Atlanta, GA Weather Yearly: What to Expect Month by Month

Atlanta’s weather has a personality: mild winters, long warm seasons, and humid, stormy summers. If you live in Atlanta, plan to move here, or are scheduling a visit, understanding the city’s yearly weather pattern helps you pack, plan, and prepare.

Below is a clear, local-focused guide to Atlanta, GA weather by season and month, including temperatures, rain patterns, storms, and practical tips.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Winters: Generally mild, brief cold snaps, occasional light snow or ice
• Springs: Comfortable but can be stormy, with rising pollen levels
• Summers: Hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Falls: Pleasant, less humid, popular for outdoor activities and festivals

Typical Yearly Pattern in Atlanta

These are general ranges, not precise forecasts, but they reflect what Atlanta residents expect in a typical year.

Winter in Atlanta (December – February)

Winters in Atlanta are short and relatively mild compared to many U.S. cities, but the weather can swing quickly.

Temperatures and Conditions

• Typical daytime highs: upper 40s to low 60s °F
• Typical nighttime lows: low 30s to low 40s °F
• Cold fronts can occasionally push lows into the 20s for a night or two.

Most winter days are chilly but manageable with a light to medium coat, and there are often sunny, crisp afternoons.

Snow, Ice, and “Black Ice”

Snow in Atlanta is infrequent and usually light, but when it happens, it can cause major disruptions.

• The city is more likely to see a wintry mix or freezing rain than heavy snow.
• Black ice on bridges and overpasses is a major concern during cold snaps.
• Even 1–2 inches of snow or ice can create travel issues due to limited snow-removal equipment and hilly roads.

If you’re commuting or visiting during a winter system:

• Check updates from the National Weather Service Atlanta office and City of Atlanta announcements.
• Expect potential school closures, MARTA schedule changes, and event cancellations when winter weather is forecast.

What Locals Do in Winter

• Keep layers, gloves, and a hat handy for cold mornings and evenings.
• Watch for frost on windshields and allow time to defrost your vehicle.
• On clear days, many residents still enjoy outdoor spots like Piedmont Park and the BeltLine, especially in the afternoon when it warms up.

Spring in Atlanta (March – May)

Spring is one of Atlanta’s most beautiful but also most changeable seasons. It’s also known for rain, storms, and pollen.

Temperatures and Comfort

• March: Often in the 60s by day with chilly mornings.
• April: Many days in the 70s, pleasant for being outside.
• May: Often feels like early summer, with days reaching the 80s.

Clothing-wise, think layers: a light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings, short sleeves for midday.

Rain and Thunderstorms

Spring is a wet season in Atlanta:

• Showers and thunderstorms become more common, especially from March onward.
• Storms can bring downpours, lightning, gusty winds, and occasionally hail or isolated tornadoes in the wider metro region.

If you’re planning outdoor activities:

• Have a backup indoor plan for days at places like Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or outdoor festivals.
• Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket in your car or bag.

Pollen Season in Atlanta

Many residents associate Atlanta spring with heavy pollen, especially from trees:

• Pollen counts often spike from late March through April.
• Outdoor surfaces (cars, patios, railings) can develop a visible yellow-green dusting.

If you’re sensitive to pollen:

• Close windows during peak pollen days.
• Shower and change clothes after extended time outdoors.
• Consider timing long outdoor workouts for times when pollen is typically lower (often after rain or later in the day).

Summer in Atlanta (June – August)

Atlanta summers are hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons. This is when the heat index (how hot it feels with humidity) becomes important.

Temperatures and Humidity

• Typical daytime highs: upper 80s to low/mid 90s °F
• Nights: often in the 70s, offering limited cooling.
• Humidity can make it feel several degrees hotter than the actual temperature.

Heat waves can push temperatures higher, especially in the urban core, where buildings and pavement hold heat.

Afternoon Thunderstorms

A signature of Atlanta summer is the pop-up afternoon thunderstorm:

• Common on hot days, especially late afternoon to early evening.
• Storms can be brief but intense, with heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.
• Localized flooding can occur in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.

If you’re out and about:

• Outdoor attractions like Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, Centennial Olympic Park, and rooftop venues may be affected by sudden storms.
• Plan earlier-day activities outdoors and indoor activities (museums, the Georgia Aquarium, shopping) for late afternoon if storms are forecast.

Heat and Staying Comfortable

In summer, Atlanta residents focus on staying cool and hydrated:

• Many people schedule runs, bike rides, or dog walks in the early morning or later in the evening.
• Light, breathable clothing, hats, and sunscreen are common essentials.
• Public places like Atlanta’s recreation centers, libraries, and malls often serve as cooler indoor environments on extremely hot days.

Fall in Atlanta (September – November)

For many, fall is Atlanta’s most comfortable season—still warm, but with lower humidity and generally pleasant conditions.

Temperatures and Conditions

• September: Often still feels like summer, with highs in the 80s and lingering humidity.
• October: Many days in the 70s, comfortable and often sunny.
• November: Cooler, with highs often in the 60s and cooler evenings.

Humidity drops, making the air feel crisper and more comfortable, especially for outdoor activities and events.

Rain and Storms

• Early fall can still bring thunderstorms, especially in September.
• As the season progresses, storms become less frequent, and steady, lighter rains are more common than intense summer-style storms.

Fall Colors and Outdoor Season

Fall is popular for:

• Festivals, outdoor concerts, and sports across the city.
• Enjoying fall color in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and nearby natural areas in North Georgia.

Evenings can feel cool compared to the daytime, so a light jacket or sweater is useful, especially for late-night events and dining outdoors.

Month-by-Month Snapshot of Atlanta Weather

While exact numbers vary by year, this simplified month-by-month view reflects typical patterns Atlanta residents recognize:

• January: Cool to cold; frequent chilly rain; occasional freezing nights; rare snow or ice.
• February: Similar to January but with more hints of early spring; some mild days mixed with cold snaps.
• March: Transition month; more frequent rain and storms; temperatures trending milder.
• April: Mild and often ideal for being outside; rain and storms still common; heavy tree pollen.
• May: Warm and increasingly humid; thunderstorms become more frequent; early summer feel.
• June: Solidly summer; hot, humid, regular afternoon storms.
• July: Among the hottest months; high humidity; frequent storms and muggy nights.
• August: Very similar to July; hot, humid, stormy, with some days feeling oppressive.
• September: Begins hot, then gradually less humid; still warm and summery.
• October: Often one of the most pleasant months; comfortable daytime temps, cooler nights.
• November: Noticeably cooler; more jacket weather; mix of sunny cool days and periodic rain.
• December: Mild to cool; start of winter pattern, with more frequent chilly rains and some cold nights.

Rainfall and Storm Patterns in Atlanta

Understanding how and when it rains in Atlanta helps with planning commutes, events, and outdoor plans.

General Rain Pattern

• Rain is spread throughout the year, with no extreme dry season.
• Spring and summer are typically more active for thunderstorms.
• Fall and winter often see steadier, lighter rains from passing systems rather than daily storms.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Atlanta is far enough inland that direct impacts from tropical systems are less common, but remnants of storms moving inland from the Gulf or Atlantic can bring:

• Heavy rain
• Gusty winds
• Short-lived flooding in susceptible areas

During the spring and sometimes fall, the wider North Georgia region can experience severe storms, including:

• Strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning
• Occasional damaging winds or hail
• Rare tornadoes, more common in the broader region than in the downtown core itself

Residents often use weather apps, local TV stations, and NOAA Weather Radio to stay alert during active weather.

How Atlanta’s Weather Affects Daily Life

Commuting and Traffic

Atlanta’s combination of weather and traffic is a daily reality:

• Heavy rain can quickly slow major interstates like I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400, especially during rush hour.
• During winter events, bridges, overpasses, and hilly roads can become hazardous.
• Thunderstorms can cause downed limbs, temporary power outages, and blocked side streets in heavily treed neighborhoods.

Planning extra time and checking forecasts before major drives, especially during storms or winter systems, is common practice.

Outdoor Activities and Events

Because Atlanta’s warm season is long, many activities revolve around the outdoors:

• Spring and fall are prime seasons for festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood events.
• Summer is popular for pools, water activities, and shaded parks, but timing around heat and storms is key.
• Even in winter, mild days allow for walks on the Atlanta BeltLine, neighborhood trails, and city parks.

Having flexible plans—indoor alternatives in case of storms or extreme heat—keeps outings enjoyable.

Local Weather Resources and Alerts

Residents and visitors rely on a mix of national and local sources for up-to-date information, including:

• The National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta/Peachtree City office for forecasts and advisories
• Local TV and radio weather coverage
• Weather apps with push alerts for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, or tornado warnings

If you live in Atlanta, it’s helpful to enable location-based weather alerts on your phone so you receive warnings in time to adjust your plans or seek shelter during severe storms.

Practical Tips for Atlanta’s Year-Round Weather

Here’s how people in Atlanta typically adapt across the year:

• Wardrobe basics

  • Light, breathable clothing for long warm seasons
  • A reliable rain jacket or umbrella for frequent showers and storms
  • A medium-weight coat, a few sweaters, and cold-weather accessories for winter cold snaps

• Home and apartment prep

  • Air conditioning is considered essential for most of the year.
  • Many residents use ceiling fans and blackout curtains to keep spaces cooler.
  • Leaf and gutter maintenance can help reduce issues during heavy rains.

• Daily routines

  • Early morning or evening outdoor exercise in summer to avoid peak heat.
  • Extra travel time on days with expected storms or winter weather.
  • Checking the day’s humidity and storm chances before long outdoor plans.

Atlanta’s yearly weather offers four distinct seasons, but with a long stretch of warmth, humidity, and storms. Knowing what each month typically brings—mild winters, stormy springs, hot summers, and comfortable falls—helps you plan your clothing, commute, and calendar so you can enjoy everything the city has to offer.