Tabatskuri Lake
Lake Highland volcanic lake in Samtskhe–Javakheti
Highland lake in Samtskhe-Javakheti set in volcanic terrain; anglers and hikers visit for trout fishing, shoreline walks and encounters with pastoral settlements.
Tabatskuri Lake is a mountain lake in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia, set on the highlands of the Javakheti plateau.
The lake is noted locally for trout fishing, birdlife and remote mountain scenery; small guesthouses and seasonal shepherding activity are found in the surrounding area.
Tabatskuri sits within a volcanic and upland landscape typical of Samtskhe-Javakheti and is reached by regional roads from nearby district centres.
The lake lies in southern Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region and is part of the highland plateau region south of the central Georgian mountains.
- Access and season: Akhaltsikhe and other towns in Samtskhe-Javakheti are the usual starting points for road access; summer is the most practical season for visits.
How to Get to Tabatskuri Lake #
Tabatskuri is reached by road from Akhaltsikhe (about 60-80 km). Travel through the Samtskhe-Javakheti region often involves rural roads; a car or arranged transfer is recommended. Some local guesthouses can arrange pickups from Akhaltsikhe.
Tips for Visiting Tabatskuri Lake #
- Combine a visit with hikes to nearby canyons and the Paravani valley - the region's scenery is best appreciated in steps rather than in a single stop.
- Hire a local guide for alpine routes; trail marking can be inconsistent outside the main tourist tracks.
- Allow for an altitude acclimation day if approaching from lowland Tbilisi to avoid fatigue.
Best Time to Visit Tabatskuri Lake #
Summer months are most comfortable and accessible for hiking and lakeside activities; late spring and early autumn are good alternatives with fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Tabatskuri Lake #
Tabatskuri 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 19°C. Moderate rainfall (831 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 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 (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.