Atlanta, GA Weather: What to Expect Through the Year

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or you’re planning a visit, understanding the local weather helps you pack, plan, and stay safe. Atlanta’s climate is often described as humid subtropical: hot and muggy summers, mild winters, and plenty of changeable weather in between.

Below is a clear, season-by-season guide to Atlanta weather, what it feels like day to day, and how it affects commuting, events, and outdoor plans.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta’s weather is shaped by its location in the Southeast and its elevation (roughly 1,000 feet above sea level). That elevation keeps it a bit cooler than many other Southern cities, but heat and humidity are still major factors.

Typical patterns:

• Summers: Hot, humid, with frequent afternoon storms
• Winters: Generally mild, but occasional cold snaps and rare winter storms
• Spring & Fall: Often comfortable, but can swing quickly between cool and warm
• Rain: Spread throughout the year, with heavier periods in spring and summer
• Severe weather: Thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional tornado risk, especially in spring

Quick Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

(Temperatures vary year to year, but these ranges reflect what residents commonly experience.)

Winter Weather in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are mild compared with many parts of the country, but they’re not always predictable.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Daytime temperatures often in the 50s or low 60s
• Nights commonly in the 30s and 40s
• Some mornings start below freezing, especially in January
• Most winter days are cold but manageable with a jacket or coat

Snow and ice:
Snow is uncommon but not unheard of. When it does snow, it is usually light and melts quickly. Ice storms and freezing rain, however, can cause bigger problems because roads and drivers are not well adapted to regular winter conditions.

Impact on daily life:

• Schools and government offices may close or delay openings when snow or ice is forecast.
• Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during freezing rain, especially on hills, bridges, and overpasses.
• MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit) may adjust schedules during severe weather, so it’s wise to check for updates if you rely on trains or buses.

Tips for Winter in Atlanta

• Keep layers handy; mornings can be much colder than afternoons.
• Have an ice scraper and basic emergency kit in your car if you drive.
• Follow alerts from the City of Atlanta and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for road conditions during storms.

Spring Weather in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most popular times to be in Atlanta, thanks to warming temperatures and blooming trees—but it also brings pollen and storms.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Highs typically in the 60s and 70s, occasionally jumping into the 80s
• Lows often in the 40s and 50s
• Mornings can be cool, afternoons pleasantly warm

Spring often feels unsettled: you might get a cool, breezy day followed by a warm, almost summer-like afternoon.

Rain, Storms, and Pollen

• Frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially later in spring
• Lightning, heavy downpours, and gusty winds can accompany stronger storms
• Pollen (from trees like pine and oak) often coats cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture in a yellow film

For many residents, spring is when allergy symptoms act up due to high pollen counts. People commonly adjust their outdoor activities, especially on high-pollen days.

Spring Activities and Planning

• Outdoor attractions like Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and Atlanta Botanical Garden are popular in spring—just pack a light jacket and umbrella.
• If you’re planning events (weddings, festivals, or backyard gatherings), build in a rain backup plan, especially for April and May.

Summer Weather in Atlanta (June–August)

Atlanta summers are hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Daytime highs often in the upper 80s to mid-90s
• Humidity can make it feel hotter than the actual temperature
• Nights usually stay in the upper 60s to 70s, so it doesn’t cool off dramatically after sunset

Heat can build during stretches of dry weather, and heat advisories are occasionally issued when temperatures and humidity combine to create dangerous “feels like” conditions.

Afternoon Thunderstorms

A classic Atlanta summer pattern is:

• Sunny or partly cloudy morning
• Clouds building in the afternoon
• Short but intense thunderstorms late afternoon or early evening

These storms can bring:

• Heavy rain that leads to ponding on roads
• Frequent lightning
• Brief strong winds
• Localized power outages

Staying Comfortable and Safe in Atlanta Summers

• ☀️ Plan outdoor exercise early or late in the day to avoid peak heat.
• Stay mindful of MARTA schedules and surface street flooding during intense downpours.
• Many locals rely on indoor, air-conditioned spaces (shopping centers, libraries, museums) during the hottest parts of the day.

Popular summer cool-down spots in and around Atlanta include public pools, community splash pads, and nearby lakes such as Lake Lanier or Allatoona Lake (outside the city but commonly used by Atlanta residents).

Fall Weather in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is often considered Atlanta’s most comfortable season.

What It Usually Feels Like

• September can still feel like summer, with highs in the 80s.
• By October and November, highs often drop into the 60s and 70s.
• Nights get cooler, often in the 40s and 50s by late fall.
• Humidity tends to be lower than in summer, making it feel more comfortable.

Rain and Storms

While severe weather can occur in fall, many days are dry and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and sports.

Fall is a prime time for:

• College and professional football games
• Outdoor festivals in areas like Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown
• Hiking in nearby spots such as Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain

Light jackets, layers, and flexible outfits are useful—mornings can be crisp, while afternoons still feel warm.

Severe Weather in Atlanta: What to Know

While Atlanta isn’t in the most intense part of “Tornado Alley,” severe weather can and does happen, especially in late winter, spring, and sometimes fall.

Types of Severe Weather to Watch For

• Severe thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning
• Tornadoes, typically brief and localized but potentially dangerous
• Flash flooding, especially in low-lying or poor-drainage areas
• Winter events: freezing rain and occasional ice or snow

Where to Get Reliable Weather Alerts

Atlanta-area residents commonly rely on:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City Forecast Office
  • Provides forecasts and warnings for the Atlanta metro
• Fulton County and City of Atlanta emergency alert systems
  • Opt-in services that send notifications about major weather threats
• NOAA Weather Radio
  • A dedicated weather radio can give alerts even when cell service or power is disrupted

You can also enable wireless emergency alerts on most smartphones to receive tornado and flash flood warnings automatically.

Basic Preparedness Steps

• Know the safest place in your home (interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows) for tornado warnings.
• Keep a small emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, and basic supplies.
• If you drive, avoid flooded roads—even a few inches of fast-moving water can be dangerous.

How Atlanta Weather Affects Daily Life

Atlanta weather plays a big role in commuting, public events, and utilities.

Commuting and Traffic

• Heavy rain can quickly slow traffic on interstates like I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400.
• Afternoon storms during rush hour can create sudden delays and minor accidents.
• In winter, even a light coating of snow or ice can cause significant traffic disruptions because of limited winter-road equipment and hilly terrain.

If you drive:

• Allow extra time when rain or storms are forecast.
• Be cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads in cold weather.

If you use MARTA:

• Check for service updates during major storms or winter weather.
• Train service is generally less affected by wet roads than bus routes, but very strong storms or ice can still cause delays.

Outdoor Events and Sports

Atlanta hosts many outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events at venues like:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (retractable roof, so many events are weather-protected)
• Truist Park (home of the Braves – subject to rain delays)
• State Farm Arena (indoor)
• Outdoor amphitheaters and park events across the metro

Organizers commonly build in weather delay plans, especially in summer and spring. Attendees often carry rain ponchos or light jackets and check the forecast before heading out.

Dressing for Atlanta Weather by Season

Here’s a simple guide to planning your wardrobe or packing list:

• Winter:

  • Medium-weight coat or insulated jacket
  • Layers (sweaters, long sleeves)
  • Hat and gloves for colder snaps

• Spring:

  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Short sleeves with layers for changing temps
  • Umbrella or rain jacket

• Summer:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes that can handle sudden downpours

• Fall:

  • Light-to-medium layers
  • Jacket or fleece for evenings
  • Flexible outfits for cool mornings and warm afternoons

Where Atlanta Residents Commonly Turn for Local Weather Info

While there are many ways to get forecasts, Atlanta-area residents often rely on a mix of:

• Local TV weather coverage from Atlanta stations for neighborhood-level detail
• Weather apps for hourly forecasts and radar
• National Weather Service (NWS) alerts for official watches and warnings
• City and county emergency management alerts for major threats and closures

If you’re new to Atlanta, consider:

• Enrolling in your county’s emergency notification system (such as Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Gwinnett, depending on where you live or stay).
• Keeping a basic plan for where to go and who to contact during severe weather.

Key Takeaways About Atlanta Weather

• Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate: hot summers, mild winters, and variable spring and fall.
• Summer is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• Winter is usually mild but can bring occasional ice or light snow that disrupts roads and schedules.
• Spring and fall are often the most comfortable seasons but can still feature strong storms.
• Severe weather—especially thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes—is something residents and visitors should stay informed about.
• Planning around Atlanta’s weather mainly means watching the forecast, dressing in layers, and being flexible with outdoor plans, especially during storm-prone months.

Understanding these patterns will help you navigate Atlanta’s weather confidently, whether you’re commuting daily, planning an event, or visiting the city for the first time.