stunning architecture, sunny beaches, a calm sea, delicious food, and a warm welcome from the locals – there’s even a saying among Georgians that guests are gifts from God. The city is best known as a summer destination, when sun-seekers flock to the coastline, but Batumi has much to offer all year round.

Spring

The warm, pleasant temperature in Batumi in springtime makes this an enticing season to visit the city. Take some time to explore the Boulevard, with its collection of beautiful sculptures and innovative architecture. One of the easiest ways to get about is to hire a bike and make use of the Boulevard’s extensive flat cycle lanes, allowing you to take in the city’s skyline as you go.

One of the best things to do in Batumi during the spring is to head to the Batumi Botanical Garden, found a short distance around the bay north of the centre. Here you can stroll along well-maintained paths past gorgeous floral displays, featuring plants from both Georgia and abroad, and enjoy leafy tree-lined avenues, occasionally catching a glimpse of the deep blue waters of the Black Sea coastline. It’s at this time of year that the gardens are at their best, bursting with spectacular colour. 

If you prefer getting out into wilder, more untamed nature, consider taking a trip to one of Ajara’s stunning national parks — three of which are UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites. One of the easiest to access is Mtirala Park, a short drive east of the Batumi Botanical Garden, with attractive hikes through Colchic forests. Along the routes you’ll frequently discover beautiful waterfalls, at their most dramatic during the springtime thanks to the melting snow in the mountains feeding into Mtirala’s rushing rivers.

Summer

Summer is a hugely popular time to visit Batumi, with the whole city bursting into life. Many visitors come to enjoy the seven kilometre stretch of pebble beach along the city’s boulevard lapped by the warm and gentle waters of the Black Sea. Spend your days alternating between sunbathing and cooling off in the sea, and when evening rolls around, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Batumi, particularly around Piazza Square. Here, you can sip cocktails at trendy bars while enjoying live music that creates a perfect summer ambiance.

The season is also perfect for admiring amazing sunsets on the Black Sea beaches or heading to the bustling fish market for fresh seafood delicacies. Don't miss the annual Summer Festival that marks the official opening of the season.

But summer in Batumi isn’t just about lazing on the beach: the city also hosts a variety of festivals at this time of year, of which perhaps the best and most popular is the Black Sea Jazz Festival. Featuring musicians from all over the world, the festival has expanded past solely jazz and has hosted artists as diverse as Robert Plant, the Jacksons, Marcus Miller, Jamiroquai, Macy Gray, and Snoop Dogg. Get your dancing shoes on and party the night away.

If your tastes run more to high adrenaline outings, this is a great time of year to head out along the road east of Batumi. At the village of Makhuntseti, you can enjoy an afternoon’s white water rafting down the Ajaristskali River, passing ancient arched bridges and densely forested shores. Or head up to Kapnistavi, where you can take the opportunity to go canyoning through narrow rocky gorges and seek out beautiful waterfalls that few tourists reach.

Autumn

The warm and pleasant autumn months offer several unique activities in Batumi and the wider Ajara region. Known as the "Velvet Season" or "Indian Summer," this period boasts the most enjoyable sea conditions and perfect weather for outdoor adventures.

It’s the ideal time of year to visit the city if you’re a birdwatcher, as during this season thousands of migrating birds make their way through the ‘Batumi bottleneck’ – a narrow passage between the Black Sea and the inland mountains. Head out of town to the Raptor Watchpoint to observe the birds of prey as they make their lengthy journey through the skies above the hills.

Back in the city, autumn comes alive with the vibrant Gandagana Festival, typically held in late September or early October. This lively celebration of rural tourism features a variety of gastronomic masterclasses showcasing traditional Ajarian dishes like Ajarian Khachapuri and Borano.

Here you try local varietals of wine, such as Tsolikouri and Chkhaveri, or stroll through bustling markets filled with handmade goods and fresh local produce. The festival also offers interactive activities for kids, including traditional crafts workshops, and showcases local culture with folklore and musical performances by local ensembles. 

Autumn is also harvest season in Batumi, focusing on three main crops: grapes, citrus fruits, and tobacco. Many guesthouses and small farms in the surrounding villages offer agritourism experiences during this time.

One of the most important features of visiting Batumi in autumn is sampling local wine. Georgian wine is a source of national pride, and it’s during this season that the grape harvest takes place. At the many vineyards around Batumi – such as the Ajarian Wine House, along the eastern road to Makhuntseti – tourists can get involved, helping to pick the grapes and learning how Georgians make wine in iconic qvevri pots. Or, if you prefer, you can simply visit one of Batumi’s many splendid wine bars and sample the end product.

Winter

Owing to its position on the Black Sea, Batumi rarely experiences very cold temperatures, and it’s a pleasure spending the winter days exploring the city’s beautiful public squares and elaborate architecture along the Boulevard, afterward enjoying traditional warming Georgian cuisine such as the Ajaran khachapuri cheese bread or the delicious lakhni beef stew.

The region is also an excellent choice for visitors who enjoy winter sports. Just a few hours east of Batumi is the ski resort of Goderdzi, which boasts four slopes of varying abilities for both skiers and snowboarders. Enjoy spending your days in the picturesque mountains with perfect powdery snow, then relax in the evenings in top-notch ski hotels.

With all this – and much more – on offer, Batumi is a perfect year-round destination. The only question is deciding which season best suits you.

This article was made in partnership with Visit Batumi.