Does It Ever Snow in Atlanta? What Locals and Visitors Should Know

Atlanta is known for its hot summers and mild winters, but if you’re wondering “Does it ever snow in Atlanta?” the answer is yes — just not very often, and usually not very much.

If you live in the city, are planning a visit, or are moving here from a colder climate, it helps to know what winter weather really looks like in metro Atlanta and how to prepare.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Atlanta does see snow, but it’s considered infrequent and usually light compared with many other U.S. cities.

• Snowfall is possible most winters, but some years bring no measurable snow at all.
• When it does snow, it’s often a dusting to around an inch, especially in the urban core.
• Heavier snow (2+ inches) is uncommon but can happen every few years.
• Ice and freezing rain are often a bigger issue than deep snow.

Most winter precipitation in Atlanta still falls as cold rain, especially in the city center where the urban heat effect can keep temperatures just above freezing.

Typical Winter Weather in Atlanta

Temperatures and Season

• Winter months: December through February
• Typical daytime highs: Generally in the 40s–50s °F
• Overnight lows: Can dip into the 20s or 30s °F, occasionally colder

Atlanta’s winter is usually mild but variable. You can experience a 65°F afternoon followed by a cold, damp day in the 30s. Snow usually requires a perfect timing overlap of cold air and moisture, which is why it doesn’t happen often.

When Is It Most Likely to Snow in Atlanta?

Snow is most likely between late December and late February, with January and early February being the peak period.

Here’s a simple overview:

Snow can fall outside these windows, but it’s unusual.

What Snow in Atlanta Actually Looks Like

If you’re picturing snowbanks and weeks of white sidewalks, that’s not Atlanta.

Most Atlanta “snow events” look like:

• Flurries or brief showers that melt quickly on roads and sidewalks
• A thin coating of snow on grass, cars, and rooftops
• Slushy accumulation that disappears within a day as temperatures rise

On rare occasions, colder air and heavier moisture line up and bring:

• Several inches of snow across the metro area
• Downed tree limbs and power lines from heavy, wet snow or ice
• Widespread school and office closures

These larger storms get a lot of attention because they are unusual and can be disruptive in a city that isn’t built around regular snow.

Does It Snow More in Some Parts of Metro Atlanta?

Yes. Elevation and location matter.

• Intown Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):
  Usually sees less accumulation and faster melting due to heat from buildings, traffic, and pavement.

• Northern suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming):
  Slightly higher elevations can see more sticking snow and occasionally earlier changeover from rain to snow.

• Southern and eastern suburbs (e.g., Jonesboro, Stockbridge, Conyers):
  Often similar or slightly warmer than the city; snow is even less frequent or shorter-lived.

Even when the entire metro area gets snow, totals can vary widely from one side of town to another.

Snow vs. Ice: What Causes Bigger Problems in Atlanta?

For Atlanta, ice is usually more dangerous than snow.

Why Ice Is Such a Big Deal

• Surface temperatures hover around freezing, so rain turns to freezing rain or sleet.
• A thin layer of ice can form on bridges, overpasses, hills, and shaded roads.
• The region has limited salt trucks and plows compared to cities where heavy snow is routine.
• Many locals aren’t used to driving on ice, which increases accident risk.

Snow alone can cause slowdowns, but ice storms are more likely to lead to:

• Multi-car accidents and road closures
• Power outages from ice-laden tree limbs
• Extended school and business closures

If you’re in Atlanta during a winter weather advisory, pay close attention to whether it’s for snow, sleet, or freezing rain — the impacts can be very different.

How Atlanta Prepares for Snow and Winter Weather

Atlanta doesn’t invest in the same level of winter equipment as northern cities, but there are established plans.

Key Local Agencies

• City of Atlanta Department of Public Works
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Handles city street treatment and snow/ice response within Atlanta city limits.

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Metro District
  Oversees interstates and state routes around Atlanta, with crews that apply brine, sand, or salt, and run plows where needed.

• Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and other county road departments
  Maintain non-state roads in unincorporated areas and many local streets.

In significant winter events, these agencies typically:

• Pre-treat major roads with brine before a storm, when possible
• Focus first on interstates, major arteries, and critical routes
• Expand to secondary roads only after main routes are stabilized

Neighborhood side streets may remain slushy or icy longer, especially if they’re shaded or hilly.

How Schools and Businesses Respond to Snow in Atlanta

Because snow and especially ice are not everyday events, even a small amount can lead to closures or delays.

Schools

Metro Atlanta school districts (Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.) may:

• Announce delayed openings or closures the evening before or early in the morning
• Switch to remote learning in some cases

If you live here or are visiting with kids enrolled locally, it’s wise to:

• Monitor local news outlets and district alerts
• Make backup childcare or work-from-home plans during winter weather advisories

Workplaces and Events

Many employers and event organizers:

• Allow remote work or flexible hours on potential ice/snow days
• Cancel or postpone large events and in-person meetings
• Adjust operations for airline delays and airport disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re traveling to Atlanta in winter, keep reservations flexible and check for weather-related updates.

Tips for Atlanta Residents: Preparing for Snow and Ice

Because winter storms are relatively rare, it’s easy to be caught off guard. A few simple steps can make life much easier.

At Home

• Keep a small winter kit:
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Warm blankets
• Know how to shut off water if pipes freeze and burst.
• Keep phone chargers and power banks ready in case of outages.

For Your Vehicle

Even if you don’t expect to drive in deep snow, icy conditions can develop quickly:

• Maintain all-season tires with good tread.
• Ensure antifreeze levels are adequate.
• Keep in your car:
  • Ice scraper and small brush
  • Basic first-aid supplies
  • Small blanket and gloves
  • Phone car charger

If conditions are icy or worsening, the safest choice is often to delay non-essential trips.

Tips for Visitors: What to Expect if You’re Traveling to Atlanta in Winter

If you’re used to heavy snow, you might be surprised how much attention even a small winter event gets in Atlanta. A few things to know:

• Air travel:
  Hartsfield-Jackson can delay or cancel flights during snow or ice events while de-icing and clearing runways.

• Roads and driving:
  Local drivers may be less experienced in winter conditions. Even a small amount of ice can cause significant slowdowns.

• Public transit:
  MARTA rail services often continue with minimal interruption, though bus routes may adjust if roads become unsafe.

• Downtown and tourist areas:
  Popular destinations — the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, etc. — may adjust hours or event schedules in winter storms. Check ahead the morning of your visit.

If your trip includes January or February, building flex time into your schedule helps in case weather causes short-term disruptions.

Where to Get Reliable Winter Weather Information in Atlanta

To stay informed before and during possible snow in Atlanta, many residents rely on a combination of:

• Local TV stations and radio for road and closure updates
• National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts for Atlanta for official advisories, watches, and warnings
• City of Atlanta and GDOT updates for traffic conditions, road treatments, and major closures
• School district and employer alerts for schedule changes

Pay particular attention when you see terms like:

• Winter Weather Advisory – Potential for hazardous conditions
• Winter Storm Watch/Warning – Higher likelihood of significant snow or ice
• Ice Storm Warning – Expect dangerous icing and likely power issues

So, Does It Ever Snow in Atlanta?

Yes, it does snow in Atlanta, but:

• Snow is infrequent and often light.
• Ice and freezing rain usually cause more disruption than deep snow.
• The most likely time for snow is from late December through February.
• Even small accumulations can impact roads, schools, and flights, because the city isn’t designed around regular winter storms.

If you live in or visit Atlanta, it’s helpful to treat winter weather as occasional but serious when it happens: stay informed, avoid unnecessary driving during icy periods, and keep basic supplies ready. That way, when those rare Atlanta snow days arrive, you can enjoy them safely.