Atlanta Weather by Month: What to Expect All Year
Atlanta’s weather changes a lot from month to month. Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are short and relatively mild, with brief cold snaps. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip, or just want to understand the average weather by month in Atlanta, this guide breaks it down in plain language.
Below is a month‑by‑month look at temperatures, rain, humidity, and what that actually feels like when you’re walking around Midtown, commuting on the Connector, or heading to a Braves game.
Quick Overview: Atlanta Average Weather by Month
These are typical patterns in Atlanta’s climate; any given year can be warmer, cooler, wetter, or drier.
| Month | Typical High (°F) | Typical Low (°F) | What It Generally Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low–mid 50s | Mid–30s | Cool to chilly, occasional cold snaps |
| February | Mid–50s | Mid–30s–upper 30s | Cool, starting to hint at spring |
| March | Low–mid 60s | Low–mid 40s | Mild, variable, spring storms |
| April | Low–mid 70s | Low–mid 50s | Pleasant, warm days, cool nights |
| May | Upper 70s–low 80s | Upper 50s–low 60s | Warm, more humid, early summer feel |
| June | Mid–upper 80s | Upper 60s–low 70s | Hot, humid, pop‑up storms |
| July | Upper 80s–low 90s | Low–mid 70s | Very hot, muggy, frequent afternoon thunderstorms |
| August | Upper 80s–low 90s | Low–mid 70s | Hot, humid, similar to July |
| September | Low–mid 80s | Mid–60s | Still warm, humidity slowly easing |
| October | Low–mid 70s | Low–mid 50s | Comfortable, drier, classic fall weather |
| November | Low–mid 60s | Low–mid 40s | Mild to cool, more chilly mornings |
| December | Low–mid 50s | Mid–30s–upper 30s | Cool, occasional cold and rain |
Key Atlanta Climate Patterns to Know
Before diving into each month, it helps to understand a few big-picture patterns:
- Humidity: Atlanta is humid for much of the year, especially May through September. Even moderate temperatures can feel warmer.
- Rain: Rain is spread out over the year, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in summer and frontal rain in cooler months. Long all‑day rains are more common in winter and early spring.
- Snow and ice: Snow is infrequent and usually light, but occasional winter storms can bring snow or ice that quickly disrupts travel.
- Storms: Thunderstorms are common in warm months. Severe storms and isolated tornadoes can occur, mainly in spring and sometimes fall.
For official forecasts, watches, and warnings, people in Atlanta often rely on:
- National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Forecasts for Atlanta and metro counties
January: Cool, Sometimes Sharp Cold
Typical Atlanta weather in January:
- Highs: low to mid‑50s°F
- Lows: mid‑30s°F
- Feel: Chilly to cold in the mornings, cool in the afternoons
January is usually Atlanta’s coldest month, but “cold” here is relative compared to more northern cities. Many days reach the 50s in the afternoon, especially in the sun. Nights can dip below freezing, and a few mornings may feel very cold, especially with wind.
Rain and winter weather
- Light to moderate rain is common, sometimes in multi‑hour or all‑day stretches.
- Snow and ice are possible but not guaranteed. When they do occur, they tend to be short‑lived but can cause travel problems on roads like I‑75/85 and I‑285.
What locals plan for
- Layered clothing: light sweater or jacket most days, heavier coats on the coldest mornings.
- Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses in the early morning when temperatures hover near freezing.
February: Late Winter with Early Spring Hints
Typical February temperatures:
- Highs: mid‑50s°F
- Lows: mid‑30s to upper 30s°F
February still feels like winter, but some days can be surprisingly mild, with highs in the 60s or even low 70s. You’ll start to see early blooms around neighborhoods like Virginia‑Highland and Grant Park.
Rain and storms
- Rain continues, with some cool, gray days.
- A few thunderstorms can show up as the season starts to transition.
What to expect
- You may wear a winter coat some mornings and a light jacket or long‑sleeve shirt in the afternoon.
- Occasional late‑season winter events (light snow or freezing rain) can still happen.
March: Variable and Turning Mild
Typical March weather:
- Highs: low to mid‑60s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑40s°F
March is a true transition month. Some days feel like winter; others feel like full spring.
Rain, storms, and pollen
- Rain remains common, often tied to passing fronts.
- Thunderstorms become more frequent, especially late in the month.
- Tree pollen ramps up, and many locals start noticing a yellow dusting on cars and sidewalks.
How it feels in the city
- Outdoor events and patios in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine become more comfortable on many days.
- Mornings can still be cool, so layers are useful, especially if commuting early and staying out through the evening.
April: Pleasant Spring, Comfortable Days
Typical April temperatures:
- Highs: low to mid‑70s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑50s°F
April is one of the most comfortable months in Atlanta. Many days are warm but not hot, and evenings are pleasant.
Rain and storms
- Showers and thunderstorms still occur, especially in the afternoons or evenings.
- Severe weather is possible in the region during spring, so it’s wise to pay attention to forecasts if you’re planning outdoor festivals, sports, or hikes.
Local rhythm
- Great month for outdoor activities at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or Stone Mountain.
- Light jacket in the morning, short sleeves in the afternoon often work well.
May: Early Summer Feel, Growing Humidity
Typical May weather:
- Highs: upper 70s to low 80s°F
- Lows: upper 50s to low 60s°F
May often feels like the start of summer in Atlanta. It’s warm most days, and humidity is noticeably higher, especially later in the month.
Rain and storms
- Pop‑up afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent.
- Rain usually comes in bursts rather than all‑day events.
Day‑to‑day experience
- Afternoons can feel hot in full sun—walking downtown, around Georgia Tech, or on the BeltLine can feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
- Many residents start using air conditioning regularly by late May.
June: Hot, Humid, and Stormy Afternoons
Typical June temperatures:
- Highs: mid to upper 80s°F
- Lows: upper 60s to low 70s°F
June ushers in full summer conditions. It’s hot and often very humid, though early mornings can feel more comfortable.
Rain and thunderstorms
- Frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms, often brief but intense.
- Downpours can cause localized street flooding in low‑lying parts of the city.
What it feels like
- Heat plus humidity makes it feel hotter than the actual air temperature, especially during mid‑afternoon.
- Common for people to seek shade or indoor breaks during the peak heat (roughly 2–6 p.m.).
July: Peak Summer Heat in Atlanta
Typical July weather:
- Highs: upper 80s to low 90s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑70s°F
July is often one of the hottest and most humid months in Atlanta.
Humidity and heat
- Humidity is high, especially during and after storms.
- Heat index values can climb higher than the actual air temperature, making it feel very hot.
Rain and storms
- Almost daily chances of scattered thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and early evening.
- Most storms are brief, but some can be strong, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
Everyday impact
- Outdoor activities at places like Truist Park, Zoo Atlanta, and city parks are often planned for mornings or later evenings to avoid the harshest heat.
- Air conditioning is widely used, and indoor breaks are a normal part of summer days.
August: Still Hot, Slowly Easing Late in the Month
Typical August temperatures:
- Highs: upper 80s to low 90s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑70s°F
August is usually similar to July, with hot, humid conditions. Late in the month, you may notice slightly less intense heat on some days, especially at night.
Rain and storms
- Continuing pattern of scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
- Moisture from tropical systems in the wider region can sometimes enhance rainfall, even if storms stay well away from the city.
What locals expect
- Midday outdoor time can feel exhausting in direct sun.
- Short but heavy rains are common; many residents keep rain gear or a small umbrella handy in bags or cars.
September: Warm, But Hinting at Fall
Typical September weather:
- Highs: low to mid‑80s°F
- Lows: mid‑60s°F
September often still feels like summer, especially early in the month, but by late September, mornings and evenings usually become more comfortable.
Rain and storms
- Thunderstorms are still around, though less frequent than in midsummer.
- Some rain may be tied to distant tropical systems, especially early in the month.
Feel around town
- Great time for late‑day outdoor activities; evenings at restaurants and venues along the BeltLine are more pleasant.
- Air conditioning is still in regular use, but windows may open more often at night as the month goes on.
October: One of Atlanta’s Best Weather Months
Typical October temperatures:
- Highs: low to mid‑70s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑50s°F
October is widely considered one of the most pleasant months in Atlanta. Dry, comfortable air and mild temperatures make it ideal for being outside.
Rain and skies
- Generally drier than summer; long stretches of sunny or partly sunny days are common.
- Rain still occurs but less often and with fewer thunderstorms.
Seasonal feel
- Fall colors start to show more noticeably later in the month in parks and tree‑lined neighborhoods.
- Light jacket or sweater at night, short sleeves or light long sleeves during the day typically work.
November: Mild to Cool, Real Fall Arrives
Typical November weather:
- Highs: low to mid‑60s°F
- Lows: low to mid‑40s°F
November feels like a true autumn month. Many days are crisp and clear, especially early in the month; later days feel cooler.
Rain and cold fronts
- Cold fronts bring cooler, drier air and occasional rainy days.
- Thunderstorms are less common but can still occur with stronger fronts.
How it feels in Atlanta
- Mornings can be quite cool, especially if you’re waiting at MARTA stations or walking to work before sunrise.
- Afternoons often warm enough for comfortable outdoor time, especially in the sun.
December: Cool, with Occasional Cold Spells
Typical December temperatures:
- Highs: low to mid‑50s°F
- Lows: mid‑30s to upper 30s°F
December marks the start of winter conditions, but many days are still relatively mild compared to more northern cities.
Rain and wintry weather
- Rain is common, including some chilly, overcast days.
- A few strong cold fronts may bring brief shots of colder air.
- Wintry precipitation is still uncommon, but freezing temperatures at night are more likely than earlier in the year.
Practical expectations
- Coats and heavier jackets become part of daily life.
- Outdoor holiday events around Centennial Olympic Park, Atlantic Station, or the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s light displays can feel chilly after sunset.
Seasonal Summary for Atlanta
To put Atlanta’s average month‑by‑month weather in a seasonal frame:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool to mild days, cold nights, occasional freezing temperatures, rare but impactful snow or ice.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild to warm, increasing humidity, frequent rain and storms, lots of variability early in the season.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid, with regular afternoon thunderstorms and warm nights.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Gradual cooling, less humidity, many dry and comfortable days—especially October.
Understanding Atlanta’s average weather by month helps you plan everything from clothing and commuting to vacations, outdoor events, and home heating and cooling needs. Always check a current forecast before important plans, since short‑term weather can vary from these long‑term averages.