Atlanta, GA Weather in October: What to Expect and How to Prepare

October is one of the best months to be in Atlanta, Georgia. The summer heat finally lets up, humidity drops, and the city settles into comfortable, mostly pleasant fall weather. If you live here, are planning a visit, or are trying to time an outdoor event, understanding Atlanta’s October weather can help you plan wisely.

Typical Atlanta Weather in October

Atlanta’s October weather is known for being mild, comfortable, and generally dry, with cooler mornings and evenings and warm afternoons.

Temperature Overview

Here’s what temperatures are usually like in Atlanta during October:

Key points:

• Early October can still feel a bit like late summer.
• Mid to late October brings more consistent fall-like days with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons.

Rain, Storms, and Humidity

Rainfall

October in Atlanta is typically on the drier side compared to summer:

• Expect occasional light to moderate showers, not daily thunderstorms.
• Heavy downpours are less common than in July or August, but they can still happen, especially if a cold front moves through.

You’ll want:

• A light, packable rain jacket or small umbrella.
• Backup plans for outdoor events, especially on weekends when fronts often pass through.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Thunderstorms in October are less frequent than in spring and summer, but they’re still possible:

• Storms often accompany stronger fall cold fronts.
• Gusty winds and brief heavy rain can occur, especially in the afternoon or evening when fronts move in.

For up-to-date alerts in Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (serves metro Atlanta)
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Forecast Office Phone: (770) 486-0028

Humidity Levels

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice in October:

• Humidity drops compared to the summer months.
• Afternoons often feel comfortable and drier, even on warmer days.
• Early mornings can feel cool and crisp, especially in shaded or higher areas like parts of Buckhead or North Atlanta.

Daylight, Sunrise, and Sunset in Atlanta in October

October days in Atlanta start to feel noticeably shorter.

• Early October:
  • Sunrise: around 7:30 AM
  • Sunset: around 7:10 PM
• Late October:
  • Sunrise: closer to 7:50 AM
  • Sunset: around 6:40 PM

Daylight Saving Time usually ends in early November, so the clock change happens just after October, but you’ll already feel the shift in daylight as evenings darken earlier throughout the month.

This affects:

• Commutes (darker drives home later in the month)
• Outdoor workouts after work or school
• Event planning for games, festivals, and outdoor gatherings

What to Wear in Atlanta in October

Everyday Clothing

October is a layering month in Atlanta. Temperatures can swing from cool in the morning to warm in the afternoon.

Consider:

• Tops
  • Light long-sleeve shirts
  • T‑shirts paired with a light jacket, cardigan, or flannel
• Bottoms
  • Jeans, chinos, or lightweight pants
  • Shorts can still be comfortable on warmer days, especially early in the month
• Outerwear
  • Light jacket, denim jacket, or thin fleece
  • Heavier coats are usually unnecessary except on an occasional colder snap
• Footwear
  • Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
  • Closed-toe shoes are ideal for cooler mornings and evenings

For Evenings and Outdoor Events

If you’re headed to:

• A Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• An evening show at the Fox Theatre
• Outdoor dining in Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or along the BeltLine

Bring:

• A light to medium-weight layer (sweater or jacket)
• Possibly a scarf for later in the month or if you run cold

Outdoor Activities and Events: Is October a Good Time?

For most people, October is one of the best months to be outside in Atlanta.

Great Weather for Exploring the City

Typical October weather is ideal for:

• Walking the Atlanta BeltLine or Piedmont Park
• Visiting Atlanta Botanical Garden during fall events
• Attending festivals, neighborhood block parties, and farmers markets
• Taking day trips to nearby outdoor spots like Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain

The cooler, drier air makes it more comfortable to:

• Walk long distances
• Exercise outside mid-day
• Spend full days outdoors without the heavy summer humidity

Fall Colors Around Atlanta

Fall foliage in Atlanta usually starts to show in late October, especially:

• Along tree-lined neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Morningside, and Candler Park
• In parks and areas with more elevation, like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Peak color in northern Georgia is often later October into early November, but you’ll likely see changing leaves beginning by the latter half of October across the metro area.

Atlanta Travel & Packing Tips for October

If you’re visiting Atlanta in October, here’s how to pack smart:

Clothing to Pack

• 2–3 light layers (cardigan, light sweater, or light jacket)
• Mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops
• Pants or jeans; 1–2 pairs of shorts if you’re coming early in the month
• Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes

Useful Extras

• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
• Small daypack for layers, water, and sunscreen
• Sunglasses – Atlanta still gets plenty of bright sun in October
• If you’re sensitive to cooler temps, a thin scarf or light hat for evenings

How October Weather Affects Atlanta Traffic and Travel

Weather in October is usually not a major disruption, but it’s useful to be aware of a few patterns:

• Cold fronts can bring windy, rainy days that may slow traffic along major corridors like I‑75/85, I‑20, and GA 400.
• Early morning fog can occur occasionally, especially in low-lying or wooded areas.
• With more comfortable temperatures, weekend events and festivals can increase traffic and parking demand around:
  • Downtown
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Grant Park
  • Stadium areas near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

If you use MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to avoid driving during big events:

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

Health and Comfort Considerations (Non-Medical)

October weather in Atlanta generally feels more comfortable than summer, but you may still want to plan for:

• Allergies:
  Ragweed and fall pollen can still be present, especially early in the month. If you’re pollen-sensitive, pay attention to local forecasts that include air quality or pollen levels.

• Sun exposure:
  Even in cooler weather, the sun can be strong, especially mid-day. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are still useful if you’ll be outdoors for hours.

• Temperature swings:
  Large indoor spaces (offices, malls, event venues) can feel cool due to air conditioning. Carrying a light layer can help you stay comfortable moving between warm outdoor temps and cooler indoor environments.

Planning Events in Atlanta in October

If you’re scheduling a wedding, festival, sports event, or outdoor gathering, October is often seen as a prime month in Atlanta.

Consider:

• Timing:

  • Midday to afternoon events: Usually very comfortable, with lower heat and humidity.
  • Evening events: Often cool but pleasant; plan for a light layer and perhaps outdoor heaters for late-October nights if guests will be seated outdoors for long periods.

• Rain backup:
  While October is often drier, it’s smart to have:

  • A tent, canopy, or covered area
  • A rain date or indoor alternative if you’re hosting a large group

• Guest guidance:
  Let out-of-town guests know to pack layers for changing temperatures and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city.

Where to Get Reliable Local Weather Updates in Atlanta

For the most accurate, up-to-date October forecast in Atlanta, you can rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Forecast Office
  Serves the Atlanta metro area
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Forecast Office Phone: (770) 486‑0028

• Local TV weather stations based in Atlanta
  These typically offer detailed, neighborhood-level coverage and short‑term forecasts for the metro area.

• City and County Emergency Management Offices
  For weather-related alerts or preparedness information in and around Atlanta:

  • City of Atlanta emergency management information is available through Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness at 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (main city hall complex).

These sources can help you track:

• Incoming cold fronts
• Rain and thunderstorm chances
• Hour‑by‑hour temperature changes for specific days in October

In summary, Atlanta weather in October is typically mild, comfortable, and ideal for being outside. Expect cool mornings, pleasantly warm afternoons, lower humidity, and mostly manageable rain chances. With light layers and a small umbrella, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the city all month long.