Batumi, the second-largest city of Georgia, located along the Black Sea, is often associated with sun-soaked beaches and coastal fun. However, there is much more to explore in this dynamic city that offers a mix of both mountainous and maritime landscapes.

With a 2,000-year history, Batumi is a city full of life, offering a diverse cultural scene and a calendar packed with festivals and events. This guide explores Batumi’s four seasons, offering suggestions for the perfect time to visit and what to experience throughout the year.

Spring in Batumi

Best for: Breezy bike rides and botanical garden visits

In spring, Batumi comes to life as the city is bathed in vibrant green hues, brought about by the early showers of March. One of the best ways to experience the city is by taking a stroll along Batumi Boulevard, a seaside promenade originally laid out in 1884.

The seven-kilometer stretch includes bike lanes, outdoor cafes, quirky modern sculptures, and a beautiful Japanese garden full of cherry blossoms. The Batumoba Festival, held every April, brings a gastronomic market and live music to the Boulevard, making it an unmissable event. Further north, the Batumi Botanical Garden offers nine climatic zones and a rich collection of flora from around the world. Visitors can spend hours exploring its marked trails, enjoying breathtaking views of the Black Sea from various lookout points.

For more adventurous travelers, the UNESCO-listed Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands provide a great opportunity for hiking, with diverse birdlife and scenic views. The nearby national parks of Mtirala, Kintrishi, Kobuleti, and Machakhela offer unique ecosystems to explore.

Best eats in spring

Spring brings an abundance of fresh herbs and produce. A must-try dish is chakapuli, a savory stew made with green plums and tarragon. For those who enjoy exploring local flavors, the vineyards near Batumi offer the chance to taste newly harvested seasonal beverages, made using traditional techniques.

Summer in Batumi

Best for: Water activities and cultural festivals

Batumi enjoys a long summer season, with warm temperatures stretching well into October. To avoid the peak crowds, consider visiting in June or September. The summer months are perfect for cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of the Black Sea.

Beaches to the north and south of the city, such as the black sand beaches of Ureki and the peaceful coves near Gonio and Kvariati, are especially popular. The Makhuntseti and Mirveti waterfalls are also great spots to explore, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. For a more active summer experience, kayaking at sunset along the Ajaristskali River or rappelling in Uchkho Canyon are excellent options. July and August mark the beginning of the cultural season, with festivals like the Black Sea Jazz Festival and the Georgian folk music celebrations at Shuamtoba.

Bird enthusiasts can visit the Batumi Bottleneck, the third-largest migration corridor in the world, in September, when millions of raptors pass through the sky during the Birdwatching Festival.

Best eats in summer

Summer evenings are ideal for outdoor dining along the waterfront. Ajarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and an egg yolk, is a must-try. The fish market is also a great place to visit, where you can buy freshly caught seafood and have it cooked to order at nearby restaurants.

Autumn in Batumi

Best for: Forest walks and historical sightseeing

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it the perfect time to explore Upper Ajara and the surrounding mountains. Whether it’s a short hike to the Gonio Cross or a more challenging trek to the Didi Mtirala summit, the area offers hiking trails for all levels.

The mountains are dotted with charming alpine villages and early 20th-century wooden mosques, such as the impressive Ghorjomi Mosque. The Khulo cable car provides stunning views, while the highland festivals, like Autumn in Ghorjomi and Autumn in Keda, showcase local horsemanship and traditional food.

Autumn is also a fantastic time to visit historical sites like Petra Fortress, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Roman-era Gonio Fortress, where the Georgian Folk Song Festival is held every September.

Best eats in autumn

Autumn is the season for trying malakhto, a dish made from mashed beans, walnuts, spices, and sour grapes. For dessert, pakhlava, a sweet treat made with wild Jara honey, is a regional favorite. Late autumn brings fresh mandarins to the markets, or visitors can join in the Tangerine Fest in Tsikhisdziri to pick their own.

Winter in Batumi

Best for: Mountain escapes and city breaks

Winter in Batumi offers a unique experience, especially for those interested in winter sports. Goderdzi Resort, located two hours from the city, is one of the premier destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the region. With seven kilometers of groomed slopes and three lifts, Goderdzi also offers ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.

Accommodations range from luxurious chalets to boutique hotels, providing a variety of options for visitors.

In the city, winter is relatively mild, and the quiet streets offer the chance to admire Batumi’s modern architecture and street art murals. Museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Nobel Brothers Museum provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area’s history. The New Year’s celebration is a spectacular event, with a grand fireworks display and a gala concert on December 31.

Best eats in winter

The mountain cuisine of Ajara is perfect for winter, with dishes that emphasize cheese, butter, and cream. Borano, a dish of cheese fried in ghee, khavitsi (a type of fondue), and sinori (a pie made with layers of flatbread and a ricotta-like filling) are all best enjoyed at a family-run restaurant.

Batumi By a Local | Top Things to Do in Batumi | Visit Georgia | Batumi Travel Guide

DW Travel