Does Atlanta Get Snow? What Locals and Visitors Should Really Expect

Atlanta is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters, but if you’re wondering “Does Atlanta get snow?” the answer is: yes, but not very often, and usually not very much.

Atlanta does see snow some winters, but measurable snow is relatively rare, and major snowstorms are even rarer. When they do happen, though, they can significantly disrupt daily life across the city.

Below is a clear breakdown of what snow in Atlanta really looks like, what months you might see it, and how it can affect travel, schools, and daily routines.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s winters are generally mild compared to many U.S. cities, but the city does get occasional snow.

In a typical year, Atlanta:

• Sees a few light flurries or brief snow showers
• May or may not get measurable accumulation (about 1 inch or more)
• Gets a more significant winter event (snow or ice) every few years

Some winters pass with no sticking snow at all, while other years bring a quick 1–3 inches that may shut things down for a day or two.

When Is It Most Likely to Snow in Atlanta?

Snow in Atlanta is heavily seasonal and tightly clustered in the colder months.

Typical Snow Months in Atlanta

As a resident or visitor, if you’re going to see snow in Atlanta, it will most likely be in January or February, often during a strong cold snap.

What Does a Typical Atlanta Snowfall Look Like?

When Atlanta gets snow, it’s usually:

• Light to moderate (often 1–2 inches in the city itself)
• Short-lived, melting within a day or two, especially on main roads
• Mixed with sleet or freezing rain, which can create icy conditions

Snow events often come with:

• Temperatures hovering around freezing, making roads slushy or icy
• Quick changes—rain can turn to snow and back to rain within hours

Because the city isn’t built for heavy, frequent snow, even a small amount can have a noticeable impact.

Does Atlanta Get Big Snowstorms?

Large snowstorms are uncommon, but they have happened.

Every decade or so, Atlanta may experience:

• Heavier snowfall of several inches over a short period
• A “snow day” citywide effect, where many people stay home
• Travel disruptions on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285

Even more disruptive than heavy snow, however, is freezing rain and ice, which Atlanta can see in some winter weather systems. Ice can weigh down trees and power lines and make roads extremely slick.

Snow vs. Ice: Why Ice Is a Bigger Problem in Atlanta

Many winter events in Atlanta involve a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, rather than just fluffy snow.

This means you may see:

• Black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads
• Downed limbs from ice-coated trees
• Power outages in certain neighborhoods

For drivers, ice is much more dangerous than light snow, especially in a city where many people don’t regularly drive in winter conditions and where road crews are not as extensive as in northern states.

How Snow Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Even small amounts of snow can affect routine activities in Atlanta, simply because the city is not designed for regular winter storms.

Schools and Work

• Schools in Atlanta and surrounding metro counties sometimes close or delay opening when snow or ice is in the forecast or on the ground.
• Many employers in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead may shift to remote work on winter weather days.
• As a parent or commuter, it’s common to check local news and school district announcements the evening before a potential storm.

Roads and Public Transit

• Major roads like the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85), I‑285, and Georgia 400 can slow significantly, especially during rush hour with winter precipitation.
• MARTA trains usually continue to run, but bus service may be delayed, rerouted, or reduced depending on road conditions.
• Hilly neighborhoods—such as parts of Northwest Atlanta, Buckhead, and East Atlanta—can become tricky for driving when conditions are icy.

Snow in Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Within the broader metro area, snow amounts can vary:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP) – Central Atlanta often gets slightly less accumulation than some outlying suburbs.
• North Metro (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, Sandy Springs) – These areas can sometimes see a bit more snow or ice, especially in colder outbreaks.
• South Metro (College Park, Fayetteville, Stockbridge) – Slightly warmer on average, so more likely to see cold rain or brief mix instead of accumulating snow.

This means you might see wet streets in Midtown while some northern suburbs deal with a light coating of snow or ice.

How to Check for Snow and Winter Weather in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta during winter and want to know whether snow is likely, several local resources are commonly used:

• National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta Office – Issues official winter weather advisories and warnings for the area.
• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency management agencies – Share updates on road conditions, closures, and safety information.
• Local TV and radio stations – Often provide detailed, neighborhood-level forecasts and school updates.

While exact phone numbers and contacts may change, you can usually get the latest official guidance by searching for:

• “National Weather Service Atlanta forecast”
• “City of Atlanta winter weather information”
• “Fulton County Emergency Management Agency winter weather”

These sources give real-time updates about whether snow, sleet, or freezing rain is expected and how the city is responding.

Tips for Dealing With Snow in Atlanta

Even though snow is infrequent, a little preparation goes a long way.

For Residents

• Plan ahead for driving

  • ⛄ Avoid driving on bridges and overpasses if ice is possible.
  • If you must drive, go slowly, allow extra distance, and avoid sudden braking.

• Have basic supplies at home

  • Bottled water and non-perishable food
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Blankets and warm clothing
  • A phone charger and backup battery in case of outages

• Follow local alerts

  • Sign up for county or city emergency text alerts where available.
  • Check local TV or radio if power or internet is limited.

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in winter:

• Monitor the forecast in the days before your trip, especially if you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Allow extra travel time if winter weather is possible, particularly for rides between the airport and areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Be prepared for last-minute changes to plans if the city issues winter weather advisories or if some attractions, government buildings, or schools temporarily close or adjust hours.

How Cold Does It Need to Be for Snow in Atlanta?

For snow to fall and stick in Atlanta, you typically need:

• Air temperatures at or below freezing (32°F or 0°C), especially near the surface
• Cold ground temperatures, which are less common after a stretch of mild weather
• Moisture from a passing weather system moving across the Southeast

Often, Atlanta hovers just above freezing, which is why you may see cold rain, sleet, or a rain/snow mix rather than a full-on snowfall.

Can You Rely on Snow for Winter Activities in Atlanta?

If you’re hoping for regular snow for winter sports, Atlanta is not a reliable choice. You should not plan local outdoor activities, events, or traditions based on expecting snow every year.

People in Atlanta who want guaranteed snow for skiing or snowboarding often:

• Travel to the Appalachian Mountains in nearby states during winter, or
• Visit indoor or artificial snow attractions when available, instead of counting on natural snowfall.

Key Takeaways: Snow in Atlanta in Plain Terms

• Yes, Atlanta does get snow, but not every winter and usually in light amounts.
• Most likely timing: January and February, occasionally late December or early March.
• Type of winter weather: Often a mix of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with ice being the bigger concern for safety.
• Impact: Even a small amount of snow or ice can lead to school closures, traffic delays, and service disruptions, because the city is not equipped like snow-prone northern regions.
• If you live in or are visiting Atlanta in winter, keep an eye on local forecasts and official advisories, and be prepared to adjust plans during a winter weather event.

In everyday life, most Atlanta winters are cold enough for coats, but not consistently snowy—so snow is more of an occasional event than a regular feature of the season.