Travel time: Year-round
Batumi is defined by its unique status as the wettest city in both Georgia and the entire Caucasus region. Nestled along the eastern shore of the Black Sea and backed by the rising foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, the city experiences a classic humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). This geography creates a "rain trap" where moist maritime air from the sea is forced upward by the mountains—a phenomenon known as orographic lift—resulting in lush, dark-green landscapes and high humidity year-round.
The weather in Batumi is moderate and maritime. The proximity of the Black Sea acts as a massive thermal regulator, preventing the extreme temperature swings common in inland Georgian cities like Tbilisi.
This is the warmest and most popular season, but it is not Mediterranean-dry. While sunny days are frequent, brief and intense thunderstorms are common. August is the peak of the heat and humidity, with sea temperatures reaching a balmy 25°C–27°C (77°F–81°F).
September is the "Velvet Season," offering warm water and milder air. However, as autumn progresses into October and November, Batumi enters its wettest period. November is historically the rainiest month, seeing massive downpours that can last for days. The landscape remains vibrant and green long after other regions have turned brown.
Winters are mild and damp. Frost is rare, and daytime temperatures usually hover around 10°C (50°F). Snowfall in the city center is an occasional, picturesque event that rarely lasts long, though the surrounding mountains remain capped in deep snow for months.
Spring is a period of rapid blooming, with the city's famous magnolias and camellias peaking. It is the driest time of the year (particularly May), though "dry" in Batumi still involves occasional showers. The air is crisp and significantly cooler than the summer months until late May.
Batumi’s climate varies sharply with elevation. A mere 15–20 minutes inland, the rainforest-like conditions of Mtirala National Park create a distinct microclimate. This area is known as the "precipitation pole" of the region, receiving up to 4,000 mm of rain annually—nearly double that of the city center. While the coast is sunny, the inland hills may be shrouded in mist and fog.
Historically, the local architecture of the Adjara region reflects a need to manage extreme moisture. Traditional houses featured raised foundations and wide, wrap-around balconies to encourage airflow and prevent mold.
Locals are accustomed to the "capricious" nature of the weather. It is common to see residents carrying sturdy umbrellas even on sunny days, as a clear morning can transition into a subtropical deluge within an hour. The city’s infrastructure is designed with deep drainage channels to handle the sudden, heavy volumes of water that characterize Batumi's