Paravani Lake
Lake Highland volcanic lake in southern Georgia's Javakheti
High on the Javakheti Plateau, Paravani Lake is a remote Georgian lake set among volcanic plains; visitors come for birdwatching, fishing and wide open landscapes accessed via regional roads.
Paravani Lake is a highland lake on the Javakheti volcanic plateau in southern Georgia and is the country’s largest lake. The lake sits within a broad, sparsely populated upland landscape characterized by wetlands, steppe and volcanic formations.
The lake is valued for its open waters, birdlife and the surrounding pastoral landscapes; seasonal water-level fluctuations affect shoreline extent and wetland habitats. Local roads and small settlements provide access from nearby towns.
Historically the lake and plateau have been used for grazing and local freshwater resources; contemporary interest focuses on ecology, birdwatching and rural tourism.
Paravani Lake lies in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, south of the central Georgian highlands and near the town of Ninotsminda, on the Javakheti plateau close to the border with Armenia.
- Size and setting: It is the largest lake in Georgia and lies on the high volcanic plateau of Javakheti in the country's south.
How to Get to Paravani Lake #
The lake is approached via regional roads from Akhalkalaki or Tbilisi; Akhalkalaki is the closest sizeable town. Road conditions vary-use local drivers or a 4x4 for remote access and check seasonal advisories.
Tips for Visiting Paravani Lake #
- Base trips in Akhalkalaki or Tbilisi depending on itinerary; local roads can be rough-use a 4x4 for remote approaches.
- Bring binoculars-the area is noted for birdlife and wide vistas across highland steppe.
- Acclimatize before strenuous walks; the lake sits at high elevation and weather can be changeable.
Best Time to Visit Paravani Lake #
Summer months are most comfortable for visiting the high-altitude Paravani region; weather is unpredictable outside the warm season.
Weather & Climate near Paravani Lake #
Paravani Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (777 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.