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 at a Glance#
About Tabatskuri Lake#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -5° | -12° | 49 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.4h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -3° | -11° | 52 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.5h |
| March | Poor | -9° - 1° | -7° | 54 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 7° | 0° | 77 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.2h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 11° | 5° | 112 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 16° | 11° | 112 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.7h |
| August | Very Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 4° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 3° | -3° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -2° | -9° | 56 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
