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

March in Atlanta, GA is a true transition month. Winter is fading, spring is waking up, and the weather can swing from chilly mornings to warm, almost-summer afternoons. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to schedule an event, understanding Atlanta weather in March can help you pack smarter and plan better.

Typical March Weather in Atlanta

March is when Atlanta starts to feel like spring, but with some leftover winter mood swings.

Overall pattern:

• Temperatures: Generally mild, with cool mornings and comfortable afternoons
• Rain: March is usually one of the wetter months
• Storms: Increasing chance of thunderstorms, especially late in the month
• Allergies: This is the beginning of pollen season in a big way

Temperature: Cool to Mild, Sometimes Warm

In March, Atlanta’s temperatures usually fall into a pretty comfortable range:

• Morning lows: Often in the 40s°F to low 50s°F
• Afternoon highs: Commonly in the 60s°F to low 70s°F
• Occasional warm days: It’s not unusual to see a few mid–70s°F or warmer afternoons
• Cold snaps: Early March can still bring chilly days and the occasional near-freezing morning

Key takeaway:
Expect layer weather. A light jacket in the morning may feel unnecessary by mid-afternoon.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather Risk

How Rainy Is March in Atlanta?

March is typically wet, with frequent showers spread through the month.

Common patterns:

• Scattered showers on and off, rather than all-day downpours every time
• Some slow, soaking rains on cooler days
• A few sunny, dry stretches in between systems

If you’re commuting, sightseeing, or planning outdoor projects, assume you’ll run into several rainy days over the month.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Late winter and early spring is the start of Atlanta’s storm season.

• Thunderstorms become more common as the month goes on
• Storms can bring heavy rain, gusty winds, lightning, and occasionally hail
• On some days, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes in the broader region

For day-to-day updates, Atlanta residents often monitor:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (serves metro Atlanta)
• Local TV stations and radio for severe weather alerts

If you’re here in March, it’s smart to:

• Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone
• Know your indoor shelter spot at home, work, or hotel (away from windows, lowest level possible)

Daylight, Humidity, and Feel

Daylight and Sunset Times

By March, days are getting noticeably longer in Atlanta.

• Early March:
  • Sunsets often around 6:30 p.m.
• After Daylight Saving Time begins (second Sunday in March):
  • Sunsets jump to roughly 7:30 p.m. and get later as the month goes on

This extra evening light is great for:

• Walking or biking on the BeltLine
• After-work visits to Piedmont Park
• Outdoor dining in neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland

Humidity and “Feel” of the Air

Humidity in March is usually moderate, not as heavy as summer.

• On cooler days, it can feel crisp or damp
• On warmer days, especially late March, it may start to feel a bit muggy, but nothing like July or August

What to Wear in Atlanta in March

Because March weather in Atlanta can swing between jackets and short sleeves, flexibility is key.

Clothing Basics

Consider packing or keeping handy:

• Light to medium jacket (denim, light puffer, or casual coat)
• Sweaters or hoodies for layering
• Long-sleeve shirts plus a few short-sleeve tops for warmer days
• Comfortable jeans or chinos; some people can wear shorts on the warmest days
• Closed-toe shoes or sneakers; optionally water-resistant shoes for rainy days
• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket

For locals, this is the month when you might wear:

• A scarf in the morning and
• T-shirts by afternoon, especially later in the month

March Pollen and Allergies in Atlanta

March is often when Atlanta’s spring allergy season kicks into high gear, especially toward the middle and end of the month.

What to Expect

• Tree pollen (especially from pine, oak, and other local trees) starts climbing
• Cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture may get covered in a yellowish-green layer of pollen
• People sensitive to pollen may notice sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion

If you’re prone to seasonal allergies, many Atlanta residents find it helpful to:

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, especially at night
• Use air conditioning or a fan with filtration when possible
• Rinse off or change clothes after spending long periods outdoors
• Check local pollen counts in weather apps or local news forecasts

For medical concerns or severe symptoms, people often consult local health providers; however, any specific treatment decisions should be made with a professional.

Planning Outdoor Activities in March

March is one of the best months in Atlanta to start enjoying the outdoors, as long as you stay weather-aware.

Great March Activities (Weather-Dependent)

Some popular ways Atlantans use the improving weather:

• Parks:
  • Walking, jogging, or picnicking in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Chastain Park, or along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Gardens & Nature:
  • Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden (spring blooms begin appearing)
  • Exploring Chattahoochee River trails on milder days
• Sports & Fitness:
  • Outdoor runs, community sports leagues, and early baseball practices
• Events & Festivals:
  • Many local events begin returning to outdoor venues as the weather improves

Things to Watch For

Because March weather can turn quickly:

• 🌧 Have a rain backup plan for outdoor parties, photo shoots, or ceremonies
• ⛈ Monitor forecasts if you’ll be outside for hours, especially in the afternoon
• 🌡 Dress in layers, since temperatures can change significantly from morning to evening

Traveling to Atlanta in March

If you’re visiting Atlanta in March, you’ll likely experience comfortable conditions, but you’ll need to be ready for variability.

Packing Tips for Visitors

Useful items for a March trip:

• Light jacket + sweater (for cooler mornings and evenings)
• A mix of long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts
• Travel umbrella or packable raincoat
• Comfortable walking shoes that can handle damp sidewalks
• Optional: hat or sunglasses for bright sunny afternoons

Airport travelers should keep in mind:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can occasionally have delays related to thunderstorms, especially if a strong system passes through.
• It’s wise to check your flight status on stormy days and allow extra time for security and ground transportation during heavy rain.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Planning Around March Weather

Because Atlanta’s March weather mixes sun, rain, and storms, many residents and visitors plan a flexible mix of activities.

Good Indoor Backup Options

If the weather turns rainy or stormy, people often pivot to:

• Georgia Aquarium (downtown)
• World of Coca-Cola (downtown)
• High Museum of Art (Midtown)
• Fernbank Museum and Fernbank Science Center (Druid Hills area)
• Shopping or dining in areas like Ponce City Market or Lenox Square

On mild days between fronts, outdoor locations like Atlanta BeltLine, Krog Street Market patio seating, and local patios in Midtown or Westside become popular.

Safety and Local Resources for March Weather

March’s main weather concerns are heavy rain, thunderstorms, and occasionally severe storms.

Staying Informed in Atlanta

Many residents use a combination of:

• Weather apps on their phones (with location-based alerts turned on)
• Local TV weather coverage
• NOAA Weather Radio, especially in areas prone to storm impacts

The National Weather Service (NWS) office serving Atlanta is based in Peachtree City:

• NWS Atlanta/Peachtree City
• 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269

For non-emergency local information during significant weather, people may refer to:

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County official channels for closures or service changes
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for road conditions, especially if heavy rain affects travel

For immediate emergencies (downed power lines, flooding in progress, storm damage, or medical emergencies), residents call 911.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Weather in March at a Glance

Atlanta in March offers a preview of spring with generally comfortable weather, more daylight, and plenty of opportunities to be outside—just keep an eye on the forecast, pack layers, and be ready for rain and the start of pollen season.