Atlanta, Georgia Annual Weather: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather has a little bit of everything: humid summers, mild but changeable winters, colorful springs, and long, warm falls. Whether you live in the city, commute from the suburbs, or are planning a visit, understanding Atlanta’s annual weather helps you plan clothing, activities, and travel with fewer surprises.

Big-Picture Overview of Atlanta’s Climate

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practical terms, that means:

• Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Mild winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow or ice
• Wet year-round, but no true dry season
• Pollen-heavy springs and long, warm autumns

A quick snapshot of Atlanta weather by season:

(Temperatures vary by day and year, but these ranges match what residents regularly experience.)

Winter in Atlanta (December – February)

Temperature and Feel

Atlanta winters are relatively mild compared with much of the U.S., but they can still feel chilly and damp:

• Daytime highs: often in the 50s to low 60s°F
• Overnight lows: usually in the 30s to low 40s°F
• Cold snaps: Some mornings dip below freezing, especially in January

Freezing temperatures rarely last long. A cold morning can be followed by a comfortable, sunny afternoon.

Rain, Snow, and Ice

• Rain is common throughout winter, often in the form of light to moderate showers.
• Snowfall:
  • Snow is infrequent and usually light.
  • Many winters have little or no accumulating snow inside the I-285 perimeter.
• Ice:
  • When cold air lines up with moisture, Atlanta is more likely to see freezing rain or sleet than heavy snow.
  • Even small amounts of ice can cause hazardous driving conditions and occasional power outages.

Because the city is not built around routine winter storms, even minor winter weather can trigger school delays, business closures, or transit changes.

What Locals Typically Do in Winter

• Keep layers handy: a medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and a rain jacket.
• Watch local forecasts for freeze warnings (which can affect pipes and plants).
• Allow extra travel time during any winter weather advisory—even if it only calls for a “wintry mix.”

For official updates, many residents follow Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (A-FC EMA) and the National Weather Service Peachtree City office, which issues metro Atlanta forecasts and alerts.

Spring in Atlanta (March – May)

Temperature Trend

Spring in Atlanta is a transition season that starts cool and ends almost summer-like:

• Early March: highs in the 50s–60s°F, cool mornings
• April: often 60s–70s°F with more warm days
• May: commonly in the 70s–80s°F, with humidity beginning to increase

Spring days can swing quickly from cool and breezy to warm and muggy.

Rain and Storms

Spring is one of Atlanta’s stormier seasons:

• Frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings
• Occasional strong to severe storms with:
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Gusty winds
  • Frequent lightning
  • Isolated hail or tornadoes in the broader region

Most storms pass quickly, but they can cause localized street flooding and downed branches.

Pollen Season 🌳

Atlanta is well known for high spring pollen, especially from trees:

• Pollen often spikes in March and April.
• Residents notice yellow dust on cars, patios, and sidewalks.
• Many people plan outdoor activities early in the day or after rain, when pollen may feel less intense.

How Residents Prepare for Spring

• Keep a light jacket and umbrella or compact raincoat nearby.
• Plan flexibility for outdoor events—parks, festivals, and sports often work around pop-up storms.
• Monitor daily forecasts from local TV stations or smartphone apps for storm chances and pollen levels.

Summer in Atlanta (June – August)

Heat and Humidity

Summer in Atlanta is long, hot, and sticky:

• Daytime highs: often in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
• Occasional heat waves: temperatures can climb higher, especially in late July and early August
• Humidity: regularly high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature

Nights are typically muggy, with lows often in the 70s°F, especially in the city center where pavement and buildings hold heat.

Thunderstorms and Rain

Atlanta summers feature frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms:

• Many days start sunny or partly cloudy, then build to short but intense showers.
• Storms may bring:
  • Heavy downpours
  • Lightning
  • Brief, gusty winds

Because of the terrain and urban development, some neighborhoods get much more rain than others on the same day. Localized flooding can affect low-lying roads and underpasses.

Heat Safety and Daily Life

Residents adapt in several ways:

• Scheduling outdoor exercise for early morning or late evening
• Using indoor, air-conditioned spaces like malls, libraries, museums, and MARTA stations during peak afternoon heat
• Staying hydrated and taking breaks in shade when outdoors for work or events

For heat advisories or extreme weather information, Atlantans often turn to:

• City of Atlanta and Fulton County official channels for cooling center locations
• The National Weather Service (NWS) heat alerts

Fall in Atlanta (September – November)

Cooler, More Comfortable Weather

Fall is one of the most pleasant seasons in Atlanta:

• September: still warm, often feeling like late summer, with highs in the 80s°F
• October: more days in the 70s°F, cooler mornings and evenings
• November: highs trend toward the 60s°F, with some chilly mornings

Humidity generally drops, especially by mid-October, so the air feels more comfortable.

Rain and Storms

• September can still see summery thunderstorms, especially early in the month.
• As the season progresses, rain is often from passing fronts rather than daily pop-up storms.
• Tropical systems from the Gulf or Atlantic may occasionally send bands of rain or breezy conditions into Georgia, including the Atlanta area, particularly in early fall.

Fall Foliage and Outdoor Activities

By late October and early November:

• Trees around Piedmont Park, Grant Park, the BeltLine, and North Georgia show notable color.
• Comfortable temperatures make fall a popular season for:
  • Outdoor festivals
  • College and professional football games
  • Hiking in nearby state parks

Residents still keep a light jacket or sweater for evenings, while days can be pleasant in short sleeves.

Month-by-Month Feel of Atlanta Weather

While every year is different, many Atlantans recognize this general pattern:

• January: Cool to cold, often gray and damp; occasional freezes and rare wintry mix
• February: Similar to January, but with more hints of milder afternoons
• March: Transitional; cool mornings, warmer afternoons; increasing storms and pollen
• April: Mild to warm, frequent showers and thunderstorms; peak pollen for many residents
• May: Warm, often feels summery by late month; more consistent thunderstorms
• June: Hot, humid days; afternoon storms become common
• July: Very hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms; strong “summer feel”
• August: Similar to July, sometimes the hottest-feeling month due to accumulated heat and humidity
• September: Gradual cooling, but still warm; humidity begins to ease late in the month
• October: Often sunny, pleasant, and less humid; cool mornings and warm afternoons
• November: Cooler, with more frequent chilly mornings; trees lose leaves by late month
• December: Mild to cool; mix of gray, rainy days and clear, crisp ones; occasional freeze

Rainfall Patterns Across the Year

Atlanta gets moderate to heavy rainfall spread across all twelve months. There is no true dry season, but:

• Late winter through spring can be especially wet due to passing fronts and storm systems.
• Summer brings many short, intense storms, especially in the afternoons.
• Fall is often a bit drier and more stable, though tropical influences can still bring heavy rain.

Because showers can develop quickly, many locals keep a compact umbrella or light rain jacket in their car or bag throughout the year.

Local Weather Hazards to Know About

1. Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Lightning is common in spring and summer storms.
• Outdoor workers, sports practices, and events around parks or rooftops often use “when thunder roars, go indoors” as a practical rule.

2. Flash Flooding

• Heavy, short-lived storms can overwhelm storm drains and creeks, especially in low-lying parts of the city.
• Drivers are generally advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, as water depth can be hard to judge.

3. Occasional Severe Weather

Atlanta is not in the very highest-risk tornado zone, but severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes do occur in the broader metro area, mainly in spring and sometimes fall. Residents often:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts from their county
• Keep a way to receive weather warnings at night (weather app or weather radio)

4. Winter Ice and Black Ice

Even small amounts of freezing rain or overnight black ice on bridges and overpasses can create dangerous driving conditions. Many schools and workplaces adjust schedules when these events are expected.

How Altitude and Location Around Atlanta Affect Weather

Atlanta sits on the Piedmont plateau, at a higher elevation than many parts of the Southeast:

• Elevation around 1,000 feet above sea level contributes to slightly cooler temperatures than cities closer to the coast.
• Urban areas, especially Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, can experience a “heat island” effect, staying warmer than outlying suburbs at night.
• Northern and more rural suburbs may see slightly lower temperatures, and in winter they can occasionally receive more freezing precipitation than central Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Dressing and Planning in Atlanta

What to Keep in Your Closet

• Year-round:
  • Light layers (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters)
  • A medium-weight jacket and rain jacket or umbrella
• Winter:
  • A warm coat for cold snaps
  • Gloves and a hat for early mornings and late nights during the coldest weeks
• Summer:
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • A hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water for outdoor activities

Planning Activities

• Outdoor events:
  • In spring and summer, check the forecast for thunderstorm chances and plan backups, especially for parks, patios, or rooftop venues.
• Travel and commuting:
  • Add extra time on rainy days or when severe weather advisories are in effect.
• Home and yard:
  • Gutters and drains benefit from regular clearing because heavy rains can arrive in almost any season.
  • Sensitive plants may need covering or moving indoors during freeze warnings in winter.

Where Atlantans Get Reliable Weather & Emergency Info

Residents typically rely on a mix of local and national sources for up-to-date weather and safety alerts:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  Issues official forecasts, watches, and warnings for the Atlanta metro area.

• Local TV and Radio Stations in Atlanta
  Provide neighborhood-level forecasts, traffic impacts, and school/office closure information.

• County and City Emergency Management Offices, such as:

  • Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (A-FC EMA)
  • DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton county emergency management agencies

Many people also sign up for local alert systems through their county or city websites to receive text or email notifications about severe weather, road closures, and emergency instructions.

Understanding Atlanta’s annual weather helps you choose the right wardrobe, plan your commute, and schedule events with fewer surprises. Expect heat and humidity in summer, mild and variable winters, active storm seasons in spring and summer, and comfortable, often beautiful falls—and be ready for quick changes no matter what the calendar says.