How Hot Is It in Atlanta? What to Expect From the City’s Weather

Atlanta’s heat has a reputation—and if you’ve ever stepped out of Hartsfield-Jackson in July, you know it’s not just the temperature, it’s the humidity. Understanding how hot it gets in Atlanta helps you plan what to wear, how to get around, and what your day will realistically feel like.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to typical temperatures, seasons, and what “hot” really means in the city.

Atlanta’s Heat at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of how hot it usually is in Atlanta through the year:

Key takeaway:
Atlanta is most often hot and humid from late May through mid‑September, with a noticeable but shorter “feels-like summer” in late April and early October during some years.

How Hot Does Atlanta Actually Get?

Typical Summer Temperatures

From roughly June through August:

• Daytime highs: Commonly in the upper‑80s to low‑90s°F
• Overnight lows: Often stay in the 70s°F, especially in the city core
• Heat index (what it “feels like” with humidity): Regularly several degrees higher than the air temperature; days can feel like the mid‑90s or higher

You can absolutely experience days in the mid to upper‑90s°F, especially during heat waves. Temperatures near or above 100°F are less common but do happen some summers.

Humidity: The Big Difference

If you’re used to a dry climate, Atlanta’s heat will likely feel more intense than the thermometer shows.

• High humidity makes sweat evaporate more slowly.
• Even an 88°F day can feel like the mid‑90s when the air is muggy.
• Nights may feel warm and sticky, especially inside the Perimeter (I‑285) where concrete and buildings hold heat.

Locals often say:
“It’s not just hot. It’s heavy.”

Month-by-Month: How Hot Is It in Atlanta?

Late Winter (February–March)

• Highs: Often in the 50s and 60s°F
• Lows: 30s to 40s°F
  You’ll get some chilly days, but also surprisingly mild ones. Heat isn’t an issue yet, but you may feel a hint of warmth on sunny afternoons, especially in sheltered city spots like Midtown or around Piedmont Park.

Spring (April–May)

This is when people start asking, “Is it hot already?”

• April:
  • Highs often in the 70s°F
  • Lower humidity, generally pleasant
• May:
  • Highs commonly in the upper‑70s to mid‑80s°F
  • Humidity starts creeping up
  • Some days already feel like summer, particularly by mid to late May

By Memorial Day, it often feels like the beginning of Atlanta’s true heat.

Peak Summer (June–August)

This is Atlanta heat season.

• June:

  • Highs often in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can make it feel steamy afterward

• July & August:

  • Highs often in the upper‑80s to mid‑90s°F
  • Humidity is typically high
  • “Feels-like” temperatures can hit the upper‑90s or higher on hotter days

In the urban center—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead—the urban heat island effect keeps nights warmer than in suburban areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City.

Early Fall (September–October)

• September: Still often hot, especially early in the month.

  • Highs frequently in the 80s°F, sometimes near 90°F
  • Many days still feel like summer, particularly in the afternoon

• October:

  • Highs typically ease into the 70s°F
  • Humidity drops, and the heat becomes more comfortable
    October is one of the most comfortable times to be outdoors in the city.

Late Fall and Winter (November–January)

• Highs: Often in the 50s and low‑60s°F
• Lows: Frequently in the 30s and 40s°F, with cold nights dipping lower sometimes
  You’ll still get sunny, mild afternoons where layers come off, but heat is not usually a concern. It’s more “jacket weather” than “AC all day” weather.

How Atlanta’s Heat Feels in Daily Life

In the City vs. the Suburbs

Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the area inside I‑285 tend to feel:

• Hotter during the day because of concrete, asphalt, and buildings
• Warmer at night, since hard surfaces release heat slowly

Suburban areas with more trees and open space—like Decatur, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, or Duluth—may feel a bit cooler, especially in the evenings.

Outdoors: Parks, Trails, and Events

• Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and Chastain Park can be very hot by midday in June–August, especially in unshaded sections.
• Outdoor festivals and concerts in summer (like those at Centennial Olympic Park or The Home Depot Backyard) usually plan for tents, shade, and water, but it can still feel intense if you’re out during mid‑afternoon.

If you’re planning outdoor activities, many locals aim for:

• Early mornings (before about 10 a.m.)
• Later evenings (after 6–7 p.m. in summer)

Midday can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially if you’re walking long distances or using public transit.

Heat, Rain, and Thunderstorms

Atlanta heat often comes with afternoon storms, especially in summer.

• Hot, humid air builds up during the day.
• Showers and thunderstorms can pop up in the late afternoon or evening.
• Rain may briefly cool the air but often raises humidity afterward, making it feel steamy.

This pattern is common across the metro area, including DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties.

What to Wear and How to Plan for Atlanta Heat

Clothing Tips

For late spring through early fall:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture‑wicking materials)
• Light colors to reflect the sun
• A hat and sunglasses if you’ll be walking or at outdoor attractions like Zoo Atlanta or Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Comfortable, breathable shoes or sandals

In air-conditioned offices, malls, and MARTA trains, it can actually feel cool, so some people keep a light layer handy.

Hydration and Breaks

When it’s hot in Atlanta:

• Drink water regularly, especially if you’re walking Downtown, on the BeltLine, or at outdoor venues.
• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces—coffee shops, malls like Ponce City Market, or public areas such as the atrium spaces in large office towers.

Understanding Heat Advisories and Local Alerts

During hotter periods, you may see heat advisories or warnings for the Atlanta area. These are usually issued when:

• The heat index (temperature + humidity) is expected to reach levels that can be stressful if you’re outside for long periods.

Local weather alerts for Atlanta typically come from:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: 770‑486‑1133

These alerts let residents and visitors know when the combination of temperature and humidity could be especially challenging, particularly for extended outdoor activities.

Where to Check How Hot It Is Right Now in Atlanta

Because conditions change day to day, it’s useful to check the current temperature and heat index before heading out. You can:

• Look at weather apps on your phone (many show the “feels like” temperature).
• Check local Atlanta TV stations and radio for real-time updates.
• Follow official weather information from the National Weather Service – Peachtree City office, which covers the Atlanta metro.

When you check, look for:

• Current temperature
• “Feels like” or heat index
• Humidity percentage
• Any active heat advisories or air quality alerts

Is Atlanta Hot Year-Round?

Atlanta is not hot all year, but:

• It has a long warm season, generally from April through October.
• The hottest, most humid stretch is usually June through August.
• Winters are relatively mild compared with many northern cities, but you will get chilly days and some cold nights.

So if you’re moving to Atlanta or visiting for the first time, expect:

• A real summer—hot, humid, and sometimes intense
• Pleasant shoulder seasons (spring and fall) that can be quite comfortable
• Mild, variable winters with only occasional short-lived cold snaps

Simple Rules of Thumb for Atlanta Heat

• If it’s June through August, plan for it to be hot and humid most days.
• If the forecast high is near 90°F, it may feel hotter, especially in the sun or Downtown.
• If you’ll be outside for more than an hour in summer, try to go early or late in the day and stay hydrated.
• Inside restaurants, offices, and MARTA trains, air conditioning is widespread, so you’ll often feel much cooler than outside.

In short: Yes, it really does get hot in Atlanta, especially in summer, and the humidity makes a big difference. With realistic expectations, light clothing, and a little planning around the afternoon heat, most people find the city’s weather manageable—and often enjoyable—much of the year.