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

Atlanta in August is hot, humid, and stormy at times. If you live in the city or you’re planning a visit, it’s one of the stickiest months of the year and can feel more intense than the numbers suggest. Knowing what the weather is really like helps you plan your days, stay comfortable, and avoid surprises when storms roll through.

Typical Atlanta Weather in August

August is still full summer in Atlanta. There’s no real hint of fall yet, and the city’s mix of pavement, traffic, and tree cover all shape how the heat feels.

General patterns:

• Daytime highs: Commonly in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
• Overnight lows: Often in the low to mid-70s°F
• Humidity: Usually high, making it feel several degrees hotter
• Rain: Frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms
• Sun: Plenty of sun, but often with hazy or partly cloudy skies

You’ll hear locals talk about the “feels like” temperature more than the actual reading. Because of the moisture in the air, the heat index can feel closer to triple digits, especially during the afternoon.

Heat and Humidity: How It Feels Day to Day

Daytime conditions

From late morning through late afternoon, heat and humidity peak:

• Late morning (10 a.m.–noon): Temperatures climb rapidly, especially in more open, paved areas like Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Afternoon (noon–5 p.m.): This is usually the hottest part of the day. The combination of heat and humidity can feel heavy, especially if you’re walking uphill in neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park.
• Evening (5–8 p.m.): Still warm and muggy, but sometimes cooler after a storm passes.

Nighttime conditions

Nights in August are warm and sticky:

• Temperatures often stay in the 70s°F.
• It’s common to need air conditioning or at least a fan overnight, especially in older homes and apartments.

If you’re staying near the city center or close to major roads, the urban heat island effect can keep things warmer than in some of the outlying suburbs.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather

How often it rains

Atlanta often sees scattered showers or storms on many August days, but that doesn’t mean it rains all day.

Typical pattern:

• Morning: Often dry or just humid and cloudy
• Afternoon: Pop-up showers and thunderstorms form, especially on hot afternoons
• Evening: Storms can linger or redevelop, then usually fade later at night

These storms are often brief but intense—heavy rain, gusty winds, and loud thunder, then sunshine again.

Storm intensity and safety

August storms can sometimes bring:

• Heavy downpours that cause localized street flooding
• Frequent lightning
• Gusty winds that can knock down small branches
• Occasionally, stronger storms with more dangerous wind or hail

⚠️ Safety tips during storms in Atlanta:

• Avoid walking or driving through flooded underpasses, especially in low-lying areas or near creeks.
• If you’re outside at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or similar outdoor spaces and hear thunder, move to a substantial building or your car.
• Outdoor attractions like Zoo Atlanta or Six Flags Over Georgia may temporarily close rides or outdoor areas during severe weather.

To stay informed, many residents follow local TV stations, weather apps, or the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, which covers Atlanta.

Air Quality and “Feels Like” Conditions

Air quality

Summer in Atlanta sometimes brings hazy days with reduced air quality, especially during stagnant hot spells.

Common patterns:

• Ozone levels can rise on very hot, sunny days with little wind.
• Areas near interstates like I-75/85, I-20, and I-285 may feel stuffier.
• Sensitive groups (children, older adults, or those with breathing issues) often plan indoor activities during the hottest, smoggiest hours.

You can check local air quality through regional alerts or common weather apps that show daily conditions.

Heat index and shade

The heat index can be noticeably higher than the actual temperature:

• Standing in full sun on Peachtree Street or at open-air events around Centennial Olympic Park can feel much hotter than under shade trees in Grant Park or Chastain Park.
• Humidity makes outdoor exercise feel more strenuous, especially mid-afternoon.

If you’re running on the BeltLine Eastside Trail or biking in West Midtown, earlier mornings and late evenings are far more comfortable.

What to Wear in Atlanta in August

Clothing basics

To handle Atlanta’s August weather comfortably:

• Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking athletic wear).
• Choose light colors that reflect rather than absorb heat.
• Opt for short sleeves, shorts, or light dresses for most daytime activities.
• Bring a light layer (like a thin cardigan or long-sleeve shirt) for:
  • Air-conditioned offices and museums
  • Indoor venues like State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or movie theaters

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are helpful if you’ll be exploring neighborhoods or walking the BeltLine.
• If a storm is forecast, water-resistant shoes or quick-drying sandals can be practical due to puddles and wet sidewalks.

What to Pack for Visiting Atlanta in August

For a trip to Atlanta in August, consider:

• 😎 Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, and broad-coverage clothing
• 🧴 Skin protection: Sunscreen suitable for hot, humid conditions
• 💧 Hydration: Refillable water bottle you can carry around town
• 🌧️ Rain gear: Small umbrella or lightweight packable rain jacket
• 🧻 Comfort items: Hand towel or wipes to deal with sweat
• 🎟️ Indoor options: Plans for museums, shopping, or other indoor activities on extremely hot or stormy days

Many visitors split their day between indoor attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, museums in Midtown) during peak heat and outdoor strolling (BeltLine, parks, neighborhood walking) in the early morning or later evening.

Outdoor Activities: Best Times and Local Tips

When to plan outdoor time

In August, timing is everything:

• Best times:
  • Early morning (6–10 a.m.) for walking, running, or outdoor sightseeing
  • Late evening (after 7 p.m.) for patios, parks, or outdoor events
• Least comfortable:
  • Mid-afternoon (1–5 p.m.), especially on still, cloudless days

Popular Atlanta spots and how weather affects them

• Piedmont Park & Atlanta BeltLine: Ideal early morning or around sunset. Midday can be very hot and exposed in some stretches.
• Stone Mountain Park (just outside the city): Hiking mid-afternoon in August can feel extremely hot; early morning visits are much more comfortable.
• Downtown attractions (Centennial Olympic Park area): Heavy concrete and limited shade can make it feel especially hot until late afternoon.
• Neighborhood festivals or farmers markets: These often start in the morning to beat the worst heat, but it can still be muggy by late morning.

For kids, splash pads and fountains, like those at some local parks, can be a welcome way to cool off on hot days (hours and operations vary by location).

Getting Around the City in August Heat

Walking and transit

• Walking: Short walks between MARTA stations, offices, and attractions are common, but allow extra time and consider shade where possible.
• MARTA trains and many buses: Air-conditioned, providing a break from the heat.
• Waiting outdoors: Bus stops, rideshare pickup points, and event entrances can expose you to full sun. Carrying water and a small umbrella can make a difference.

Driving and parking

• Cars parked in open lots around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and stadiums can heat up quickly:
  • Use sunshades or look for covered parking garages when possible.
  • Allow time to cool the car before long drives, especially with children or pets.

Local residents often plan errands or grocery runs in the morning or evening to avoid the harshest heat and potential pop-up storms.

Sample Day: How August Weather Might Look

To give you a feel for a “typical” August day in Atlanta, here’s a general example:

Conditions can vary day by day, but the pattern of hot, humid days with possible afternoon storms is very common.

Where to Find Official Local Weather Information

For reliable, Atlanta-specific weather details (hourly forecasts, radar, and advisories), many residents use:

• National Weather Service Forecast Office – Peachtree City (covers the Atlanta metro area)
  • Address: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
• City of Atlanta emergency management and public information channels during major weather events

You can also follow widely used weather apps and local TV meteorologists for neighborhood-level updates, especially if you have outdoor plans or are attending large events.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta in August

• Expect hot, humid days and warm nights; it rarely feels cool.
• Plan around midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
• Keep water, sun protection, and light clothing part of your daily routine.
• Use indoor attractions during the hottest hours and enjoy outdoor spaces during early mornings and evenings.
• Check local forecasts regularly, as pop-up storms can change conditions quickly.

With realistic expectations and a bit of planning, August in Atlanta is manageable—just be ready for the combination of heat, humidity, and quick-hitting storms that define the city’s late-summer weather.