Atlanta’s Weather, Season by Season: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s annual weather is often summed up as hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of humidity. But if you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or planning a visit, you’ll want a more detailed, month‑by‑month sense of what the weather is really like—and how it affects daily life, commuting, outdoor plans, and what you wear.

This guide walks through Atlanta’s typical weather across the year, with practical notes for residents and visitors.

Big-Picture: Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate:

• Long, warm-to-hot summers
• Short, generally mild winters
• Four distinct seasons, but without the harsh extremes found in colder or drier regions
• Humidity and frequent thunderstorms, especially in late spring and summer

Atlanta’s elevation (around 1,000 feet above sea level) helps keep it a bit cooler than many other Southern cities, but it’s still hot and muggy in summer and damp and chilly at times in winter.

Quick Annual Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

These are typical patterns, not guarantees. Actual conditions vary year to year.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are short and relatively mild compared to much of the U.S., but they can still feel cold—especially with damp air and wind.

Temperatures and Conditions

• Daytime highs: often in the 40s and 50s°F
• Overnight lows: commonly in the 30s°F, occasionally dipping below freezing
• Snow: In many years, Atlanta sees little to no accumulating snow. When snow or ice does occur, it can disrupt roads, schools, and flights because the city is not built for frequent winter storms.
• Precipitation: Winters are typically cloudy and rainy, with light to moderate rain more common than heavy downpours.

What Atlantans Need to Know

• Layering is key: A light-to-medium coat, sweaters, and a rain jacket are usually enough for daily wear.
• Icy roads: Even a small amount of snow, sleet, or freezing rain can lead to slick roads and closures, especially on elevated highways and bridges around I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400.
• Transit and services: MARTA trains and buses may adjust schedules during severe weather. It’s worth checking service updates if you rely on public transit.
• Outdoor plans: Many days are still comfortable for walking the BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring neighborhoods—just watch the forecast for cold snaps and rain.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant and popular seasons in Atlanta, but it also brings pollen and storms.

Temperatures and Conditions

• March: Cool to mild; highs can range from 50s to 70s°F, lows in the 40s°F
• April–May: Generally mild to warm, with many days in the 60s, 70s, and low‑80s°F

Rain, Storms, and Pollen

• Rain: Spring tends to be one of the wetter periods, with regular showers and some thunderstorms.
• Thunderstorms: More frequent severe thunderstorms, especially on warm, humid days—often in the afternoon or evening.
• Pollen: Trees and plants around the metro area (especially pines, oaks, and other local species) release heavy pollen in March and April, sometimes leaving a visible yellow film on cars and surfaces.

What Atlantans Need to Know

• Comfortable outdoor weather: Ideal for festivals, Braves games at Truist Park, and outdoor dining.
• Carry a light jacket and umbrella: Temperatures can swing quickly, and spring showers are common.
• Storm awareness: Strong thunderstorms can bring lightning, gusty winds, heavy rain, and occasionally hail or a tornado warning. The National Weather Service forecast office in Peachtree City covers the Atlanta area, and local TV/radio stations regularly issue alerts.
• Visibility and driving: Sudden downpours can cause briefly flooded streets and reduced visibility, especially on interstates and major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and Moreland Avenue.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

If you’ve heard about “Hotlanta,” this is what people are talking about. Summers are hot, humid, and stormy, especially in July and August.

Temperatures and Humidity

• Daytime highs: commonly in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F
• Overnight lows: often stay in the upper‑60s to 70s°F, which can feel muggy
• Humidity: High. Even when the temperature isn’t extreme, the moisture in the air makes it feel warmer and heavier.

Rain and Thunderstorms

• Afternoon storms: A classic Atlanta pattern is partly sunny mornings followed by afternoon or evening thunderstorms, especially when it’s very warm.
• Heavy downpours: Short but intense rain can cause temporary street flooding and slow traffic.
• Lightning and wind: Many summer storms feature frequent lightning and gusty winds, which can occasionally lead to downed limbs and scattered power outages.

What Atlantans Need to Know

• Heat and hydration: If you’re walking the BeltLine, attending outdoor concerts, or at an event like a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (with open roof) or a festival in Centennial Olympic Park:
  • Drink enough water
  • Take breaks in the shade or air‑conditioned spaces
  • Be mindful of how long you spend in direct sun
• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics, a hat, and sunscreen are common summer essentials.
• Activity timing: Many locals run, bike, or walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
• Storm timing: If you’re planning outdoor activities, be aware that late afternoon is a common window for thunderstorms. Checking the day’s forecast before heading to Stone Mountain, the zoo, or a park is often useful.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall in Atlanta is often considered the “sweet spot”: more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, plus scenic foliage.

Temperatures and Conditions

• September: Still quite warm, often feeling like an extension of summer, especially early in the month.
• October: Many days are in the 60s and 70s°F, with cooler mornings and evenings—this is one of the most comfortable months of the year.
• November: Cooler but generally mild, with more days in the 50s and 60s°F, and chillier nights.

Rain and Air Quality

• Rain: Overall, fall tends to be less rainy than spring and summer, though fronts can still bring showers and occasional storms.
• Skies and air: Humidity usually drops, leading to clearer skies and more comfortable outdoor conditions.

What Atlantans Need to Know

• Layered clothing: A light jacket in the morning and evening, with short sleeves or lightweight layers for the afternoon, typically works well.
• Outdoor events: Many festivals, markets, and fairs in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, and Midtown take advantage of the pleasant fall weather.
• Leaf color: Trees in the city, along the Chattahoochee River, and in nearby North Georgia usually show fall color from late October into November, depending on the year.

Month‑By‑Month Feel: Atlanta Weather Through the Year

This is a general guide to how each month often feels in Atlanta. Individual days can differ quite a bit.

• January: Coldest month on average. Chilly, often cloudy, with occasional freezing nights and a small chance of wintry mix.
• February: Still cool but can see more mild days. Late‑winter rain is common.
• March: Transitional. Some cold mornings, but springlike afternoons start to appear. Pollen season begins.
• April: Typically comfortable and mild. Pollen often peaks; thunderstorms become more frequent.
• May: Warmer and often very pleasant early in the month, edging toward summer heat by late May.
• June: Fully into summer pattern: hot, humid, more afternoon thunderstorms.
• July: One of the hottest and most humid months, with frequent sticky days and storm chances.
• August: Similar to July—hot and muggy, thunderstorms still common, sometimes slightly drier late in the month.
• September: Starts warm, gradually easing into more comfortable conditions by late month.
• October: Often the most comfortable month—lower humidity, clear skies, pleasant days and cool nights.
• November: Cooler, more fall‑like; some days feel almost wintery, others mild.
• December: Early winter, with a mix of cool and chilly days, mostly rainy rather than snowy.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Everyday Rain and Storms

Atlanta experiences regular rainfall throughout the year, with a notable peak in:

• Late winter and spring (more frequent systems moving through), and
• Summer (thunderstorm‑driven).

Many days feature short showers rather than all‑day rain, especially in warmer months.

Severe Weather and Tornado Risk

Severe weather is possible but not constant. The Atlanta area can see:

• Severe thunderstorms with strong winds, heavy rain, and hail
• Occasional tornado warnings, particularly in spring and sometimes fall

While direct tornado impacts in the city are relatively uncommon, they do occur from time to time in the metro region. Residents typically monitor:

• Local TV and radio
• Weather alert apps or a NOAA Weather Radio
• Alerts issued by local emergency management

Tropical Systems and Atlanta

Atlanta is far from the coast, but remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic can still affect the area.

When this happens, Atlanta may see:

• Heavy rain, sometimes over a day or two
• Gusty winds
• Downed limbs or power outages, especially in tree‑lined neighborhoods

This tends to be more likely during late summer and early fall (hurricane season months).

Air Quality, Heat, and Urban Factors

Atlanta’s combination of traffic, industrial activity, and summer heat can occasionally lead to reduced air quality days, especially in the warmest months.

What that can mean:

• Hazy skies on some hot days
• “Code orange” or similar advisories when air quality is expected to be poorer than usual, sometimes urging people—particularly sensitive groups—to limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division and local agencies monitor and issue updates for the Atlanta area.

How Atlanta’s Weather Affects Daily Life

Here’s how the annual weather patterns influence day‑to‑day decisions in the city:

Commuting and Travel

• Summer storms: Sudden downpours can slow traffic on I‑285, I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector), and local roads, and can briefly reduce visibility.
• Winter events: Even light snow or ice can cause closures and traffic disruptions since Atlanta rarely experiences true winter storms and infrastructure is not designed for frequent snow removal.
• Air travel: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport is busy in all weather, but thunderstorms and wintry mix can sometimes lead to delays or cancellations.

Outdoor Activities

• Spring and fall are prime times for:
  • Hiking at nearby Kennesaw Mountain, Arabia Mountain, or Sweetwater Creek
  • Festivals and outdoor concerts across the city
  • Enjoying patios and rooftop spaces
• Summer is still very active outdoors, but many people:
  • Choose morning or evening for walks/runs
  • Look for shade, pools, or indoor attractions during the hottest parts of the day

Home and Wardrobe Planning

• Wardrobe: Most Atlantans keep:
  • Light summer clothes for long stretches of warm weather
  • A mix of layers for the rest of the year
  • A moderate winter coat, scarves, and gloves for cold snaps
• Home prep: Many residents consider:
  • Reliable air conditioning for long, hot summers
  • Weather‑aware yard and tree maintenance, given the risk of limbs falling in strong storms
  • Basic emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, bottled water) for severe weather or the occasional power outage

Where to Get Local Weather Information in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, you can rely on multiple local and regional sources for up‑to‑date weather information:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  • Covers metro Atlanta with forecasts, advisories, and severe weather alerts.
• Local TV and radio stations in Atlanta
  • Provide forecasts, traffic updates, and live coverage during severe storms and winter events.
• City and county emergency management offices (for example, the City of Atlanta and surrounding counties)
  • Issue guidance and updates about road conditions, closures, and emergency responses during significant weather events.

These resources help you stay aware of daily conditions, severe weather alerts, and longer‑term patterns that matter for life in Atlanta.

Atlanta’s annual weather is a balance of mild winters, vibrant springs, hot and humid summers, and comfortable falls, all shaped by humidity, elevation, and regional storm patterns. Understanding how each season typically behaves makes it easier to plan your year—whether you’re commuting, organizing events, exploring neighborhoods, or simply deciding what to wear.