Satsurblia Cave

Cave Karst cave site with prehistoric archaeological remains

Karst cave system in Imereti with Paleolithic archaeological layers and prehistoric human remains; researchers and adventurous visitors come for guided cave tours and regional archaeology.

Main image

Satsurblia Cave is a karst limestone cave in the Imereti region of western Georgia that has been the focus of archaeological excavation. The site contains stratified Paleolithic deposits with human artifacts, hearth features and faunal remains from Upper Paleolithic occupations.

Archaeological work in the cave has produced radiocarbon-dated cultural layers that contribute to understanding human settlement and subsistence in the Caucasus during the Late Pleistocene. The cave is primarily of scientific and research interest rather than a major tourist attraction.

The cave lies in the karst landscape of Imereti, within western Georgia, and is accessed from nearby rural communities in the region.

  • Archaeological significance: Excavations have revealed multiple Upper Paleolithic occupation layers with stone tools, hearths and animal remains, making the site important for studies of Late Pleistocene human presence in the Caucasus.
Satsurblia Cave
42.3881, 42.6062

How to Get to Satsurblia Cave #

From Kutaisi (the region’s main city), drive roughly 30-50 minutes east toward Tskaltubo and follow local roads toward the village clusters surrounding the karst fields. Most visitors approach from Kutaisi or Tskaltubo by car; local 4x4s are helpful in wet weather. Ask at Tskaltubo tourist offices for the latest route and a recommended guide.

Tips for Visiting Satsurblia Cave #

  • Visit in late spring after snowmelt to see the cave entrance free of slush; access can be muddy in winter.
  • Hire a local guide from nearby Tskaltubo or Kutaisi - many of the scientific finds were made by Georgian archaeologists and a guide will point out the precise excavation spots.
  • Bring a headlamp and wear waterproof boots if planning to enter the outer galleries; parts of the approach trail cross runoff channels.

Best Time to Visit Satsurblia Cave #

Best visited late spring through early autumn for easiest access and safest conditions.

Late spring-early autumn
May-September · 10-20°C (50-68°F) daytime nearby
Trailhead and cave mouth are most accessible after the thaw; wildflowers carpet the karst slopes.
Winter shoulder months
November-March · -5-8°C (23-46°F) daytime nearby
Cold and wet; cave interior is stable but the approach can be icy and muddy.

Weather & Climate near Satsurblia Cave #

Climate

Satsurblia Cave's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1645 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 54 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

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