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

Atlanta in November is a month of transition. Summer’s humidity is gone, fall color is peaking or just past its prime, and the first real taste of winter sometimes shows up. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting family for Thanksgiving, or planning a fall trip, understanding Atlanta November weather helps you pack right, dress smart, and plan activities with fewer surprises.

Overview: Is November a Good Time to Be in Atlanta?

For many locals and visitors, November is one of the most comfortable months in Atlanta:

• Cool mornings, mild afternoons
• Much lower humidity than summer
• Mix of sunny, crisp days and occasional chilly rain
• Increasing chance of cold snaps, but major winter storms are uncommon

If you like jeans, light sweaters, and jackets instead of shorts and heavy coats, November generally feels pleasant—just changeable enough that layers are essential.

Typical Temperatures in Atlanta in November

Day-to-day conditions vary, but November usually feels like classic Southern fall: cool to mild, with a few early-winter days mixed in.

Average Temperature Ranges

Here’s a simplified look at what you can expect:

You may see a few warmer days that still climb into the low 70s°F, especially early in the month, and a few colder days in the 40s–50s°F if a strong cold front moves through.

Rain, Storms, and Sunshine in November

Atlanta doesn’t have the daily thunderstorms of summer in November, but the weather is still active.

Rain and Cold Fronts

• Rain frequency: Periodic, often tied to passing cold fronts
• Typical pattern:
  • 1–2 days of clouds and rain
  • Followed by a few days of sunny, cooler, drier air
• Rain is usually light to moderate, but heavier showers and gusty winds can occur with stronger fronts.

Severe weather (like tornadoes) is less common than in spring, but Atlanta can experience occasional fall severe weather, especially early in November when lingering warmth and strong fronts line up.

Sunshine and Cloud Cover

You’ll typically get a balance of:

• Clear, blue-sky days that feel crisp and bright
• Overcast days with steady clouds and cooler temperatures
• Shorter daylight hours, with earlier sunsets after the clock change

Does It Snow in Atlanta in November?

For most years, no. Snow in November is unusual in Atlanta.

• Light flurries or very brief wintry mixes have happened, but they’re rare and usually short-lived.
• Major snow or ice events are more likely in January or February.

That said, if a strong cold front arrives with just the right timing and moisture, the city may talk about “flurries in the forecast,” but it’s not something most residents plan around in November.

Humidity, Air Quality, and Comfort

One of the best parts of Atlanta weather in November is the low humidity.

• Humidity: Usually much lower than summer, making it easier to be active outdoors.
• Feels-like temperature: More closely matches the actual temperature without the sticky feeling.
• Allergies:
  • Ragweed and other fall allergens may still bother some people, especially early in the month.
  • As trees finish dropping leaves and the first frosts arrive, pollen levels generally trend downward.

On drier, windy days, static electricity and dry skin can become more noticeable compared with muggy summer months.

What to Wear in Atlanta in November

Layers are the key to dressing comfortably. Temperatures can change quite a bit between morning, afternoon, and night.

Everyday Clothing Tips

For most days in Atlanta in November:

• Tops:
  • T‑shirts or light long sleeves
  • Light to medium-weight sweaters
  • Casual button-downs or flannels
• Outerwear:
  • Light-to-medium jacket (denim, fleece, or a light insulated coat)
  • On colder days or nights, a heavier coat may feel more comfortable.
• Bottoms:
  • Jeans or other long pants (shorts are less common but can still work on warmer afternoons)
• Shoes:
  • Closed-toe shoes or sneakers
  • Boots on wetter or cooler days

For Locals Commuting or Working Downtown

If you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, keep in mind:

• Morning commutes can be quite chilly at bus stops or walking from MARTA stations.
• Office buildings and MARTA trains may feel warm inside, so a removable layer (like a cardigan or zip-up jacket) is helpful.

For Visitors

If you’re packing for a trip:

• Bring at least one warmer coat, especially for evenings or if you’re here late in the month.
• Pack mix-and-match layers instead of heavy winter gear only.
• Include a compact umbrella or rain jacket for front-related rain.

Wind and Cold Snaps

November is when Atlanta starts to get its first noticeable cold snaps.

• Cold fronts can bring:
  • Breezy to windy conditions, especially on the day a front passes
  • Temperatures that drop quickly from afternoon to night
• Some mornings may feature frost, especially in suburban and outlying areas north and east of the city.

Downtown Atlanta and areas near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport tend to stay slightly warmer than outer suburbs due to urban heat and lower elevation.

Daylight and Time Change

November brings shorter days and the seasonal time change.

• Daylight Saving Time typically ends in early November.
• After the change:
  • Sunrise is earlier in the morning.
  • Sunset comes noticeably earlier, with darkness setting in during late afternoon to early evening.

This earlier sunset affects:

• Evening commutes on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector, which are often in the dark.
• Outdoor plans at places like Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, Zoo Atlanta, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which may feel cooler and darker sooner than expected.

Atlanta Activities That Fit November Weather

November’s cool, generally mild conditions are excellent for outdoor and cultural activities—as long as you watch the forecast.

Great Outdoor Options

On dry, sunny days:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown): Perfect for walks, picnics, or jogging in cool air.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails: Comfortable for strolling, biking, or visiting restaurants along the trail.
• Stone Mountain Park (east of Atlanta): Cooler temps make the hike to the summit or walking trails more comfortable than in summer heat.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (north side and suburbs): Crisp, scenic walks by the river and on wooded trails.

Seasonal and Holiday Events

November is the start of holiday light displays and seasonal events around metro Atlanta. Many are outdoors or partly outdoors, so the weather plays a big role in comfort:

• Evening light displays can feel chilly even when daytime was mild.
• Plan to bring gloves, a hat, and a warm layer for nighttime outdoor events, especially later in the month.

Travel and Transportation Considerations

Driving in Atlanta in November

You’re unlikely to deal with snow or ice, but rain and early sunsets do matter:

• Wet roads plus heavy rush-hour traffic can slow travel times on major routes like:
  • I‑285 (Perimeter)
  • I‑75 / I‑85
  • GA‑400
• Visibility can be reduced during evening rush hour rains after the time change, when it’s already getting dark.

It’s wise to allow extra travel time on rainy November afternoons and evenings.

Flying In or Out of Hartsfield–Jackson

At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• November weather is usually favorable for flying.
• Stronger fall fronts may occasionally bring:
  • Gusty winds
  • Low clouds and rain
  • Periodic delays

Checking your airline’s app and monitoring the airport forecast on travel days helps you adjust timing if needed.

How Locals Typically Adjust in November

By November, many Atlanta residents:

• Swap out summer wardrobes for sweaters, jackets, and boots.
• Start using home heating on colder nights, especially after the first noticeable cold snap.
• Spend more time outdoors during the middle of the day, when temperatures are most comfortable.
• Use local weather sources and apps to time yard work, leaf cleanup, and outdoor gatherings around rainy fronts.

These patterns are especially common in intown neighborhoods like Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, and in suburbs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Marietta.

Staying Informed About Atlanta November Weather

Because November is a transition month, day-to-day forecasts are important.

Locals often rely on:

• Television weather from Atlanta stations (covering both city and metro area)
• Weather apps that give hour-by-hour temperature, wind, and rain chances for specific Atlanta neighborhoods
• National Weather Service forecasts for the Atlanta area for more detailed, official outlooks

Watching the forecast helps you decide whether you need:

• A heavier coat for the morning
• Rain gear for a passing front
• Extra layers for an evening at an outdoor venue or park

Quick November Weather Prep Checklist for Atlanta

Use this as a simple guide if you’re planning for Atlanta weather in November:

• 🧥 Clothing:

  • Light-to-medium jacket
  • Sweaters and long sleeves
  • Jeans or long pants
  • 1–2 heavier layers for cold snaps

• ☔ Weather Gear:

  • Small umbrella or rain jacket
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots for wet days

• 🕓 Schedule & Activities:

  • Plan outdoor events for midday or early afternoon
  • Expect early sunsets after the time change
  • Leave extra time for driving in rain and evening darkness

Overall, November in Atlanta is typically cool, comfortable, and changeable, with mild afternoons, crisp mornings, occasional rain, and the first hints of winter. Knowing these patterns makes it much easier to enjoy everything the city offers this time of year.