Will Atlanta See Snow? What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

Wondering “Is Atlanta getting snow?” is almost a winter tradition in itself. Because Atlanta’s weather can change quickly, the most accurate, up‑to‑the‑minute answer will always come from a current forecast.

But if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or planning a trip, it helps to understand how snow works here, how often it happens, and what to watch for when winter weather is in the forecast.

Does It Really Snow in Atlanta?

Yes, Atlanta does get snow, but:

• It’s infrequent
• It’s usually light
• It often melts quickly

Most winters, the city sees a dusting to a couple of inches spread across one or two events. Some winters, there’s no measurable snow inside the I‑285 perimeter at all. Other years bring a surprise storm that can briefly shut much of the city down.

If you’re picturing long‑lasting snow cover like in northern cities, that’s not typical for Atlanta. Snow here is often mixed with cold rain, sleet, or freezing rain, and roads can stay wet or icy long after the flakes stop.

How to Check If Atlanta Is Getting Snow Right Now

Because conditions change quickly, always confirm with a real‑time forecast. When you want to know if Atlanta is getting snow:

1. Check the National Weather Service (NWS) for Atlanta

The National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City office provides official forecasts, watches, and warnings for the metro area.

• Forecast Office: NWS Atlanta/Peachtree City
• Location: Near Peachtree City, serving the Atlanta region
• Look for:
  • Winter Weather Advisory – minor snow/ice impacts likely
  • Winter Storm Watch/Warning – heavier snow or significant ice expected
  • Special Weather Statements – early heads‑up on possible wintry mix

These alerts give a good sense of whether snow is likely, possible, or unlikely in the next 12–72 hours.

2. Focus on Forecasts for Your Specific Part of Atlanta

Snow can vary widely between:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead
• Higher elevations like parts of Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett
• Southern suburbs (which are often slightly warmer)

A forecast for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport may not perfectly match conditions in Kennesaw, Roswell, or Stone Mountain, especially in marginal snow setups.

3. Pay Attention to Temperature Trends

For snow in Atlanta, you generally need:

• Surface temperatures near or below 32°F (0°C), especially at night
• Cold air in place before moisture arrives
• Ground temperatures cool enough that snow can stick, especially on bridges and overpasses

If the forecast calls for 36–40°F with rain, snow in the immediate city is unlikely, though higher, farther‑north suburbs might still see a brief mix.

When Is Atlanta Most Likely to Get Snow?

Snow is most likely between late December and early March, with the peak chance in January and February.

Here’s a simple overview of Atlanta’s typical snow timing:

Snow can happen outside these “typical” times, but that’s uncommon. If you’re planning a winter visit to Atlanta and hoping to see snow, late January through mid‑February gives the best odds, though there are no guarantees.

Why Snow in Atlanta Is a Big Deal (Even When It’s Not Much)

A one‑inch snow in Atlanta can cause more disruption than a much bigger event in cities used to winter weather. That’s because:

• Snow is rare, so most drivers are not accustomed to driving in it.
• Road treatment resources (plows, salt trucks) are more limited than in northern cities.
• Many snow events involve sleet or freezing rain, creating slick conditions.
• Sudden changes from rain to snow can catch people on the road at the same time.

This means even a light snow, especially during rush hour, can cause slow traffic, accidents, and delays—without necessarily leaving much snow on the ground.

Typical Types of Winter Weather in Atlanta

When you hear that Atlanta “might get snow,” it often really means one of several wintry scenarios:

1. Flurries or Light Snow Showers

• Short bursts of light snow
• Often no accumulation or just a dusting on grass and cars
• Roads typically stay wet, not snowy, unless air and ground are already very cold

2. “Wintry Mix” (Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain)

This is extremely common in Atlanta. You might see:

• Snow changing to sleet or freezing rain
• Icy bridges and overpasses, even if main roads look just wet
• Tree branches and power lines coated in ice, which can cause power outages

Because wintry mix is more likely than pure snow, icy roads are often a bigger concern than deep snow.

3. Rare Heavier Snow

Every so often, the setup is just right for:

• Several inches of snow across the metro area
• Widespread school and business closures
• Possible power outages if heavy, wet snow collects on trees and lines

Events like this are memorable precisely because they do not happen every year.

How Atlanta Handles Snow and Ice

Several local agencies coordinate when winter weather threatens:

City and County Governments

• City of Atlanta Department of Public Works and surrounding county road crews (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.) may:
  • Pre‑treat major roads and bridges
  • Apply salt or brine
  • Plow key routes if snow accumulates

They tend to prioritize:

• Interstates and major highways (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285)
• Major surface roads and key connectors
• Bridges, overpasses, and known trouble spots

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

GDOT manages state routes and interstates across metro Atlanta and often provides:

• Updates on road conditions
• Information about closures or major incidents on highways

Schools and Public Facilities

When snow or ice is likely, Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts may:

• Delay opening
• Switch to remote learning
• Close for the day

Libraries, parks, and other city facilities may operate on reduced or altered schedules during winter weather.

What Atlanta Residents Should Do When Snow Is Forecast

When there’s a realistic chance of snow or ice, Atlanta residents often prepare by:

• Checking forecasts frequently as details change
• Planning travel before or after the worst weather
• Working from home if possible
• Securing simple supplies:
  • Food and drinking water for a couple of days
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Phone chargers and power banks

A few practical tips:

• Avoid unnecessary driving at the onset of a winter storm, especially during the peak commute.
• Be extra careful on:
  • I‑285, especially at interchanges and overpasses
  • Spaghetti Junction (I‑85/I‑285) and other complex interchanges
  • Neighborhood hills, which can get slick even with light ice
• Remember that ice is often invisible (black ice), especially overnight and early in the morning.

What Visitors to Atlanta Should Know About Snow

If you’re visiting Atlanta and wondering whether it will snow during your trip:

• Check the forecast for the specific dates and your part of town (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, near the airport, or suburbs).
• Keep transportation flexible:
  • Allow extra time to get to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in winter weather.
  • Expect possible flight delays if snow or ice affects runways or connecting hubs.
• Have a backup plan:
  • If you’re not comfortable driving in snow or ice, consider staying put at your hotel or lodging until roads improve.
  • Many attractions may adjust hours or close during significant winter weather, so call ahead if conditions are deteriorating.

How Altitude and Location Around Atlanta Affect Snow

Even within metro Atlanta, snow chances can differ:

• North and northwest suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Cumming) are slightly higher in elevation and often a bit colder. They’re more likely to see snow that sticks, especially when the city sees mostly rain or brief flakes.
• Inside the Perimeter (I‑285) is moderately urbanized, which can keep temperatures a bit warmer, making rain or a quick mix more common than heavy accumulation.
• Southern suburbs (College Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro) are often warmer and may stay mostly rainy during marginal winter events.

So, it’s entirely possible for north metro Atlanta to see accumulating snow while Downtown and Midtown just experience cold rain or slushy streets.

Signs That Snow in Atlanta Is More Likely

If you’re scanning the forecast and trying to judge whether snow is really in play, look for:

• Highs in the 30s°F and lows well below freezing
• Mentions of:
  • “Wintry mix”
  • “Rain changing to snow”
  • “Snow accumulations possible, especially on grassy and elevated surfaces”
• Winter Weather Advisories or Winter Storm Watches/Warnings issued for Fulton County and surrounding counties

If the forecast continues to say “cold rain” with temperatures well above freezing, significant snow in the city is unlikely.

Quick Answers to Common Atlanta Snow Questions

Does Atlanta usually get a white Christmas?
No. Snow on Christmas Day in Atlanta is very rare. Most years, Christmas is cold rain or dry and chilly.

If it starts snowing, will it stick?
It depends on ground temperature and intensity. Light snow often melts on contact with roads. Heavier bursts, especially at night or after a long cold spell, are more likely to stick on grassy areas first, then potentially on bridges and less‑traveled roads.

Could Atlanta get a major snowstorm?
Major storms with several inches of snow are uncommon but do occasionally occur. They tend to be memorable community events and are usually well covered by local media and weather services when they are expected.

Is ice more common than deep snow?
Yes. In many winters, freezing rain or sleet causes more issues than snowfall. Ice on roads and power lines is often the main concern in Atlanta winter weather.

How to Stay Informed When Snow Is Possible in Atlanta

To stay on top of whether Atlanta is getting snow or just cold rain:

• Check official forecasts daily during cold spells.
• Monitor alerts for Fulton County and your specific suburb or neighborhood.
• Pay attention to updates from:
  • Local governments and transportation agencies
  • Schools and universities
  • Your employer, if you commute

Keeping an eye on these sources will give you the clearest picture of whether snow is coming, how much, and what kind of impact it may have on your day in Atlanta.