Atlanta, GA December Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare

December in Atlanta, Georgia brings a real taste of winter—just without the deep freeze you might find farther north. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a holiday visit, or are trying to understand what Atlanta’s December weather is really like, this guide breaks it down clearly.

Typical December Weather in Atlanta

December is one of Atlanta’s coolest and cloudiest months, but it’s usually not bitterly cold.

Temperature: Cool Days, Chilly Nights

On most December days in Atlanta, you can expect:

• Freezing temperatures (32°F or below) are possible overnight, especially early in the morning.
• Afternoons are often cool but manageable with a light to medium jacket.
• Extreme cold (temperatures in the teens or single digits) is uncommon but can happen during stronger cold snaps.

Rain, Clouds, and Humidity

December in Atlanta is often damp and overcast:

• Light to moderate rain is common, sometimes lasting several hours.
• Thunderstorms are less frequent than in spring and summer but can still occur on warm, unstable days.
• Humidity doesn’t feel tropical like in July, but the combination of cool air and dampness can make it feel colder than the thermometer shows.

Snow and Ice: Rare but Impactful

Atlanta’s December weather is mostly snow-free, but winter weather is still something to keep an eye on:

• Snow: Light flurries or brief dustings are possible but not guaranteed in December.
• Ice: Freezing rain or black ice can occur when temperatures hover near freezing and moisture is present.
• Even small amounts of snow or ice can disrupt travel and lead to school or business schedule changes because roads and drivers here are not geared for heavy winter conditions.

If you’re traveling, watch local forecasts closely any time a strong cold front and rain line up.

How December Feels in Different Parts of Atlanta

Within the Atlanta metro, conditions can vary slightly:

• In-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park)
  Often stay a degree or two warmer than outer suburbs because of buildings, pavement, and traffic (the “urban heat island” effect).

• Northern suburbs (Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs)
  Can be a touch cooler at night and more likely to see brief freezing conditions or light ice.

• Higher elevations to the north (toward Kennesaw, Stone Mountain’s higher points, or the far north metro)
  May cool more quickly after sunset, making frost and icy spots slightly more likely on bridges and overpasses.

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Planning what to pack or pull out of the closet depends on how much time you’ll spend outside and what you’re doing.

Everyday Clothing

For most December days in Atlanta, these layers work well:

• Base layer: Long-sleeve shirt or light sweater.
• Top layer: Medium-weight jacket, fleece, or coat.
• Bottoms: Jeans or thicker pants; some may prefer leggings under lighter pants on colder mornings.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots, especially if rain is in the forecast.

A layering approach is best. Mornings can be quite chilly, but if the sun comes out, midday can feel fairly mild.

For Rainy and Windy Days

When a cold front moves through, you may want:

• Water-resistant jacket or raincoat
• Umbrella for downtown walking, MARTA commutes, or events
• Scarf and gloves, especially if you’ll be outside for longer stretches or on windy days

For Rare Cold Snaps or Ice

If a stronger cold wave is forecast:

• Heavier coat or insulated jacket
• Hat, gloves, and thicker socks
• Shoes or boots with good traction in case of slick sidewalks or parking decks

Daylight and Outdoor Plans

December is the darkest month of the year in Atlanta in terms of daylight:

• Sunrise: Around 7:30 a.m. (varies slightly day to day)
• Sunset: Around 5:30 p.m. early in the month, closer to 5:30 p.m. even toward the end

This affects:

• Commuting: Many people drive to work in the dark or home in the dark.
• Outdoor activities: Plan hikes at Stone Mountain Park, Piedmont Park, or the Atlanta BeltLine earlier in the day.
• Events and attractions: Holiday light displays and outdoor markets often start around dusk and can feel quite chilly after sunset.

How December Weather Affects Getting Around Atlanta

Driving and Traffic

Most days, roads are simply wet, not icy, but there are some special considerations:

• On rainy days, expect slower traffic on I-285, I-75, I-85, GA-400, and surface streets.
• During cold, wet periods, bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads can develop icy patches even if main roads look fine.
• When ice or snow is expected, local agencies may pre-treat major roads, but side streets and residential hills can still become slick.

You can monitor road conditions through:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

  • General Information Line: 511 (from most phones in Georgia)

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation

  • Office: 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 330-6165

Local news and radio stations also provide frequent traffic and weather updates during winter events.

Public Transit (MARTA)

December weather can occasionally affect transit:

• Heavy rain and rare ice storms may contribute to delays on MARTA buses more than on trains.
• Train stations such as Peachtree Center, Five Points, Midtown, and Airport are mostly protected from weather, but platforms can feel cold and breezy.

For status and schedule information:

• MARTA Headquarters
  • 2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer information: (404) 848-5000

December Weather and Holiday Activities in Atlanta

Atlanta’s December weather is usually cool enough to feel festive but not so cold that it keeps people indoors all season.

You can typically enjoy:

• Holiday lights and attractions

  • Botanical garden displays (like those at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown)
  • City and neighborhood light shows, parades, and outdoor markets

• Outdoor skating rinks and events

  • Outdoor holiday rinks may operate comfortably with jackets and gloves, without extreme cold.

• Sports and concerts

  • With venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, many large events happen indoors, so weather mainly matters for walking or driving to them.

When planning outings, pay attention to:

• Wind and wind chill for evening events.
• Rain chances for outdoor activities at places like Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station, or the BeltLine.

Preparing Your Home for December Weather in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in a rental home, a little preparation helps:

Heating and Energy Use

• Ensure your heating system is working before a major cold spell.
• Drafty older homes and apartments in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or East Atlanta can feel colder inside than you might expect from the actual temperature, so simple weatherstripping or draft stoppers can help keep heat in.

Pipes and Plumbing

While deep freezes are less common, short cold snaps can still cause problems:

• During near- or below-freezing nights, some residents choose to:
  • Drip indoor faucets lightly to help prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warmer air to circulate.

Emergency Supplies

It’s reasonable to keep a modest winter-weather kit:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Basic non-perishable food and bottled water
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Phone chargers and backup power (if available)

The City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Preparedness and Fulton County Emergency Management Agency often share seasonal checklists and updates:

• City of Atlanta (general information): (404) 330-6000
• Fulton County Government Center: 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Health and Comfort Considerations

Even though Atlanta’s winters are milder than many cities, December can still be physically uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.

• Cold, damp air can feel harsher than the actual temperature reads.
• Indoor heating can make the air feel dry; some residents use simple humidifiers or bowls of water near heat sources to add moisture to the air.
• If you have health conditions affected by cold or air quality, keep an eye on daily air quality and pollen reports, as some people notice symptoms with cold, dry air as well as lingering allergens.

Planning a Trip to Atlanta in December

If you’re visiting Atlanta in December, here are quick planning tips:

Clothing to Pack

• 1–2 medium-weight jackets (one casual, one nicer if you’ll dine out)
• Sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and jeans or thicker pants
• Closed-toe shoes; consider waterproof options if rain is forecast
• Compact umbrella and a light scarf or gloves for colder evenings

Weather Checkpoints

• Look at the 7–10 day forecast before you travel for signs of:

  • Strong cold fronts
  • Rainy, windy days
  • Rare winter weather alerts

• On arrival, local media and standard weather apps give useful updates on conditions affecting attractions, events, and travel.

Key Takeaways: Atlanta’s December Weather at a Glance

• Temperature: Generally cool, with afternoons in the 50s°F and nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Freezing nights are possible.
• Precipitation: Rain is common; snow is rare but can occur in light amounts.
• Ice risk: Occasional, especially on bridges and overpasses when temperatures are near freezing.
• Daylight: Short days, with early sunsets around 5:30 p.m.
• What to wear: Layers, a medium jacket, closed-toe shoes, and rain protection.
• Impact on daily life: Usually manageable; winter weather events are infrequent but can disrupt roads and schedules when they occur.

With the right layers and a watchful eye on the forecast, Atlanta in December is generally comfortable enough for commuting, holiday events, outdoor walks, and exploring the city.