Atlanta’s Annual Weather: What to Expect Month by Month

Atlanta’s weather can feel like four seasons in a week, but there is a pattern. Understanding the annual weather in Atlanta, Georgia helps you plan what to wear, when to visit, and how to prepare for heat, storms, pollen, and the occasional cold snap.

Below is a clear, season-by-season look at Atlanta’s climate, with local tips for both residents and visitors.

Quick Overview: Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which typically means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often short winters
• Long spring and fall seasons
• Frequent rain spread throughout the year
• Occasional severe thunderstorms and rare winter weather

Here’s a simplified look at average conditions over a typical year:

Actual temperatures vary year to year, but this table captures the general pattern most residents recognize.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Temperatures and Feel

Atlanta winters are usually mild by U.S. standards, but they can be unpredictable:

• Daytime highs often range from the mid-40s to upper 50s°F
• Nighttime lows often drop into the low to mid-30s°F
• Periodic cold snaps can push lows into the 20s or below

You’ll see plenty of chilly rain, some overnight freezes, and the rare snow or ice event.

Snow, Ice, and “Atlanta Shut-Downs”

Snow in Atlanta is infrequent and usually light, but when it does arrive, it can be disruptive:

• A dusting of snow or freezing rain can cause slick roads and widespread delays.
• The city has limited snow and ice equipment compared with northern cities, so schools and businesses may close even for small accumulations.
• Ice is more common than deep snow; this can lead to black ice on bridges and overpasses.

If you’re visiting or commuting during winter:

• Allow extra travel time when freezing temperatures and rain are forecast.
• Check local forecasts from National Weather Service Peachtree City office or local TV stations based in Atlanta.
• Keep a small car emergency kit with blankets, water, and a phone charger if you commute long distances.

What to Wear and Plan For

• Layer with sweaters, light-to-medium coats, and waterproof jackets.
• Gloves, hats, and scarves are helpful on cold mornings, especially if you use MARTA or walk to work.
• Indoor heating is common in homes and apartments, but older buildings can feel drafty during cold snaps.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Temperatures and Humidity

Spring in Atlanta is often one of the most comfortable times of year:

• March: Highs typically in the 60s, lows in the 40s
• April: Highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• May: Highs approaching the 80s, with rising humidity

By late spring, days increasingly feel warm and humid, especially in the city center.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Spring is one of Atlanta’s stormiest seasons:

• Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common.
• Some storms can bring heavy rain, lightning, hail, gusty winds, and occasionally tornadic activity in the broader metro region.
• Local authorities may issue severe thunderstorm or tornado watches and warnings.

If you live or are staying in Atlanta:

• Know where your interior room or lowest-level space is in your home, office, or hotel, in case of tornado warnings.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county (e.g., Fulton County Emergency Management).
• Keep a simple plan for where to go and how to communicate during severe weather.

Pollen and “Yellow Season”

Atlanta is well-known for its spring pollen, which can blanket cars, streets, and outdoor furniture in a yellow-green coating, especially from pine trees and other local species.

Typical experiences:

• Pollen counts often surge from late March through April.
• Many residents and visitors notice itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing during this period.

Practical tips:

• 🚗 Wash cars and outdoor surfaces regularly during heavy pollen.
• 🏠 Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, especially overnight.
• If you have allergies, many people in Atlanta consult local clinics or pharmacies for over-the-counter options, but for specific medical advice you should speak with a licensed healthcare professional.

What to Wear and Do

• Light layers: long sleeves in March, shifting to short sleeves and light jackets by April/May.
• Keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy; showers can develop quickly.
• Spring is a popular time to enjoy Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden before the peak summer heat.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Heat and Humidity

Summer in Atlanta is hot and humid, and heat can feel more intense in concrete-heavy areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.

Typical summer conditions:

• Highs often in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
• Lows in the upper 60s to 70s°F
• High humidity makes it feel hotter than the actual air temperature.

Heat index values (what it “feels like” outside) can climb well above 100°F on the hottest days.

Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain

Afternoon and early evening thunderstorms are a hallmark of Atlanta summers:

• Storms often build quickly on hot afternoons.
• Short periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds are common.
• Urban areas can see localized flooding where storm drains back up.

For safety and planning:

• ⏰ Plan outdoor activities (jogging, BeltLine, outdoor dining) for mornings or late evenings when it’s cooler.
• Avoid open fields and high ground during thunderstorms, and head indoors at the first sound of thunder.
• Be cautious driving through ponded water, especially near underpasses and low spots.

Air Conditioning and Urban Heat

Most Atlanta homes, apartments, hotels, and offices have air conditioning, which is crucial for comfort and safety in summer.

Things to keep in mind:

• Some older buildings or historic homes may cool unevenly; fans can help circulate air.
• If your air conditioning fails during a heat wave, Atlanta residents sometimes use public cooling spaces such as malls, libraries, or community centers.
• The City of Atlanta and Fulton County occasionally publicize cooling center locations during extreme heat through official channels and local news.

What to Wear and Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Comfortable footwear, especially if walking in areas like Centennial Olympic Park, Inman Park, or Ponce City Market.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are very practical in Atlanta summers.
• A refillable water bottle is useful; many attractions and offices have water fountains or refill stations.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Temperatures and Comfort

Fall is considered by many locals to be the best season in Atlanta:

• September: Still warm, with highs in the 80s, but slowly dropping humidity.
• October: Highs often in the 70s, lows in the 50s.
• November: Highs usually in the 60s, lows can drop into the 40s.

Humidity typically decreases, skies can be clearer, and evenings become cool and comfortable.

Rain and Storms

• Early fall can still bring late-season thunderstorms, especially in September.
• By October and November, storms are generally less frequent, though widespread rain can still occur with passing weather systems.

Fall Color and Outdoor Activities

Atlanta’s abundant trees—especially in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, and around the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area—make fall a great time to be outdoors:

• Fall colors usually peak from late October into early November, depending on the year.
• Temperatures are ideal for festivals, football games, hiking at Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain, and exploring city parks.

What to Wear

• Early fall: Short sleeves during the day, light jacket or sweater at night.
• Late fall: Layers become more important; mornings and evenings can feel much cooler than afternoons.
• Keep a light rain jacket handy for scattered showers.

Month-by-Month Snapshot for Atlanta

This simplified guide shows how weather typically shifts over the year:

• January – Cool to cold; highs in the 40s–50s, risk of overnight freezes, mostly rain with rare wintry mix.
• February – Still winter-like, but with more mild days; early hints of spring.
• March – Transition month; more 60s, increasing rain and thunderstorms, early pollen.
• April – Mild and often pleasant; 70s are common, heavy pollen, frequent showers.
• May – Warm and more humid; highs in the 80s, storms more common.
• June – Start of full summer; hot, humid, afternoon thunderstorms.
• July – Typically one of the hottest months; strong humidity and frequent storms.
• August – Similar to July; hot, muggy, with occasional breaks late in the month.
• September – Still warm, but humidity slowly eases; fewer storms late in the month.
• October – Comfortable days, cool nights, lower humidity, fall colors emerging.
• November – Cooler and crisp; more 50s–60s, earlier sunsets, occasional cold fronts.
• December – Mild to cool; holiday season often sees 40s–50s with some cold snaps.

Rainfall and Storm Patterns in Atlanta

How Often Does It Rain?

Rain is fairly well-distributed throughout the year in Atlanta:

• You can encounter rain in any month, but late winter through summer often brings more frequent systems and storms.
• Rain totals often come from short, heavy showers rather than days-long drizzles.

Residents and visitors become used to planning around storms, especially from spring through early fall.

Thunder, Lightning, and Wind

• Lightning is common with Atlanta thunderstorms; outdoor events and attractions may pause or clear areas during active storms.
• Strong winds can knock down tree limbs. Fallen trees occasionally cause power outages, especially in older, tree-lined neighborhoods.

If a storm takes out power:

• Utility providers in the Atlanta metro usually offer outage reporting and status tools via phone and online.
• Keep a flashlight, batteries, and a charged power bank on hand, especially during storm seasons.

Tornadoes and Severe Weather Awareness

Metro Atlanta does experience tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, though strong tornadoes are less frequent within the immediate city than in some surrounding rural areas.

For safety:

• Identify an interior room on the lowest floor of your building, away from windows.
• Follow alerts from local officials, radio, or smartphone apps.
• Large facilities—such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major malls, and stadiums—have severe weather procedures; follow posted instructions and staff guidance.

Heat, Air Quality, and Urban Considerations

Heat Waves

During heat waves, Atlanta may experience:

• Multiple days with highs in the mid to upper 90s°F or higher
• Warm nights that stay in the upper 70s°F, offering limited relief

Residents often:

• Adjust outdoor exercise to morning or late evening.
• Use indoor gyms, malls, and recreation centers for activity.
• Check local news or city communications for heat advisories.

Air Quality

On some hot, stagnant days, ground-level ozone and other pollutants can reduce air quality:

• Air quality alerts may be issued, particularly in peak summer.
• People who are sensitive to air conditions often try to limit intense outdoor activity during the worst hours of the afternoon on those days.

How Atlanta’s Elevation and Geography Affect Weather

Atlanta sits around 1,000 feet above sea level, which:

• Helps keep it slightly cooler than some lower-lying southeastern cities.
• Can contribute to rapid temperature changes with passing fronts.

The city is landlocked, so there are:

• No direct coastal impacts like storm surge.
• But remnants of tropical systems from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic can bring heavy rain and gusty winds late summer into fall.

Practical Tips for Living in or Visiting Atlanta

Clothing and Home Prep by Season

• Winter: Light-to-medium coats, layers, umbrella, and a plan for the occasional freeze or ice day.
• Spring: Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, rain gear, and strategies to manage pollen (covering outdoor furniture, more frequent cleaning).
• Summer: Lightweight clothing, sun protection, plenty of water, fans or reliable AC, backup options if your cooling fails.
• Fall: Versatile layers, light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for festivals, football games, and outdoor events.

Transportation and Weather

• Driving: Be cautious with wet roads, especially during sudden downpours. Avoid driving during ice events if possible.
• MARTA: Rain and heat can affect comfort when waiting on outdoor platforms; plan for shade, water, and rain gear in summer and spring.
• Air Travel: Thunderstorms can cause delays and ground stops at Hartsfield-Jackson, especially in late spring and summer afternoons.

Using Local Resources

For Atlanta-specific weather updates and safety information, many residents rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City office for regional alerts and forecasts.
• Local TV stations based in Atlanta for live storm coverage and radar.
• City of Atlanta and county emergency management agencies (such as Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties) for storm, heat, and emergency notifications.

These resources help you track day-to-day changes that don’t always match the averages.

Understanding Atlanta’s annual weather means knowing that:

• Winters are generally mild but can surprise you with brief cold snaps or ice.
• Springs are pleasant but stormy, with intense pollen.
• Summers are hot, humid, and storm-prone in the afternoons.
• Falls are often long, clear, and comfortable.

With this pattern in mind, you can better plan your wardrobe, schedule, and activities—whether you’re making Atlanta your home or planning your next visit.