Atlanta Weather: What to Expect Through the Year

Atlanta’s weather is best described as humid, variable, and generally mild, with hot summers, short winters, and long, pleasant spring and fall seasons. If you live in Atlanta, plan to move here, or are visiting, understanding the city’s seasonal patterns, storms, and temperature swings will help you pack, dress, and plan your days more comfortably.

Big-Picture Overview of Atlanta’s Climate

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practical terms, that means:

• Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Mild to cool winters with only occasional snow or ice
• Long, warm springs and falls — many weeks of “patio weather”
• Plenty of rain spread throughout the year, not just one rainy season

Because Atlanta sits at a higher elevation than much of the rest of Georgia (around 1,000 feet above sea level in many neighborhoods), it tends to feel slightly cooler than cities along the coast or farther south.

Atlanta Weather by Season

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most popular times of year in the city.

What it usually feels like:

• Temperatures: Often cool in early March, warming to comfortably warm days by April and May
• Mornings: Can be chilly; you may want a light jacket
• Afternoons: Often ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and walking the BeltLine

Key spring weather features:

• Pollen: Atlanta is well-known for high tree and grass pollen in spring. Cars, porches, and sidewalks often get a visible yellow dusting.
• Storms: Spring can bring strong thunderstorms, sometimes with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
• Rapid changes: You may see big swings from one week to the next — a cool spell can quickly flip to shorts-and-T-shirt weather.

Local tip: For outdoor events like Atlanta Dogwood Festival or Braves games at Truist Park, bring layers and rain protection just in case.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons.

What it usually feels like:

• Daytime: Frequently hot, with high humidity making it feel warmer than the actual air temperature
• Evenings: Warm and muggy, often only slightly cooler than daytime
• Heat index: It can feel significantly hotter than the reported temperature on especially humid days

Key summer weather features:

• Afternoon thunderstorms: Pop-up storms are common, especially on hot, sticky days. These can be brief but intense, with heavy downpours and lightning.
• Heat waves: Periods of particularly hot weather are possible, especially in late July and August.
• “Urban heat island” effect: Downtown and dense neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead can feel hotter than leafier, more shaded areas due to buildings, pavement, and traffic.

How to cope with summer weather:

• Plan outdoor exercise early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Use light, breathable clothing and drink plenty of water.
• For events at places like Piedmont Park or Mercedes-Benz Stadium (especially if the roof is open), be prepared for intense sun and sudden showers.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another standout season, often offering mild temperatures and lower humidity.

What it usually feels like:

• September: Still warm and can feel like a continuation of summer
• October: Frequently comfortable during the day, cooler at night — prime festival weather
• November: Cooler but often still mild, with more jacket-worthy days

Key fall weather features:

• Lower humidity: The air often feels drier, making outdoor activities more comfortable.
• Colorful foliage: Trees in and around the city — including along the Atlanta BeltLine, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and local neighborhoods — often display noticeable fall color.
• Lingering storms: Early fall can still bring rain and occasional storms, especially if remnants of tropical systems reach north Georgia.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is usually short and relatively mild, with cold snaps mixed with mild periods.

What it usually feels like:

• Daytime: Often cool; some days feel chilly but manageable with a jacket
• Nights: Can be cold, with occasional dips below freezing
• Snow/ice: Possible, but usually limited and short-lived

Key winter weather features:

• Occasional wintry mix: Atlanta is more likely to see cold rain, sleet, or light freezing rain than heavy snow. Light snow events do occur, but significant snow is uncommon.
• Ice concerns: Even small amounts of ice can cause hazardous road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses and in hilly neighborhoods.
• Weather swings: Periods of cold can be followed by surprisingly mild days, so it’s common to alternate between heavy coats and lighter layers throughout the season.

What locals watch for: When freezing rain or ice is in the forecast, schools, businesses, and commuters often adjust plans because Atlanta’s roads and drivers are not as accustomed to frequent winter storms as some northern cities.

Typical Atlanta Weather at a Glance

Use this general seasonal overview to get a quick sense of what to expect. Actual conditions vary year to year.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rainfall Patterns

Atlanta receives regular rainfall throughout the year instead of a single “rainy season.”

• Spring and summer: Thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Fall and winter: More steady rain at times, with storm systems passing through the region.

Carrying an umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is often wise, especially if you walk or use transit frequently.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

In warmer months, Atlanta often sees brief but intense storms:

• Heavy downpours that can cause ponding on roads
• Frequent lightning, sometimes close by
• Gusty winds that can bring down tree limbs or power lines

If you’re at outdoor venues like Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Stone Mountain Park, or attending a game or festival, be prepared for potential weather delays or brief evacuations to shelter.

Tornado and Severe Weather Risk

Atlanta and the surrounding metro area can experience severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes, especially in spring and sometimes in fall.

• Tornadoes in the city are not an everyday occurrence, but they do happen in the region.
• Severe weather alerts may include tornado watches and warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, or flash flood warnings.

For alerts, many residents rely on:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Local TV weather from stations based in Atlanta
• Weather apps that send location-based alerts

Tropical Systems and Remnants

While Atlanta is inland, remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic can reach north Georgia, usually in late summer or fall.

Typical impacts include:

• Heavy, sustained rainfall over a day or two
• Gusty winds, occasionally strong enough to bring down branches or trees
• Localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas or near creeks and streams

These systems usually weaken by the time they reach Atlanta, but they can still cause power outages and travel delays.

Air Quality, Pollen, and Seasonal Comfort

Pollen and Allergies

Atlanta’s tree canopy, grasses, and plants mean that spring pollen can be intense. Many residents notice:

• A yellow dusting on vehicles and outdoor furniture
• Itchy eyes, sneezing, or general discomfort if they’re sensitive

Pollen-heavy days often line up with otherwise beautiful weather, so many people still enjoy outdoor time while managing symptoms as needed.

Summer Haze and Air Quality

During hot, stagnant summer days, Atlanta can experience reduced air quality:

• Smog or haze may be more noticeable when looking toward downtown from spots like Jackson Street Bridge or Kennesaw Mountain.
• Sensitive groups may choose to limit intense outdoor activity on certain days.

How Atlanta Weather Affects Daily Life

Commuting and Transportation

• Rain and thunderstorms can slow traffic on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285, especially during rush hours.
• Ice or snow, even in small amounts, can lead to significant delays and closures.
• MARTA rail and buses generally operate through most weather, but service adjustments can happen during severe conditions.

If you rely on driving, it helps to:

• Build extra time into your commute when storms are expected
• Pay special attention to overpasses and bridges in winter weather

Events, Sports, and Outdoor Activities

Atlanta’s climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, with some seasonal adjustments:

• Spring and fall: Ideal for walking the Atlanta BeltLine, visiting Atlanta Botanical Garden, or catching festivals in Piedmont Park.
• Summer: Events continue, but many people seek shade, cooling centers, or indoor options during the hottest parts of the day.
• Winter: Outdoor attractions like Zoo Atlanta and Atlanta BeltLine remain open, but dressing in layers is important.

Staying Informed About Atlanta Weather

For reliable, local updates, many Atlantans pay attention to area-based forecasts and alerts rather than just generic app icons. Common approaches include:

• Monitoring local TV weather forecasts from Atlanta-based stations
• Using weather apps that allow you to set Atlanta neighborhoods or ZIP codes
• Keeping an eye on information shared by local agencies and emergency managers

The National Weather Service Forecast Office that serves Atlanta is based in Peachtree City, Georgia. This office provides forecasts, warnings, and advisories for the metro area.

Practical Tips for Visitors and New Residents

If you’re planning a visit or move to Atlanta, here’s how to prepare for the weather:

• Pack layers: Temperatures can swing, especially in spring and fall.
• Include rain gear: A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is useful year-round.
• Plan for heat in summer: Light clothing, sunscreen, and hydration are essential if you’ll be exploring areas like Downtown, Midtown, or the Westside on foot.
• Watch the forecast closely in winter: If ice or wintry weather is mentioned, expect that travel and schedules may change.

Overall, Atlanta’s weather is manageable and often pleasant, especially if you’re prepared for summer heat, spring pollen, and the occasional stormy day. With a bit of planning, you can comfortably enjoy what the city offers in every season.