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

Atlanta’s February weather sits at the transition between winter chill and early hints of spring. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a February visit, or are just trying to plan events, outfits, or travel, understanding how the weather behaves this month can help you avoid surprises.

Overview: Atlanta Weather in February

February in Atlanta is generally cool and changeable, with a mix of sunny days, cold snaps, rain, and the occasional wintry mix.

Typical February weather in Atlanta:

• Average highs: around the mid‑50s °F
• Average lows: around the mid‑30s °F
• Feel: Often chilly in the morning and evening, milder in the afternoon
• Precipitation: Frequent rain, rare but possible snow or ice
• Daylight: Noticeably more daylight by the end of the month than in January

You’ll often experience days that feel like late winter, but you can also get a few afternoons that feel like early spring.

Temperature: How Cold Is Atlanta in February?

Daytime Temperatures

Most February afternoons in Atlanta reach the low to upper 50s, with some days slipping into the 40s during cold spells and others climbing into the 60s on milder days.

• Comfort level: A light to medium jacket is usually enough in the afternoon.
• Warm days: Short stretches of milder weather are common, especially late in the month.

Nighttime Temperatures

Overnight and early morning temperatures usually fall into the 30s, and dips below freezing are not unusual.

• Frost: You may see frost on cars and lawns some mornings.
• Freezing nights: Hard freezes are less common than in January but still possible.

Rain, Snow, and Ice: What Kind of Precipitation to Expect

Rain

February is often a wet month in Atlanta.

• Type: Light to moderate rain is common; heavier showers occur with passing fronts.
• Frequency: Plan for multiple rainy days during the month.
• Outdoor plans: It’s wise to have a backup indoor plan for outdoor events.

Snow and Ice

Snow in Atlanta in February is possible but not guaranteed.

• Snowfall: When it does snow, it’s usually light and may melt quickly.
• Ice risk:Freezing rain and sleet can be more disruptive than snow, especially on roads and bridges.
• Impact: Even small amounts of snow or ice can cause school closures, traffic delays, and flight disruptions.

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, keep an eye on weather forecasts when a cold and wet system is expected.

Humidity and How It Feels Outside

Atlanta’s February humidity is usually moderate, but the air can feel:

• Damp and chilly on raw, rainy days
• Crisp and cool on clear, breezy days

Wind can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, especially in open areas like Piedmont Park, along the Atlanta BeltLine, or near downtown high-rises where wind tunnels are common.

February Weather at a Glance

Use this quick snapshot as a planning guide (typical patterns, not a guaranteed forecast):

What to Wear in Atlanta in February

For Everyday Errands and Commuting

For Atlanta residents and workers, layering is the smartest approach.

Consider:

• Base layer: T‑shirt or long‑sleeve shirt
• Mid layer: Light sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt
• Outer layer:Medium‑weight coat; waterproof or water‑resistant if rain is in the forecast
• Footwear: Closed‑toe shoes; waterproof boots on rainy or icy days

Having a compact umbrella in your bag or car is helpful, especially if you commute by MARTA or walk between buildings downtown or in Midtown.

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in February, pack for cool, changeable weather:

• A versatile jacket suitable for temperatures from the upper 30s to upper 50s
• A warmer layer for evenings (sweater, fleece)
• Comfortable shoes that can handle wet sidewalks and occasional puddles
• A hat, gloves, and scarf if you plan to be outside at night or in the mornings

You likely won’t need full winter gear like heavy snow boots unless a rare strong winter storm is forecast.

Outdoor Activities in February: What’s Realistic?

February may not be pool season, but it’s far from a shut‑in month in Atlanta.

Good Days for Being Outside

On sunny or partly sunny days with highs in the 50s or 60s, you can comfortably:

• Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine
• Spend time at Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Freedom Park
• Visit outdoor attractions like Zoo Atlanta (chilly but manageable)
• Explore neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia‑Highland

Light layers usually work well for midday activities.

Days to Be Cautious

When temperatures sit in the 30s–40s with rain, conditions can feel raw and uncomfortable.

On days with potential freezing rain or ice:

• Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and hilly streets, especially in neighborhoods with steep roads.
• Check for delays or closures if you rely on school transportation or MARTA buses.

Driving and Commuting in February Weather

Road Conditions

For most of February, Atlanta roads are simply wet, not snowy. However:

• Heavy rain can lead to slick roads and reduced visibility on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Perimeter (I‑285).
• Ponding water can form in low spots; slow down and give yourself extra stopping distance.

During rare winter weather events:

• Icy spots can appear quickly before crews treat roads.
• Areas north of the city and higher elevations (for example, parts of Cobb or north DeKalb) may see more ice than central Atlanta.

Transit and Air Travel

• MARTA trains are less affected by winter weather, but buses may have delays during icy conditions.
• Flights at Hartsfield–Jackson can be delayed or canceled if ice or snow affects runways or connecting cities.

If severe winter weather is being discussed, following official updates from the City of Atlanta or Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) can help you plan ahead.

Health and Comfort Considerations (Non-Medical)

February’s cool, damp conditions can affect comfort for some people.

Common experiences include:

• Dry indoor air from heating systems, which can make skin and sinuses feel dry
• Sensitivity to cold, damp air for those who spend long hours outdoors
• Occasional breezy days that feel colder than the listed temperature

Simple comfort strategies many Atlantans use:

• Wearing layers that can be removed indoors
• Keeping lip balm and moisturizer handy in bag or car
• Using a hood or hat on windy days, especially in open or elevated areas

For any specific health concerns, people generally consult a medical professional; local pharmacies and urgent care centers are easy to find throughout the metro area.

Planning Events and Travel Around February Weather

Events and Weddings

If you’re planning a February event in Atlanta:

Outdoor or partially outdoor events:

• Choose venues with indoor backup spaces or covered areas.
• Consider patio heaters or fire pits for outdoor receptions or gatherings.
• Plan for rain as a realistic possibility and talk to vendors about backup plans.

Indoor events:

• February is usually a comfortable month for indoor gatherings; people arrive in coats but are generally fine once inside.

Tourism and Sightseeing

February is often a less crowded month for Atlanta attractions, which can be an advantage.

Popular indoor-friendly options for cool or rainy days include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

On sunnier days, mix indoor stops with a walk along the BeltLine Eastside Trail or time in Piedmont Park.

Where to Get Reliable Local Weather Information

When planning around Atlanta’s February weather, it helps to follow local forecasts rather than relying only on generic apps.

Residents and visitors commonly use:

• Local TV and radio stations
• National or regional weather services with Atlanta‑specific forecasts
• Weather apps set to locations like Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or your specific neighborhood

In winter weather situations, official updates from agencies such as:

• City of Atlanta
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport customer information lines

are often used to check on road conditions, closures, and travel impacts.

Key Takeaways: Atlanta in February

• Temperatures: Generally cool, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
• Precipitation:Rain is common; snow and ice are possible but not frequent.
• Clothing:Layers, a light to medium jacket, and a rain option will cover most situations.
• Driving and transit: Usually just wet roads, but rare icy events can significantly affect traffic and flights.
• Lifestyle: Outdoor activities are still very doable on milder days, but it’s smart to have an indoor backup plan.

If you’re in or coming to Atlanta in February, think late winter with a hint of spring: be ready for changes, bring layers, and keep an eye on the forecast for those occasional cold, wet, or icy days.