How Much Snow Does Atlanta Really Get? A Local’s Guide to Winter Weather

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip, or are just curious about the city’s winters, you’re probably wondering: how much snow is in Atlanta, really?

The short answer: Atlanta sees very little snow most years, but when it does snow, it can have a big impact on everyday life, roads, and travel.

Below is a clear breakdown of what to expect from Atlanta’s snowfall, how often it happens, and what locals typically do to prepare.

Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Yes, it does snow in Atlanta, but:

• Snow is infrequent
• Totals are usually light
• Many winters pass with little to no accumulation in the city

Atlanta’s climate is humid subtropical, which means mild winters compared with much of the United States. Cold snaps strong enough to bring snow are relatively rare, and they usually don’t last very long.

How Much Snow Does Atlanta Get in an Average Year?

Most long-term weather records for snowfall in Atlanta come from the area around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

On average, Atlanta typically gets around 2 inches of snow per year, often less, and sometimes none at all. Some years may see only a dusting, while others get several inches from one strong winter storm.

Typical pattern:

• Many years: Trace amounts or no measurable snow in the core city
• Occasional years: 1–3 inches total
• Rare years: 4+ inches from one or more storms

Quick Snapshot: Atlanta Snow at a Glance

These numbers describe patterns, not guarantees. Each winter can be very different.

When Does It Usually Snow in Atlanta?

If Atlanta is going to see snow, it usually happens between:

• Late December and early March
• Peak chances:January and February

Actual snow on the ground is often short-lived inside the city. Daytime temperatures frequently rise above freezing, causing accumulation to melt quickly, especially on major roads, sidewalks, and sunny areas.

You’re more likely to see snow stick:

• Overnight, when temperatures drop
• On bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots
• In higher elevations just outside the city, such as parts of north Georgia

Snow vs. Ice: What Atlanta Really Deals With

For many Atlantans, winter trouble is less about deep snow and more about ice.

Because temperatures often hover around freezing during winter storms, Atlanta can see:

• Freezing rain
• Sleet
• Refreezing meltwater overnight (black ice)

Even a light coating of ice can:

• Make roads and highways extremely slippery
• Affect interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector
• Cause power outages when ice accumulates on trees and power lines

So while snowfall totals may sound small, even 1–2 inches of snow mixed with ice can be enough to disrupt commutes, school schedules, and flights at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

How Often Does Atlanta Shut Down for Snow?

Atlanta does not shut down for every flurry. Light snow showers that don’t stick are fairly manageable.

That said, the city is not built for long, harsh winters, so occasional winter storms can cause major slowdowns, especially when they include ice.

In a typical winter:

• Minor events (flurries, a dusting, brief light snow):

  • Roads stay mostly passable
  • Little to no disruption beyond caution while driving

• Moderate events (1–2 inches, icy patches):

  • Delayed openings or closures for some schools and offices
  • Slower traffic and minor accidents
  • Some MARTA bus route adjustments, especially on hills

• Significant events (heavier snow or widespread ice):

  • More extensive school and business closures
  • Advisories from local officials to avoid nonessential travel
  • Potential flight delays or cancellations

Because significant winter storms are infrequent, they can feel more disruptive when they do occur.

Snow in Downtown Atlanta vs. the Suburbs

Snow in Atlanta isn’t always uniform across the metro area. Conditions can vary depending on where you are:

• Downtown, Midtown, and central neighborhoods

  • Often see slightly warmer temperatures
  • Snow may melt faster on buildings, streets, and sidewalks
  • Accumulation can be lower than in outer suburbs

• Northern and western suburbs

  • Areas like Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, and Kennesaw may see slightly more accumulation at times
  • Higher elevations and open areas can cool faster, allowing snow to stick a bit more

• Far northern suburbs and foothills

  • Closer to the North Georgia mountains, snowfall totals may be higher than in the city center
  • Residents there are more accustomed to occasional light to moderate snow

Still, even in the suburbs, deep snow is rare compared with many other parts of the country.

How Atlanta Prepares for Snow and Ice

Because snow is infrequent but impactful, local agencies focus on key roads and emergency routes when winter weather is in the forecast.

City and County Response

Depending on where you live in the metro area, you may see:

• Brine and salt trucks treating major roads, bridges, and overpasses
• Plows working primary routes first, then secondary streets as needed
• Public alerts advising drivers to stay off the roads during severe conditions

Key public agencies involved in winter weather response include:

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City of Atlanta information line: (404) 330‑6000

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – responsible for state routes and interstates across metro Atlanta
  General information: (404) 631‑1990

These agencies typically focus first on:

• Interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285)
• Major corridors into and out of the city
• Critical emergency and transit routes

Staying Informed About Snow in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and winter weather is approaching, it helps to stay plugged into local forecasts and alerts.

Useful local resources include:

• Local TV and radio weather forecasts (Atlanta-based stations follow winter storms closely)
• City of Atlanta and Fulton County announcements for closures and delayed openings
• MARTA for public transit changes in icy conditions
  • Customer information line: (404) 848‑5000

For current airport conditions during snow or ice:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Airport information: (800) 897‑1910

Check flight status directly with your airline in case of cancellations or delays.

Tips for Dealing With Snow and Ice in Atlanta

Even with low average snowfall, it’s helpful to know what locals usually do when wintry weather hits.

For Residents

• Stock basic supplies

  • Nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries
  • A small supply of any essentials you use daily

• Plan for driving conditions

  • Avoid driving on untreated bridges and overpasses
  • If you must drive, go slowly, leave extra distance, and avoid sudden braking
  • Consider working from home when roads are icy, if possible

• Prepare your home

  • Know where your main water shutoff is in case of burst pipes
  • Keep a safe way to stay warm if the power goes out
  • Have a charged phone and backup chargers available

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in winter:

• Check the forecast for your travel days, especially if you’re flying in or driving through the metro area
• Build extra time into your schedule in case of delays
• If renting a car, be cautious on hilly neighborhoods and residential streets that may not be treated as quickly as major roads

What to Expect: Realistic Snow Experiences in Atlanta

Putting it all together, here’s what someone in Atlanta can realistically expect over a few winters:

• Most winter days: Chilly mornings, cool afternoons, no snow
• Some winters: A brief dusting or a light snow that melts quickly
• Every few years: A more noticeable snow or ice event that affects schools, traffic, and possibly flights
• Rarely: A major winter storm with multiple inches of snow or significant ice

So, while the total amount of snow in Atlanta is usually quite small, the city’s limited experience with winter weather means that even modest snow or ice can have an outsized effect on daily life. Understanding what’s typical—and how the city responds—can help you plan calmly and safely for Atlanta’s occasional brush with winter.