Atlanta, GA Monthly Weather: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather changes a lot month to month, and those swings affect everything from what you wear to how you plan outdoor events, commute, or visit top attractions. Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or you’re planning a visit, understanding Atlanta, GA monthly weather makes life much easier.

Below is a month‑by‑month guide to temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and local weather patterns—plus practical tips tailored to Atlanta.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather by Month

Typical patterns for Atlanta, Georgia across the year:

These ranges are approximate, but they reflect what Atlantans experience most years.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

December: Cool and Variable

December in Atlanta is cool and often damp, but not usually severe.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low to mid‑50s, lows in the mid‑30s.
• Precipitation: Rain is more common than wintry mix.
• Snow/Ice: Light snow or flurries can appear, but significant accumulation is uncommon.

Local tips:

• Layer up for evenings—stadium events, holiday lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and strolls in Piedmont Park can feel chilly.
• Watch for black ice early in the morning, especially on bridges and overpasses along I‑285, GA‑400, and major connectors.

January: Atlanta’s Coldest Month

January typically brings Atlanta’s coldest weather.

• Temperatures: Highs around the mid‑50s, lows in the low to mid‑30s.
• Cold snaps: Occasionally drop into the 20s or below freezing.
• Wintry weather: Freezing rain and ice events are more disruptive than snow.

Local tips:

• If you rely on MARTA (rail and buses), check service alerts when winter storms are forecast.
• Keep a warm jacket, hat, and gloves handy for commuting early or late in the day.

February: Transition Toward Spring

February starts out winter‑like but often feels noticeably milder by the end of the month.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper‑50s to low‑60s, lows in the upper‑30s to low‑40s.
• Weather pattern: Mix of chilly, damp days and surprisingly warm afternoons.
• Storms: Some early thunderstorms, especially late in the month.

Local tips:

• Early spring flowers and trees start budding, but cold snaps can still occur.
• If you’re visiting, pack both lighter layers and a warmer coat.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

March: Mild, Breezy, and Changeable

March often feels like the start of true spring in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid‑60s, lows in the mid‑40s.
• Rain: Frequent showers and occasionally stronger thunderstorms.
• Wind: Breezy days are common as weather systems transition.

Local tips:

• Great month for outdoor attractions like the Atlanta BeltLine and Zoo Atlanta, but carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
• Evenings for outdoor dining in areas like Midtown or Inman Park can be cool—layers help.

April: Pleasant and Comfortable

April is one of the best weather months in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low‑70s, lows in the low‑50s.
• Humidity: Moderate—usually comfortable.
• Storms: Scattered afternoon thunderstorms, sometimes strong.

Local tips:

• Ideal time for festivals and outdoor events around Centennial Olympic Park or Grant Park.
• If you have seasonal allergies, this is peak pollen season—expect yellow pollen dust on cars and sidewalks.

May: Warmer and More Humid

By May, summer conditions start to show up.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper‑70s to low‑80s, lows in the upper‑50s to low‑60s.
• Humidity: Rising, especially later in the month.
• Thunderstorms: More frequent afternoon and evening storms.

Local tips:

• You’ll start to feel Atlanta’s famous heat and humidity, especially away from shade or near pavement downtown.
• For outdoor activities (Stone Mountain hikes, BeltLine biking), mornings are usually more comfortable than late afternoons.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

June: Hot and Stormy Afternoons

June marks the start of full summer conditions in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper‑80s, lows in the upper‑60s to low‑70s.
• Humidity: High—air can feel heavy, especially in the city core.
• Rain: Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, often brief but intense.

Local tips:

• Keep a compact umbrella or light rain shell in your bag; pop‑up storms are common.
• Plan outdoor workouts and walks for early morning or later evening to avoid peak heat.

July: Peak Heat and Humidity

July is often Atlanta’s hottest month.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low‑90s, with heat index sometimes higher.
• Nights: Lows in the low‑70s, often staying warm and muggy.
• Thunderstorms: Regular, especially mid to late afternoon.

Local tips:

• For downtown sightseeing—Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights—midday is a good time to be indoors in air conditioning.
• Hydration is important if you’re walking between neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward.

August: Still Hot, Slightly Easing Late Month

August conditions are similar to July, though there can be a subtle easing by the end of the month.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low‑90s, lows in the low‑70s.
• Humidity: Very high; “feels like” temperatures can be hotter.
• Storms: Scattered thunderstorms remain common.

Local tips:

• If you park outside, steering wheels and seats can get extremely hot—sunshades and crack‑open windows help.
• Many Atlantans schedule outdoor events for late evening (concerts, patios, BeltLine strolls) when it’s still warm but more manageable.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

September: Warm but More Comfortable

September is still warm and summery, but humidity starts to drop.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid‑80s, lows in the mid‑60s.
• Humidity: Gradually decreasing, especially late in the month.
• Rain: Fewer storms compared to midsummer, but still possible.

Local tips:

• Great for college football tailgates, outdoor patios, and trips to local parks.
• Early September can still feel like peak summer; late September often feels much more pleasant.

October: One of Atlanta’s Best Weather Months

Many residents consider October the most comfortable month in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low‑70s, lows in the low‑50s.
• Humidity: Low to moderate.
• Skies: Many clear, sunny days; less rain than earlier in the year.

Local tips:

• Ideal for fall festivals, outdoor markets, and exploring neighborhoods like Virginia‑Highland and West Midtown on foot.
• Light layers work well—cooler mornings, very comfortable afternoons, and crisp evenings.

November: Cool, Mildly Unpredictable

November brings true fall to Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low‑60s, lows in the low‑40s.
• Weather swings: Warm, sunny days can still pop up, but chilly, gray days are more common.
• Rain: Increasing again as winter approaches.

Local tips:

• A medium‑weight jacket or coat is usually enough for most days.
• If you’re planning outdoor gatherings (Friendsgiving, tailgates), be prepared for both cool and milder conditions.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rainfall Patterns

• Wettest periods: Late winter through spring and the summer thunderstorm season.
• Dryer stretches: Late fall and parts of early winter can be relatively drier, but rain is possible year‑round.

Rain in Atlanta often comes as:

• Broad, steady rain associated with passing systems (especially in cooler months).
• Short, heavy downpours and thunderstorms on warm and hot days, especially afternoons.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Atlanta sees frequent thunderstorms, mainly from spring through summer.

Common features:

• Lightning and heavy rain.
• Occasional gusty winds and small hail.
• Stronger storms can bring localized flooding and power outages.

For alerts and official information, residents often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (covers Atlanta area)
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486‑1133

Monitoring weather apps, local TV stations, or NOAA Weather Radio is helpful when strong storms are in the forecast.

Heat, Humidity, and Air Quality

Heat and Humidity

From June through September, Atlanta’s humidity and heat combine to create high “feels like” temperatures, especially in the urban core.

• Concrete, asphalt, and limited shade in downtown and major corridors can create an urban heat island effect.
• Even evenings can stay warm and sticky, particularly in July and August.

If you walk, bike, or use transit in Atlanta:

• Try to schedule intense activity for early morning (before 10 a.m.).
• Take advantage of shaded routes, especially along tree‑lined streets or the BeltLine’s shadier sections.

Air Quality

Warm, stagnant summer days can bring reduced air quality, especially ozone‑related issues.

• Alerts are often posted for Code Orange or higher air quality days.
• Many Atlantans check local air quality forecasts before outdoor exercise, especially near busy interstates like I‑75/85 and I‑20.

Rare but Possible: Snow, Ice, and Cold Snaps

Snow and Ice

While Atlanta is known more for heat than snow, wintry events do happen:

• Snow: Typically light and infrequent; some winters see little to no measurable snow.
• Ice: More impactful; freezing rain can coat roads, trees, and power lines, leading to hazardous travel and outages.

When a winter system is forecast:

• Expect school and business schedule changes, particularly if ice is possible.
• Hills, bridges, and overpasses—common on Atlanta’s interstates and surface roads—become slick quickly.

Cold Snaps

Even though winters are generally mild:

• Arctic air masses occasionally drop temperatures well below normal, particularly in January.
• These events are usually brief but can make mornings and evenings feel sharply colder than typical Atlanta winter days.

Practical Monthly Planning Tips for Atlanta

Here’s how you might plan your clothing, activities, and expectations by season in Atlanta:

• Winter (Dec–Feb):

  • Bring a medium‑weight coat, sweaters, and a hat/gloves for chilly mornings.
  • Expect mostly rain with occasional wintry mix; monitor forecasts closely if driving during storm threats.

• Spring (Mar–May):

  • Dress in layers—light jacket or sweater over short sleeves works well.
  • Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket handy, especially in March and April.

• Summer (Jun–Aug):

  • Choose light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Sunscreen, hats, and water are useful for exploring downtown, Midtown, the BeltLine, or outdoor venues.

• Fall (Sep–Nov):

  • Early fall can still feel like summer; later fall calls for light jackets and long sleeves.
  • October especially is ideal for outdoor dining, festivals, and sightseeing.

Where Atlantans Get Local Weather Information

Many people in the Atlanta area rely on a mix of:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City (Atlanta Forecast Office)
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486‑1133

• Local TV weather teams in Atlanta, which provide neighborhood‑level details and severe weather coverage.

• Airport conditions:
  Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  The airport’s observations give a good sense of conditions across much of the metro area.

By understanding Atlanta, GA monthly weather and how it shifts season to season, you can better plan commutes, events, workouts, and visits—whether you’re here for a weekend or call Atlanta home year‑round.