Samsari Range
Mountains Volcanic mountain range in southern Georgia
The Samsari Range in southern Georgia comprises volcanic peaks and alpine lakes; hikers visit for high-mountain routes, volcanic geology and panoramic views of the surrounding Javakheti highlands.
The Samsari Range is a volcanic mountain chain on the Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia. Its landscape is shaped by volcanic cones, ridges and highland basins.
Several summits in the range rise above 3,000 metres and the area includes alpine pasture and crater lakes that are visited by hikers and naturalists. Routes across the range are typically remote and require mountain travel preparations.
The range formed through volcanic activity and has the geomorphology of a high volcanic massif, with lava flows and cratered peaks. Its geology and high elevations distinguish it from lower surrounding country.
Geographically, the Samsari Range lies on the southern Georgian highlands of the Javakheti Plateau, within reach of local towns on the plateau and separated from the main Greater Caucasus by intervening terrain.
- Terrain: Contains multiple volcanic cones and high plateaux that create a distinctive, open mountain landscape suitable for trekking.
Tips for Visiting Samsari Range #
- Plan summer ascents (June-September) when the high routes are snow‑free and weather windows are longest; the range is volcanic and trailheads are remote, so good summer conditions matter.
- Expect rough gravel roads to trailheads and consider local transport or a 4x4 for the final approach; many hikers start from villages on the southern slopes where access is easier.
- Allow time for wide open views of the Javakheti plateau and keep an eye out for volcanic features and small alpine lakes that are easy to miss from the main ridgeline.
Best Time to Visit Samsari Range #
Best visited in summer (June-September) for hiking and route access; winters are snowy and suitable only for experienced alpinists.
Weather & Climate near Samsari Range #
Samsari Range's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (998 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.