Atlanta, USA Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Atlanta’s weather is one of the city’s defining features: long, warm summers, short and often mild winters, and plenty of humid days in between. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are moving here, understanding the Atlanta, Georgia climate will help you plan your wardrobe, your commute, and your outdoor activities.

Below is a clear, season-by-season guide to Atlanta weather, plus practical tips tailored specifically to life in and around the city.

Atlanta’s Climate in a Nutshell

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

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild to cool winters with occasional cold snaps
• Rain spread throughout the year, not just one rainy season
• Occasional thunderstorms, especially in warmer months
• Rare but impactful ice or snow events

Atlanta’s elevation (around 1,000 feet above sea level in many neighborhoods) keeps it slightly cooler than many other Southern cities, but the humidity can still make it feel hotter than the thermometer suggests.

Atlanta Weather by Season

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant times of year in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Often in the 60s–70s °F during the day, cooler at night
• Feels like: Comfortable, but can swing between chilly and warm from week to week
• Rain: Frequent showers and some thunderstorms
• Pollen: Extremely noticeable; this is when cars and patios often turn yellow

What locals do:

• Keep a light jacket handy; mornings can be cool even when afternoons are warm.
• Expect pollen-heavy days, especially from trees in March and April.
• Plan outdoor activities but have an indoor backup for rainy afternoons.

Tip: If you’re sensitive to air quality or pollen, check the pollen count and air quality index before long outdoor workouts or runs on the BeltLine, in Piedmont Park, or around neighborhood trails.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot and humid, with many days feeling warmer than the actual temperature.

• Temperatures: Often in the upper 80s to low/mid-90s °F
• Humidity: High, making it feel hotter and stickier
• Rain: Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, especially on hot days
• Heat index: Can make it feel well above actual air temperature

Common experiences:

• Stepping outside often feels like walking into a steam bath on mid-summer afternoons.
• Quick, intense storms can pop up, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
• Nights are warm and can stay in the 70s °F, especially in the city center.

Summer weather tips for Atlanta:

• Dress light: Breathable fabrics and light colors help with heat and humidity.
• Plan around storms: Outdoor plans in the afternoon should account for possible thunderstorms.
• Hydrate and shade up: For events at places like Truist Park, outdoor festivals, or walks on the BeltLine, bring water and consider a hat or umbrella for sun protection.
• Be alert to heat advisories, especially if you work or exercise outside.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is often considered Atlanta’s best weather season.

• September: Still feels like late summer—warm and often humid.
• October: Noticeably more comfortable; crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons.
• November: Cooler, with more days needing a jacket or sweater.

Typical fall feel:

• Daytime temperatures often in the 60s–70s °F, dipping cooler later in the season.
• Less humidity compared to summer, with clearer, drier air.
• Trees in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and along the Chattahoochee River show colorful fall foliage, usually in late October into November.

How Atlanta residents adjust:

• This is a prime time for outdoor festivals, hiking trips to North Georgia, and long days in local parks.
• A light-to-medium jacket works for most of the season.
• Rain is still possible, but long stretches of pleasant, sunny days are common.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are short and relatively mild, but they can be unpredictable.

• Temperatures: Many days in the 40s–50s °F, with some colder snaps.
• Nights: Can drop into the 30s °F and occasionally lower.
• Snow: Infrequent; light snow or flurries may happen some winters, but heavy accumulations are rare.
• Ice: When it does occur, ice and freezing rain often cause bigger problems than snow.

Local realities:

• A “winter storm” in Atlanta may mean 1–2 inches of snow or a glaze of ice, but because the city isn’t built around regular snow, that can still significantly disrupt travel.
• Bridges, overpasses, and hilly roads (common around I-285, I-75, and local neighborhoods) can become slippery quickly in freezing conditions.

Winter weather tips:

• Have at least one warm coat and layers; temperatures can swing from mild to cold over just a few days.
• During rare snow or ice events, expect school and office closures, slower MARTA service, and difficult driving conditions.
• Keep a small cold-weather kit in your car if you commute regularly—warm clothing, a flashlight, and a phone charger can be helpful in a traffic delay during icy weather.

Typical Weather by Month in Atlanta (Approximate)

Use this as a general feel of what to expect. Actual conditions can vary from year to year.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rain Patterns

Atlanta receives steady rainfall throughout the year, not just in one season:

• Short, heavy showers are common in summer.
• Longer, steady rain can occur more in cooler months.
• Even on “rainy” days, there may be periods of dry, usable weather.

Carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket is practical year-round, especially if you walk or take MARTA.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms are a regular part of Atlanta summer weather, and can:

• Develop quickly on hot, humid afternoons
• Bring intense downpours, lightning, and gusty winds
• Occasionally cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying or poorly drained areas

If you’re outdoors at places like Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, or Zoo Atlanta, keep an eye on the sky and local weather alerts. When thunder is audible, outdoor pools often close, and it’s wise to seek shelter.

Severe Weather: Tornadoes, Wind, and Flooding

While Atlanta is not in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” severe weather can occur, particularly in spring and sometimes in late fall.

• Tornadoes: Rare in the city itself but possible in the metro area; severe thunderstorms can bring dangerous winds even without a tornado.
• Strong winds: Can cause downed trees and power lines, especially in older neighborhoods with large trees.
• Localized flooding: Can affect low-lying roads or underpasses during intense rain.

Helpful local resources for alerts:

• National Weather Service (NWS) Peachtree City Office (serves the Atlanta area)
  Address: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone (public line commonly listed): (770) 486-0028

• DeKalb and Fulton County emergency management agencies also share advisories through local channels and media.

Many Atlanta residents use smartphone apps or local news outlets to receive tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flood advisories.

Atlanta Winter Storms: Snow, Sleet, and Ice

Snow events in Atlanta are infrequent but memorable.

• Snow: It may snow lightly some winters, but significant accumulation is uncommon.
• Ice: Freezing rain and sleet can coat roads, power lines, and trees, leading to travel problems and power outages.
• Impact: Even minor frozen precipitation can create major traffic backups and closures because local roads and drivers are not used to frequent wintry conditions.

If a winter storm is forecast:

• Try to finish errands early and stay off the roads once precipitation starts.
• Expect potential delays or cancellations for flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• If you must drive, give yourself extra time and avoid hilly or side streets if possible.

Urban Heat and Microclimates in Atlanta

Different Atlanta neighborhoods can feel different on the same day due to:

• Urban heat island effect: Downtown, Midtown, and areas with lots of concrete and buildings can be hotter than leafy suburbs.
• Elevation: Some areas, especially north of the city, can be slightly cooler, particularly at night.
• Tree cover: Neighborhoods with heavy tree canopy (for example, Druid Hills, Buckhead, or parts of Decatur) may feel a bit cooler and more shaded in the summer.

When checking the forecast, remember that “Atlanta” temperatures usually refer to an official station, and conditions may vary slightly in your exact neighborhood.

Practical Weather Tips for Daily Life in Atlanta

What to Keep in Your Closet

For most of the year, Atlanta residents rely on:

• Light, breathable clothing for long stretches (spring, summer, early fall)
• A good rain jacket or umbrella
• A warm coat and a few sweaters for winter and cold fronts
• Comfortable walking shoes that can handle occasional rain

You generally do not need heavy-duty winter gear, but having a hat, gloves, and a warm layer is still useful for cold snaps.

Commuting and Travel

• Driving: Sudden thunderstorms can reduce visibility; plan extra time on major roads like I-75, I-85, and I-285.
• MARTA: Rail and bus services generally run in most weather but may adjust during major storms or rare winter weather events.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Thunderstorms and ice events can cause flight delays, so it’s wise to check your airline ahead of time during active weather.

Where Atlantans Get Local Weather Information

Most residents rely on a mix of local TV stations, radio, and weather apps. For official alerts and information:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City (serving Metro Atlanta)
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486-0028

• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
  935 E. Confederate Ave SE
  Atlanta, GA 30316
  Main Phone (commonly listed): (404) 635-7000

These agencies coordinate severe weather warnings, winter weather advisories, and emergency response for the Atlanta region.

Key Takeaways About Atlanta, USA Weather

• Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters.
• Spring and fall are often the most comfortable seasons, with pleasant temperatures and good conditions for outdoor events.
• Summer brings heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms—plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings when possible.
• Winter is usually short and moderate, but occasional ice or snow can significantly affect travel and daily routines.
• Rain is spread throughout the year, so having a rain plan is part of everyday life in the city.

Understanding these patterns will help you pack appropriately, plan your days wisely, and make the most of living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia in any season.