Mtskheta
Georgia
Mtskheta is a city in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north of Tbilisi, at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. Currently a small provincial capital, for nearly a millennium until the 5th century AD, Mtskheta was a large fortified city and a significant economic and political center of the Kingdom of Iberia.
Read more — WikipediaThe best months to visit are September.
August is the hottest month, with highs around 29°C (84°F).
January is the coldest month, with lows around -2°C (28°F).
The wettest month is May, with rain on about 15 days.
July is the sunniest month, with about 8.5 hours of sunshine a day.
In October, it’s warmer here than in 38% of places in Georgia.
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16-day forecast
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 95%
- Wind
- 3 km/h SE
- Gusts
- 11 km/h
- Cloud cover
- 20%
- Pressure
- 1022 hPa
- UV index
- 1 (now)
- Sunrise / Sunset
- 07:25 / 18:03
Next 48 hours
Best time to visit Mtskheta
Average conditions for each month, from long-term climate normals (1961–2020).
Month by month
| Climate | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 5° | 6° | 10° | 18° | 21° | 26° | 29° | 29° | 24° | 18° | 12° | 7° |
| Average low | -2° | -2° | 1° | 7° | 11° | 14° | 18° | 18° | 14° | 8° | 4° | 0° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 31 | 36 | 53 | 78 | 80 | 46 | 42 | 38 | 45 | 41 | 27 |
| Rain days | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Sunshine per day (h) | 3.1 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.6 | 6.9 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 7 | 5.3 | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Daylight (h) | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.8 | 13.3 | 14.5 | 15.2 | 14.9 | 13.8 | 12.4 | 11 | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Humidity (%) | 74 | 72 | 66 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 58 | 59 | 62 | 69 | 73 | 76 |
| Wind (km/h) | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Go score | 17 | 17 | 32 | 60 | 69 | 76 | 69 | 71 | 85 | 66 | 39 | 19 |
The go score (0–100) favours daytime highs of 22–27 °C, mild nights, plenty of sunshine and few rainy days.
Climate normals: WorldClim 2.1 (1970–2000) · CRU CL 2.0 (1961–1990) About this data: Climate normals
What to do in Mtskheta, month by month
When each activity is at its best, judged from the climate averages.
| Activities | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing & city walks | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Poor |
| Hiking | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
| Photography & sunsets | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Poor | Poor |
Good Fair Poor · Estimated from long-term averages of temperature, rain days, sunshine and sea temperature.
How each activity is rated
- Sightseeing & city walks — Good: highs of 15–27 °C and few rain days. Fair: 11–33 °C.
- Hiking — Good: highs of 10–24 °C and few rain days; a wider window with trails or national parks nearby.
- Photography & sunsets — Good: at least 7 hours of sunshine a day and few rain days. Fair: 5 hours or more.
Mtskheta: tourist crowds by month
How busy it gets through the year — and the months with good weather and fewer visitors.
Updated: About this data: Crowds & prices
When people plan their trip
Monthly readership of the travel guide — people read up a few weeks before they travel.
Festivals and events around Mtskheta
Recurring festivals and celebrations nearby, month by month.
Mtskheta travel guide
What to see, do and eat, and where to stay — from an open, community-written travel guide.
Mtskheta (მცხეთა) is a town with a population of about 8,000 people (2014) 15 km north of Tbilisi in the Kartli region of Georgia.
Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. It is of extraordinary importance to the Georgian people and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was here that Georgia adopted Christianity in AD 334 and it remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Mtskheta is of primary interest to anyone interested in Georgian history or Orthodox Christianity.
Mtskheta lies at the junction of the Georgian Military Highway and the main road that connects Gori with Tbilisi. By marshrutka Marshrutkas run regularly every day of the week between Tbilisi's Didube market and the main street in Mtskheta. From the Didube metro station, walk out to the left of the metro tracks (when coming from city center), cross a street and in the next lot you'll find the —ask around. In the south-east corner of the lot, there is a 'cash desk' where you can buy a ticket for the marshrutka. The cost to Mtskheta is 2 lari per person, or pay the driver directly and exactly this amount. Some will try to extort more, expecting you not to care much. Bring a map and stop near the historic center of Mtskheta. Otherwise, the marshrutkas continue to the Mtskheta bus station which is 500 m north of Mtskheta's cathedral. There are fewer marshrutka drivers operating on Sundays and that this mode of transportation therefore becomes less dependable and more crowded. By train Mtskheta lies on the Tbilisi-Kutaisi railway and thus any trains connecting these cities will pass Mtskheta. By taxi You can take a taxi from Tbilisi or book a guided tour. To make sure you can get back to Tbilisi without problems get a phone number of a cab company before heading to Mtskheta, they will send someone to pick you up for the way back.
It's possible to catch a marshrutka going to Tbilisi here.
Mtskheta is small enough that it is possible to see the entire town on foot. The one exception is Jvari Monastery, far from the town center on top of a mountain. As there is no public transport to Jvari, it may be best to hire a cab in town (expect to pay 15 lari for the return trip), or take the shuttle offered by the tourist office opposite the Cathedral, at a cost of 5 lari per person, to Jvari Monastery. Although hiking up is possible, it probably wouldn't be wise as the walk involves a stretch of main road with blind bends and characteristically chaotic driving.
Around town
Svetitskhoveli is one of the most sacred places in Georgia and, along with Jvari Monastery, the clear highlight of a trip to Mtskheta. It was founded in 1010, built on the site of Georgia's first church, and contains the graves of the ancient Georgian kings, including Sidonia, who was said to have been buried holding…
The 6th-century monastery is the culmination of a number of artistic and architectural aspirations in early Christian Georgian architecture. The view from above is great. Be sure you travel there when there's clear weather and before dusk. It's fairly far to walk.
According to legend, St. Nino lived on this site and prayed within the smaller of its two extant churches. This small church dates from the 4th century. The larger church on this site was built in the 11th century and contains the graves of Mirian, the Georgian king who adopted Christianity, and his wife.
The ruins of Bebris Tsikhe are fun, if a bit dangerous, to climb on for views overlooking Mtskheta and the valley formed around the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Spectacular 6th-century monastery. Its main church is of 11th century. Fantastic views over the city.
Church built in 8th century. Views over Tbilisi.
The main fortress of the ancient town of Mtskheta was located at the high point above the river in strategically good position. The excavations of Armaztsikhe-Bagineti have been prepared for visitors and possess explanations in English.
Events If you happen to be in Mtzkheta in October, do not miss the Georgian Air Balloon Open Competition. Mtskheta City Festival is held annually on 14 October around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Folk dances, music, crafts and religious events all happen there.
There are some traders and a small shop in front of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where you can buy souvenirs and drinks. There is also a relatively
Where you can buy cheap basic foods and drinks.
There are several cafes in Mtskheta, but one deserves special recognition: Another extremely popular place is
It has indoor and outdoor seating—the outdoor seating is especially nice in warm weather as each party will have their own private dining "hut." The Georgian cuisine available is outstanding and costs far less than a comparable meal in Tbilisi. It's almost worth it to come from Tbilisi to Mtskheta just for dinner here!
It's a large restaurant with both outdoor and indoor seating areas and the food is exceptionally good.
Rather big restaurant with mediocre food.
Those who want to visit discos and nightclubs must drive to Tbilisi.
Clean, comfortable rooms in a family-run B&B. Free internet. Good food, and within easy walking distance of all sights in Mtskheta. Very pleasant and quiet place to stay. 30 min by bus to Tbilisi Didube metro station.
Owner is extremely charming and very kind. Spacious rooms with magnificent view from the balconies to Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, mountains and rivers. Delicious breakfast. Guest House has fantastic location, peaceful and quiet.
The Georgian Military Highway runs north through the mountains to the Russian border. The next sizeable town north from Mtskheta is Dusheti Gori, to the west, is easy to reach Tbilisi
About this data: Places, guides & photos
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Landmarks nearby
Mountains, castles, museums, beaches and heritage sites within 25 km.
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Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia
Lisi Lake
lake in Georgia
Museum of Soviet Occupation
museum of Soviet occupation in Tbilisi
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Turtle Lake
lake near Tbilisi, Georgia
Armaztsikhe
ancient Georgian city
Kashveti Church
church building in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi National Park
national park in Mtskheta, Gardabani and Tianeti municipalities and Tbilisi, Georgia
Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia
museum in Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts
archive, art museum in Tbilisi, Georgia
Metekhi church
church in Tbilisi
Bazaleti Lake
lake in Georgia
Chronicle of Georgia
monumental sculptural complex by Zurab Tsereteli in Tbilisi, Georgia
Mtskheta: practical information
Plugs, money, emergency numbers, safety and typical prices: what to know before you go.
- Voltage
- 220 V · 50 Hz
- Driving
- Drive on the right
Georgian Lari
GEL · ₾
- Languages
- Georgian
- Calling code
- +995
- Emergency112
- Meal, casual restaurantGEL 26.00≈ $9.60
- CappuccinoGEL 6.90≈ $2.50
- Beer (0.5 l)GEL 9.80≈ $3.60
- Bottled water (1.5 l)GEL 3.20≈ $1.20
- Taxi, 5 kmGEL 18.00≈ $6.70
- Public transport ticketGEL 3.50≈ $1.30
- Mid-range hotel, per nightGEL 235≈ $86.00
Estimated from Georgia’s consumer price level — real prices vary by place and season. Prices are about 40% of US levels.
- Nov 23Saint George's Day
- Jan 1New Year's Day
- Jan 2New Year's Day
- Jan 7Christmas Day (Orthodox)
- Jan 19Epiphany (Orthodox)
11 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more within 100 km in the last 51 years.
Strongest: M6.8 (1988).
How to get to Mtskheta
Nearest airports
- UGSANatakhtari AirfieldNatakhtari8 km
- TBSTbilisi International AirportTbilisi28 km
- LWNShirak International AirportGyumri141 km
Distances
estimate
Hotels in Mtskheta
Hotels and holiday rentals with live nightly prices.
We may earn a commission when you book through this map, at no extra cost to you.
Places with a climate like Mtskheta
Matched on temperature and rainfall across the whole year.
Sliven
Stara Zagora
Drobeta-Turnu Severin
New Belgrade
Zrenjanin
Craiova
Wildlife around here
The species recorded most often within 25 km, and the months they’re seen.
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Population history
2014–2023Climate in Mtskheta
Add a free climate card for Mtskheta to your website or blog. Copy the code below.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Mtskheta?
Based on climate normals, the best time to visit Mtskheta is September.
What is the weather like in Mtskheta in October?
In October, Mtskheta averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 8°C (47°F), with 45 mm of rain on about 10 days.
What is the rainiest month in Mtskheta?
May, with rain on about 15 days.
What is the nearest airport to Mtskheta?
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), about 28 km away.
What power plugs are used in Georgia?
Plug types C, F, at 220 V.
What currency is used in Georgia?
Georgian Lari (GEL).
What is the emergency number in Georgia?
112.
Is Georgia safe to visit?
US travel advisory: Exercise normal precautions. UK travel advice: Advises against all travel to parts of the country.
When is Mtskheta most crowded?
The busiest months are September.
When is Mtskheta least crowded?
The quietest months are January–February.
When is the best time to visit Mtskheta without the crowds?
August: good weather with fewer visitors than in peak season.
What time zone is Mtskheta in?
Asia/Tbilisi (UTC+4).
What is the population of Mtskheta?
About 7,380.