When traveling in winter, renting a car calls for a more thoughtful approach and careful planning than in warmer seasons. You should account for lower temperatures, changeable weather conditions, snowy roads, etc. Georgia is known for its diverse landscapes and varying weather conditions - where lowlands can be mild and warm, mountains tend to get covered in thick snow layers, and the climate turns harsh. And Georgia is pretty small, so you can find yourself in changed conditions after a couple of hours of driving!
In the guide below, Starcar will provide key tips for selecting the best winter-ready car so you can enjoy your Georgian adventure to the fullest without having to worry about travel!
Winter in Georgia differs across regions. In Urban areas, the coldest period spans from December to March with February typically the coldest months. In regional centers like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, the climate is quite mild, so the temperatures usually don’t drop very harshly. If it does go below 0°C/32°F, it doesn’t last for long. Urban roads are also meticulously taken care of, ensuring they’re safe for large-scale traffic.
Mountain regions, on the other hand, start experiencing snowfall as early as November (and sometimes October), with the season frequently lasting through early spring. And the roads leading to resorts and remote villages often become precarious. Even when carefully maintained, they demand a reliable and well-equipped vehicle that can withstand unexpected weather changes and navigate difficult terrain.
What makes matters more complicated is that the use of a car with winter tires isn’t legally required in Georgia, which means you need to be extra careful when driving.
Thankfully, most rental companies properly equip their vehicles, but this is one question you still need to ask when making your booking - is the car fit to drive on mountainous terrain, in heavy snow, and freezing temperatures?
Starcar, an experienced and reliable car rental company in Georgia, equips all its vehicles with all-season tires that are specifically designed to handle unpredictable weather conditions. These types of tires are known for their excellent grip on wet and snowy roads.
Ideally, regardless of the season, you’d rent a sturdy but compact SUV equipped with all the new safety technology, adaptable cruise control, and offroad capabilities. It’s exactly the type of vehicle you need to navigate Georgian rural areas - easily adaptable to any terrain and weather conditions. Generally, anyone planning to travel into Georgia’s mountain regions should opt for an SUV - they offer better ground clearance, traction, and stability, all necessary attributes when exploring Kazbegi, Khevsureti, or Svaneti.
Unfortunately, those types of vehicles can cost a pretty penny, and we know that most travelers are constrained in their funds. If you’re hiring a car on a budget, look for comparatively older SUV models, like earlier models of the Toyota 4Runner. They provide great value for safety and performance.
At Starcar, we’ve noticed that when renting a car at Tbilisi airport during the winter season, our clients tend to opt for the following models most often:
That said, it would be better if you’d get in touch with the rental agency before booking and inform them about your itinerary. The support team will help you select the optimal option, but they’ll need to know your itinerary and budget.
When traveling to Georgia - any time of the year, not just in winter - there are a few things you need to know before renting a car.
Look for the discounts on the website or contact the support about the terms before making a booking. Since winter is technically still considered a low tourist season in Georgia, many companies offer discounts from December to February.
Make sure to read the rental agreement carefully and ask the company representative any questions regarding terms and conditions you may have.
Always inspect the vehicle - including the tires - before hitting the road. In the end, it’s your life on the line. Even when working with the most experienced and trustworthy, it’s better to double-check.
Traveling through Georgia in winter can be magical. It’s a beautiful country, and especially its mountain regions with high cliffs and thick forests tend to look like something out of a postcard when covered in a thick snow blanket. But the roads can be dangerous even in summer, so the right vehicle is a crucial element of a smooth and safe journey.
And we’ll help along the way! Rent a car in Kutaisi, Tbilisi, or Batumi with Starcar, and rest assured - your holiday is well taken care of!
