How Many Inches of Snow Does Atlanta Get? A Local’s Guide to Winter Weather

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, Georgia, you’ve probably wondered: “How many inches of snow does Atlanta get?” The short answer is that Atlanta usually gets very little snow most winters, and some winters bring no measurable snow at all. But every so often, the city can see a few inches in a single storm, which can have a big impact on roads, schools, and travel.

Below is a clear breakdown of how snow works in Atlanta, what “normal” looks like, and what you should realistically expect.

Typical Snowfall in Atlanta

For most residents, snow in Atlanta is an occasional event, not a regular winter feature.

• Average yearly snowfall: Around 1–2 inches per year in the city of Atlanta
• Frequency: Many winters have dustings or flurries; some winters see no measurable snow at all
• Typical snow events: Light accumulations of less than 1 inch are most common
• Heavier events: Every few years, a system may drop 1–3 inches (sometimes more in rare cases)

In other words, if you’re moving from a northern city, Atlanta winters will probably feel much milder and less snowy. If you’re used to zero snow, it may feel like Atlanta gets just enough to be surprising, but not enough to be routine.

Quick Snapshot: Snow in Atlanta

Here’s a simple way to think about how many inches of snow Atlanta gets in a typical year:

These values are general patterns, not guarantees; actual snowfall can vary widely from year to year.

When Does It Usually Snow in Atlanta?

Snow in Atlanta is seasonal and short-lived.

Main Snow Months

Snow is most likely during:

• January
• February

Occasionally, light wintry weather can happen:

• In late December
• In early March

How Long Does Snow Last?

Even when snow does fall in Atlanta:

• Daytime temperatures often rise above freezing
• Snow on roads and sidewalks may melt by afternoon or within a day
• Shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses can stay slippery longer

So while you might wake up to a white lawn, you’re unlikely to see snow sticking around for several days the way it might in colder climates.

Why Atlanta Gets So Little Snow

Atlanta’s location and climate explain the low snowfall.

• Regional climate: Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters compared to much of the U.S.
• Latitude and elevation: The city sits in the Piedmont region, at a moderate elevation, which keeps winters cooler than the coast but still relatively mild.
• Temperature patterns: Winter highs often climb into the 40s and 50s (°F), limiting how often snow can fall and stick.
• Storm tracks: Many winter systems bring cold rain instead of snow. The air is often just a bit too warm for widespread accumulation.

Because of this, true snowstorms are relatively rare in Atlanta, and mixed precipitation (rain, sleet, freezing rain) can be just as common as pure snow.

Snow vs. Ice: What Matters More in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta worry about winter weather, they’re often more concerned about ice than snow.

• Freezing rain and black ice are frequent problems when a cold snap follows rain or when temperatures hover around freezing.
• Even a light coating of ice can make hills, bridges, and interstates dangerous, especially during rush hour.
• Schools and workplaces may close or adjust hours for icing, even when official snow totals are low.

So while you may only see 1–2 inches of snow per year on average, you might experience traffic delays, school closures, or flight disruptions from ice or a mix of sleet and snow.

How Snowfall Varies Across the Atlanta Area

Not every part of metro Atlanta sees the same amount of snow in a given event.

Inside the City vs. Suburbs

• Downtown and intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside)

  • Often slightly warmer, with more pavement and buildings
  • Snow may melt faster or mix with rain

• Northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, parts of Cobb and north Gwinnett)

  • Can be a bit cooler, at slightly higher elevations
  • Might see slightly higher snow totals during some storms

• Southern and eastern suburbs (College Park, East Point, Decatur, Jonesboro, Conyers)

  • Often similar to or a bit warmer than the city
  • More likely to see cold rain or brief snow that doesn’t accumulate much

Elevation and Local Conditions

Even small changes in elevation or local temperature can mean:

• One area gets a dusting
• Another, 10–20 miles away, gets an inch or two

This is why it’s common for people in one part of metro Atlanta to report “no snow,” while another area shares pictures of white yards and coated rooftops.

Planning Travel: Snow and Atlanta Roads

Because Atlanta doesn’t get heavy snow often, even a couple of inches can cause:

• Slippery highways (I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285, GA 400)
• Slower commutes or temporary traffic jams
• Delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you plan to drive or fly when snow is in the forecast:

• Check forecasts frequently as the storm approaches.
• Allow extra time for commuting.
• Expect that school systems and some offices may open late or close if ice is expected, even if snow totals look minor.

Who Tracks Snow and Weather in Atlanta?

For up-to-date information on how many inches of snow are expected in Atlanta during a given storm, local residents and visitors typically turn to:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office

  • Location: Near Peachtree City, serving the Atlanta region
  • Provides official winter weather advisories, watches, and warnings

• Local TV weather teams in Atlanta (such as those based in Midtown or near Downtown)

  • Offer neighborhood-level coverage, radar images, and travel guidance

You can also listen to local radio or check regional broadcast stations if you’re on the road and need quick updates during a winter event.

What Atlanta Residents Typically Experience Each Winter

To set expectations for how many inches of snow you’ll really see, here’s what a typical few-year stretch might look like for someone living in Atlanta:

• Year 1: A couple of light flurries, maybe a dusting that melts by midday
• Year 2: One winter system that drops around 1–2 inches, leading to school delays and slick roads
• Year 3: Mostly cold rain and brief flurries, with no real accumulation

Over time, this averages out to the familiar 1–2 inches per year, but it rarely falls neatly as a small amount each year. Instead, Atlanta tends to see occasional “snow days” mixed with several winters that are almost entirely snow-free.

Practical Tips for Dealing With Snow in Atlanta

Even though snow is rare, it pays to be moderately prepared:

• ❄️ Have basic cold-weather gear: A warm coat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes with some traction.
• 🧊 Watch for ice, not just snow depth: Bridges, hills, and shaded streets can stay slick even after main roads clear.
• 🚗 Keep your car ready:
  • Windshield scraper
  • Adequate windshield washer fluid
  • Tires with reasonable tread
• 🏠 Plan for brief disruptions: Be ready for the possibility of a day at home if schools or offices close for a winter weather event.

You usually don’t need full winter tires, chains, or heavy-duty snow equipment in Atlanta, but a bit of planning goes a long way when that rare 1–3 inch snowfall actually arrives.

In summary, Atlanta, Georgia typically receives about 1–2 inches of snow per year, and it’s entirely possible to go through a winter with no measurable snow at all. When snow does come, it tends to be light, short-lived, and occasionally disruptive—more of a novelty than a season-long feature of Atlanta life.