Did Atlanta Get Any Snow? What Locals and Visitors Should Know

If you’re asking “Did Atlanta get any snow?”, you’re not alone. Atlanta residents, visitors, and even people considering moving here often wonder whether the city actually sees snow, or if it’s mostly a Southern winter myth.

Because weather is constantly changing and this article can’t provide real‑time updates, think of this as a clear guide to how snow works in Atlanta, how often it happens, and how to check if it snowed today or recently.

Does Atlanta Get Snow at All?

Yes, Atlanta does get snow, but:

• It’s infrequent
• Amounts are usually light
• Snow events are short‑lived and often melt quickly

Most winters bring a dusting to a couple of light events, and some years pass with no measurable snow in the city itself, especially in neighborhoods closer to Downtown and Midtown.

Areas on the north and northwest side of the metro, such as:

• Sandy Springs
• Roswell
• Marietta
• Kennesaw

tend to have a slightly better chance of light snow or mixed wintry precipitation than central or south Atlanta.

How to Tell If Atlanta Got Snow Today or Recently

Because conditions change hour by hour, the most reliable way to know if Atlanta got snow today is to check:

• Local TV meteorology teams (Atlanta-based stations)
• The National Weather Service Atlanta office
  • Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office
  • 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
• Reputable weather apps focused on your exact Atlanta ZIP code

If you’re in town:

• Look at elevated surfaces first — cars, rooftops, decks, and grassy areas often show snow or flurries before roads do.
• Check bridges and overpasses (from a safe distance) — these cool faster and can reveal icing or light snow.

If you’re planning a trip:

• Search for the most recent forecast using “Atlanta GA weather” and check the hour-by-hour or past 24‑hour data.
• Look specifically for terms like “snow showers,” “wintry mix,” “flurries,” or “light snow.”

What Winter Weather Usually Looks Like in Atlanta

Instead of frequent snowstorms, Atlanta winters more often bring:

• Cold rain
• Cloudy, damp days
• Occasional overnight freezes
• Periodic wind chills that feel colder than the actual temperature

Typical Winter Pattern

• December – early January: Mostly chilly rain, some mornings near or below freezing, rare early-season flurries.
• Mid-January – mid-February:Best chance for snow or a wintry mix. These weeks historically see the most notable winter events.
• Late February – March: Temperatures trend milder, but a late light snow or quick freeze is still possible.

How Often Does It Actually Snow in Atlanta?

Snow in Atlanta is:

• Occasional, not annual in a big way
• Usually less than an inch when it does fall in the city proper
• Often mixed with sleet or freezing rain

Some winters may see:

• Only flurries that don’t stick
• No measurable accumulation in central Atlanta at all
• Light accumulations north of I‑285 while areas near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport see only rain

Because of Atlanta’s location and climate, ice storms and freezing rain can sometimes cause more disruption than snow itself.

Notable Snow and Ice Events in Atlanta

Atlanta residents often remember certain winter events because the city is not built around frequent snow.

Commonly Remembered Events

These patterns are frequently talked about locally:

• Icy commutes and gridlock: Even a small amount of snow or ice can create major traffic issues when temperatures drop below freezing.
• School and office closures: Metro Atlanta school districts and many workplaces tend to be cautious when snow or ice is in the forecast.
• Quick warm-ups: It’s common for snow that falls overnight to melt by midday if the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

For long-time locals, a typical “Atlanta snow day” might mean:

• A dusting to maybe an inch on grassy areas
• Slushy patches on side streets and bridges
• Photos in Piedmont Park or on the BeltLine before everything melts

Where in the Atlanta Area Is Snow Most Likely?

Snow chances vary across the metro area.

More likely to see light snow or flurries:

• North Fulton (e.g., Roswell, Alpharetta)
• Cobb County (e.g., Marietta, Kennesaw)
• Parts of Gwinnett and Cherokee counties

Less likely to see sticking snow:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown Atlanta
• Southwest Atlanta
• Areas closer to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Even when forecasts mention “Atlanta snow”, accumulation may be:

• Heavier north and west of the city
• Patchy or minimal inside the Perimeter (I‑285), especially in urban neighborhoods

How to Prepare If Snow Is in the Forecast in Atlanta

Because snow and ice are uncommon, even minor events can cause travel and service disruptions. When snow is predicted:

1. Check Reliable Alerts

Look for updates from:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
• City of Atlanta government (for road, transit, and service updates)
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for interstate and major highway conditions

These sources often mention:

• Bridges and overpasses that may freeze first
• Road treatment plans (brining and salting priorities)
• Advisories for non-essential travel

2. Adjust Transportation Plans

Atlanta traffic is sensitive even on clear days. During potential snow:

• Consider avoiding travel during the heaviest predicted period.

• If you must drive:

  • Give yourself extra time
  • Stick to major roads and interstates that are more likely to be treated
  • Use gentle braking and slower speeds

• If you rely on MARTA:

  • Check for schedule changes or delays on rail and bus lines, especially early morning.

3. Practical Home Prep 🧊

Because snow events are usually short:

• Keep basic groceries, water, and essentials on hand for 1–2 days.
• Know where your flashlights and extra batteries are in case of power interruptions, especially during ice.
• Protect sensitive plants and outdoor pipes when hard freezes are expected.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Hope to See Snow

If you’re traveling to Atlanta in winter and wondering if you might see snow:

• Your best window is usually mid-January to mid-February.
• Even then, snow is not guaranteed, and many winters have very little or none in central Atlanta.

To improve your chances:

• Watch the forecast closely about a week before your trip.
• If a strong cold front and moisture are both forecast, you might see:
  • Snow flurries in city parks like Piedmont Park or Grant Park
  • Light accumulation on higher, grassy areas around the metro

If snow is important to your plans and you’re flexible, some travelers watch for short-notice cold snaps and adjust dates accordingly, but this is never a sure thing.

How to Stay Informed About Atlanta Snow and Winter Weather

Here are practical ways to stay on top of winter conditions:

Live or Work in Atlanta?

• Save the National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City contact details:
  • Address: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
• Follow City of Atlanta and GDOT updates for road and service changes.
• Sign up for local alerts where available in your county (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.).

Just Passing Through?

• Check conditions for:
  • Downtown/Midtown Atlanta if you’re staying in the city
  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you’re flying
• Look for notices about:
  • Flight delays or de-icing
  • Airport access roads and parking shuttles in winter conditions

Quick Reference: Snow in Atlanta at a Glance

In practical terms, Atlanta does get snow, but not often, not in large amounts, and usually not for long. If you need to know whether it snowed today or this week, your best move is to check a current Atlanta forecast or local weather update for the specific neighborhood or ZIP code you care about.