Atlanta Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare Year-Round

Atlanta’s weather can feel like it has a personality of its own—hot and humid one week, cool and breezy the next, with a thunderstorm popping up out of nowhere. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand how the Atlanta climate really works, it helps to know the local patterns.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to typical weather by season, what it feels like day to day, and how to plan your activities, commute, and wardrobe around it.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. That means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, changeable winters
• Comfortable but sometimes stormy spring and fall
• Rain spread throughout the year, with heavier downpours in warmer months

Quick Atlanta Weather Snapshot

These are typical ranges, not exact forecasts. Atlanta weather can swing outside these patterns, especially during strong cold fronts or heat waves.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is usually mild, especially compared to cities farther north, but it’s not always “light-jacket weather.”

Temperature & Feel

• Daytime highs often land in the 50s°F, with colder stretches in the 40s.
• Nighttime lows commonly drop into the 30s°F, with some nights dipping below freezing.
• You may get a run of mild days followed by a sharp cold snap.

Snow and ice are not common, but:

• Light snow or a “wintry mix” can happen a few times some winters.
• Even a small amount of ice can cause major traffic issues on Atlanta’s highways and hills.

How to Prepare in Atlanta

• Keep layers handy: a light sweater or hoodie for mild days, and a heavier coat for colder snaps.
• If you commute, watch forecasts closely when temperatures hover near freezing; roads and bridges can become slick quickly, especially around I-285, GA-400, and overpasses.
• If a winter storm is predicted, it’s common for schools and offices in Metro Atlanta to adjust schedules or close temporarily.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant times to be in Atlanta—but it’s also when the city turns yellow.

Temperature & Conditions

• Highs generally move from the 60s in March to the 70s and low 80s by May.
• Nights start cool (40s–50s°F), then get milder as summer approaches.
• Thunderstorms are more frequent, especially later in spring.

Pollen Season

Atlanta is known for heavy tree pollen, especially:

• March–April: Pine, oak, and other tree pollens coat cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture with a visible yellow-green dust.
• Many Atlanta residents adjust outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and run air conditioning or filters more during peak pollen days.

Spring Tips for Atlanta

• Plan outdoor visits to places like Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden in the morning or evening for more comfortable temperatures.
• Keep a light jacket or umbrella in your car or bag for passing showers and cool mornings.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, you may want to limit outdoor time on extremely high pollen days and rinse off or change clothes after being outside.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Atlanta summers are long, hot, and humid. If you’re new to the city, the humidity will probably be the first thing you notice.

Temperature & Humidity

• Daytime highs often climb into the upper 80s and 90s°F.
• Nights stay warm, usually in the 70s°F.
• Humidity can make it feel hotter than the thermometer suggests, especially during the afternoon.

Thunderstorms and Heat

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially on hot, muggy days.
• Storms can form quickly, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds, then clear just as fast.
• Heat waves can push temperatures higher, sometimes leading to heat advisories.

How Locals Cope with Atlanta Summer

• Many people schedule outdoor exercise (like runs on the BeltLine or hikes at Stone Mountain) for early morning or late evening.
• Light, breathable clothing and staying hydrated are important if you’re outside for long stretches.
• Afternoon plans—ballgames, festivals, or outdoor dining—often include the possibility of a quick rain delay.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is a favorite season for many Atlanta residents: cooler temperatures, reduced humidity, and plenty of outdoor events.

Temperature & Conditions

• Early fall can still feel like summer, with highs in the 80s°F and warm evenings.
• By October and November, highs more often fall in the 60s–70s°F, with cooler mornings and evenings in the 40s–50s°F.
• Humidity drops, making the air feel crisp and more comfortable.

Fall Foliage and Outdoor Time

• Trees around Midtown, Grant Park, Westside, and nearby areas like Kennesaw Mountain and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area show colorful foliage in late October into November.
• Many festivals, outdoor concerts, and sports events are timed for the more comfortable fall weather.

Fall Tips for Atlanta

• Layering is useful: mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again.
• Fall can still bring strong storms during passing fronts, so it’s worth keeping an eye on forecasts, especially for outdoor events.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rain in Atlanta is spread throughout the year, but spring and summer often bring more frequent storms.

Typical Rain Patterns

• Light showers and steady rains are common in cooler months.
• Downpours and pop-up storms are more common in warmer months, especially late afternoon.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Atlanta can experience:

• Frequent lightning and thunder
• Short bursts of heavy rain that may cause ponding on roads and localized street flooding
• Strong wind gusts that may bring down small branches or power lines
• Occasionally, severe storms or tornado warnings, usually tied to strong weather systems

Local residents often monitor weather alerts, especially during:

• Strong spring cold fronts
• Tropical systems that move inland from the Gulf or Atlantic and bring periods of heavy rain and gusty winds

If strong storms are expected, it’s common for people to:

• Park under cover if possible to avoid hail damage
• Delay travel during the heaviest rainfall
• Keep devices charged in case of short power outages

Tropical Remnants and Atlanta Weather

Atlanta is far from the coast, but remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes can still affect the city.

Typically, that impact looks like:

• Heavy rain, sometimes over a day or two
• Gusty winds, especially in exposed areas
• Increased risk of fallen branches and temporary power disruptions

These systems can bring soaking rains to the metro area, sometimes leading to flood advisories, particularly near creeks and low-lying spots.

Does Atlanta Get Snow and Ice?

Snow is infrequent in Atlanta, but it does happen.

Snow

• Some winters, the city gets little to no measurable snow.
• Other winters, a single system can bring a light to moderate snowfall that affects roads and travel plans.

Ice

Ice is often more disruptive than snow in Atlanta:

• Freezing rain or sleet can quickly turn roads, bridges, and hills into hazardous surfaces.
• Even small amounts of ice can lead to road closures, school delays, or telework days, especially around hilly neighborhoods and elevated interstates.

Residents typically:

• Check forecasts closely whenever a winter system is expected.
• Avoid unnecessary driving during icy conditions, particularly in the early morning or late at night.

How Atlanta Weather Affects Daily Life

Commuting and Travel

• Morning fog can be an issue near rivers and low-lying areas when cool air meets moist ground.
• Heavy downpours can quickly slow traffic on I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-285, and reduce visibility.
• In winter, icy conditions may close certain roads and overpasses temporarily.

If you rely on MARTA:

• Severe storms or ice can lead to delays or service adjustments on trains and buses.
• Many commuters check weather apps and local TV forecasts early, especially on days with potential severe weather.

Events, Sports, and Outdoor Activities

Weather is a major factor in planning:

• Outdoor concerts, sports games, and festivals often have storm contingency plans.
• Day-of weather checks are common before heading to places like Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, The Battery Atlanta, or outdoor sections of Zoo Atlanta.
• Heat and humidity are a big consideration for summer events; organizers and attendees often account for shade, water, and breaks from the sun.

Practical Tips for Living With Atlanta Weather

Here are some simple, local-minded ways to stay comfortable and prepared:

Everyday Preparation

• Keep an umbrella or rain jacket in your car or bag. Sudden showers are common, especially in warmer months.
• Dress in layers in fall, winter, and spring; temperatures can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
• During summer:
  • Plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.
  • Drink water regularly if you’re outside for long periods.
  • Seek shade during the hottest part of the afternoon when possible.

Staying Weather-Aware

• Many Atlanta residents rely on:
  • Local TV stations with weather teams focused on Metro Atlanta
  • Smartphone weather apps for real-time radar and lightning alerts
• Alert systems can notify you of:
  • Severe thunderstorm warnings
  • Tornado watches and warnings
  • Flash flood warnings
  • Winter weather advisories

Being familiar with these alerts helps when you’re deciding whether to delay a drive, postpone a park visit, or bring outdoor pets and belongings inside.

Key Atlanta Weather Takeaways

• Winters: Generally mild but can bring occasional cold snaps, light snow, or ice.
• Springs: Comfortable temperatures, more storms, and very high pollen.
• Summers: Hot, humid, and stormy, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• Falls: Often the most comfortable season, with cooler, drier air and pleasant outdoor conditions.
• Year-round: Rain is common, storms can form quickly, and local forecasts play a big role in daily planning.

Understanding these patterns makes it easier to plan what to wear, when to schedule outdoor plans, and how to navigate life in and around Atlanta in any season.