Atlanta Weather in December: What to Expect and How to Prepare

December in Atlanta, Georgia brings the start of true winter weather—just without the deep freeze that many northern cities see. If you’re planning holiday events, visiting family, or just trying to figure out what coat to wear, understanding Atlanta’s December weather will help you plan comfortably and safely.

Typical Temperatures in Atlanta in December

December is generally cool and occasionally cold, but not usually extreme.

Typical daily ranges:

Key points:

• Freezing temperatures (32°F or below) can occur overnight, especially on clear, calm nights.
• Daytime highs often make it into the low to mid-50s, with occasional warmer days reaching the 60s.
• A short, mild “warm spell” is not unusual, where it feels more like fall than winter for a couple of days.

Rain, Clouds, and Storms

How rainy is December in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s December weather tends to be:

• Moderately rainy: Expect several days of rain scattered through the month.
• Often cloudy or overcast, especially when cold fronts move through.
• Typically light to moderate rain, though heavier showers are possible when a strong front arrives.

You’ll often see:

• Gray, cool days with steady light rain.
• Cooler, clearer days after a front passes.

Thunderstorms and severe weather

While spring is Atlanta’s main storm season, thunderstorms can still happen in December, especially early in the month when warm, humid air briefly returns.

• A few rumbles of thunder and brief heavy rain are possible.
• Severe storms (strong winds, isolated tornadoes) are less common but can still occur with strong winter fronts.

For real-time updates, residents often check:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (covers metro Atlanta)
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Forecasts and alerts for Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and surrounding counties.

Does It Snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow is one of the biggest questions about Atlanta December weather.

• Snow is possible but uncommon.
• Most Decembers bring little to no accumulating snow.
• When snow or a wintry mix (snow, sleet, freezing rain) does occur, even small amounts can:
  • Make roads slick
  • Lead to school or business disruptions
  • Prompt preemptive closures or delays

More common are:

• Cold rain
• Frosty mornings
• Occasional light flurries that don’t stick

If a winter event is forecast, local agencies like the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and City of Atlanta Department of Transportation share road treatment and closure information.

Humidity and “Feel” of the Air

Even in winter, Atlanta can feel a bit damp, especially on cloudy, rainy days.

• On dry, clear days, cold feels sharper, especially in the wind.
• On cloudy, damp days in the 40s or low 50s, it can feel colder than the thermometer reads.

Wind chill becomes noticeable:

• On breezy days with temps in the 30s and 40s
• On higher-elevation spots or open areas, such as near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or bridges and overpasses

Daylight in Atlanta in December

December is Atlanta’s darkest month in terms of daylight.

• Short days: Expect sunset around 5:30 p.m. or earlier, especially early in the month.
• Mornings stay dim longer, which can make early commutes feel colder and more wintry.
• Outdoor activities after work or school often require:
  • Layers
  • Reflective clothing or lights if walking, running, or biking

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Dressing in layers is the best strategy, because temperatures can swing 15–20 degrees from morning to afternoon.

Clothing basics

Consider:

• Base layer:
  • Long-sleeve t-shirt, thermal top, or light sweater
• Mid layer:
  • Fleece, sweatshirt, or heavier sweater
• Outer layer:
  • Light to medium-weight jacket or coat
  • Heavier coat for nights close to freezing or windy days
• Legs:
  • Jeans or heavier pants
  • Consider thermal leggings underneath for extended outdoor events

Accessories

Helpful items for Atlanta’s December weather:

• Light gloves and a warm hat for mornings and evenings
• Scarf on windy days
• Water-resistant jacket, umbrella, or raincoat for frequent showers
• Closed-toe shoes or boots with decent grip, especially if there’s any chance of wintry mix

Traveling In and Around Atlanta in December

Driving conditions

Most days, roads are just wet and cool, not icy. However:

• Black ice can form overnight:
  • On bridges and overpasses
  • In shaded areas
  • Near creeks or low-lying spots
• When temperatures drop near or below freezing after rain, driving can become hazardous early in the morning.

If icy weather is in the forecast:

• Allow extra travel time.
• Check updates from:
  • Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – statewide road conditions
    935 United Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
    General information: (404) 631-1990
  • Local news and radio for traffic alerts.

Air travel

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Rain and low clouds can cause delays or slower operations, especially during peak holiday travel.
• Rare winter storms with ice or snow may lead to:
  • Flight delays and cancellations
  • De-icing procedures, which extend boarding time

If flying:

• Check with your airline regularly.
• Allow extra time to get to the airport on rainy or frosty mornings.

Outdoor Activities and Events in December

Atlanta keeps a busy calendar of holiday lights, markets, and sporting events even in December, so knowing the weather helps you enjoy them comfortably.

Common December conditions during events:

• Cool, jacket-weather evenings in the 40s–50s
• Occasional drizzle or steady light rain
• A few chilly nights near freezing, especially late in the month

If you’re heading to:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or outdoor shopping areas:
  • Dress in layers
  • Bring a compact umbrella or hooded jacket
  • Wear water-resistant shoes if rain is expected

Indoor Comfort and Home Prep

Heating and energy use

By December, most Atlanta households:

• Use heat regularly, especially at night and early morning.
• May switch between heat and off (or even light AC) on unseasonably warm days.

Helpful prep steps:

• Check and replace air filters in your HVAC system.
• Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly.
• Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows to reduce drafts.

For assistance or questions about energy use and billing, many residents contact:

• Georgia Power – Atlanta area customer service
  Customer service (general): 1-888-660-5890

Pipes and plants

While deep freezes are not constant, brief cold snaps can cause issues:

• Exposed outdoor pipes and hoses can be vulnerable in hard freezes.
• Sensitive plants may be damaged by overnight lows near or below freezing.

Simple protections:

• Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots in advance of cold snaps.
• Use insulated covers on outdoor faucets if a long or very cold night is expected.
• Move potted plants indoors or cover them when freezes are forecast.

Health and Comfort Considerations

December in Atlanta can bring:

• Dry indoor air from heating systems, which can irritate skin and sinuses.
• Fluctuating temperatures between indoors and outdoors, which can feel tiring or uncomfortable.

Practical tips:

• Use lip balm and moisturizer for skin comfort.
• Stay hydrated, even when it’s not hot outside.
• Keep a light layer handy in workplaces or public buildings that feel drafty or overcooled.

How to Check the Weather in Atlanta Day-to-Day

December patterns give you a general idea, but each day can look different. For current conditions and short-term forecasts in Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City/Atlanta Forecast Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Provides local forecasts, watches, and warnings for the metro area.
• Local TV and radio stations based in Atlanta typically offer:
  • Hour-by-hour breakdowns
  • School closings during winter events
  • Traffic and road condition updates

Check especially for:

• Overnight low temperatures (for frost and ice concerns)
• Wind speeds (to judge how cold it might feel)
• Rain chances during your commute or events
• Any mention of wintry mix, freezing rain, or black ice

Quick Takeaways: Atlanta December Weather

• Expect cool to cold temperatures: mornings in the 30s–40s°F, afternoons usually 50s°F.
• Rain is common, with several gray, damp days throughout the month.
• Snow is rare, but brief wintry events and icy patches are possible.
• Short daylight hours mean early sunsets and chilly evenings.
• Layers, light gloves, and a weather-ready jacket will serve you well.
• For safety during storms or cold snaps, rely on local forecasts, GDOT road updates, and alerts from the National Weather Service.

Understanding these patterns will help you plan what to wear, how to travel, and how to enjoy everything Atlanta has to offer in December.