Uplistsikhe უფლისციხე
Gori, Georgia
Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave city and archaeological site in Georgia that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. Recognized as a Cultural Monument of National Importance and a tentative World Heritage Site, it is one of the most looked-up sights in the country. Travelers visit to explore the structures carved into the rock formations at this historical location near the city of Gori.
Planning a visit
The site is open year-round, though visitors should plan around the seasonal climate. Winters are cold, with January and February experiencing lows of -8 °C and -7 °C. Spring and early summer bring rain, particularly in May and June when precipitation occurs on about 14 days each month. The most comfortable weather occurs in July and August, when daily highs reach 25 °C, and in September, with highs of 21 °C.
Uplistsikhe is located 56 km from Tbilisi and 70 km from Tbilisi International Airport. Admission to the site costs 7 lari, while children and students pay 1 lari. The site operates from 10:00 to 18:00 between March 15 and November 1, and from 10:00 to 17:00 during the remainder of the year. Visitors often combine a trip to this site with visits to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral or Jvari Monastery, both of which are located approximately 45 km away.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 25 °C. The wettest is May, with about 86 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 3 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 4 |
| Average low, °C | -8 | -7 | -3 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 0 | -5 |
| Rainfall, mm | 32 | 33 | 42 | 66 | 86 | 84 | 57 | 54 | 43 | 51 | 48 | 35 |
| Rainy days | 8 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
