Atlanta Weather Averages: What to Expect Through the Year

Atlanta’s weather can feel like a little bit of everything—mild winters, hot and humid summers, and plenty of change in between. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are considering a move, understanding Atlanta weather averages helps you pack better, plan outdoor activities, and prepare your home.

Below is a clear, season-by-season guide to average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and severe weather patterns in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Climate at a Glance

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

• Winters: Generally mild, with occasional cold snaps and rare snow.
• Springs: Warming quickly, with frequent rain and thunderstorms.
• Summers: Hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoon.
• Falls: Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and colorful foliage.

To ground everything, here’s a simplified overview of typical monthly averages (rounded ranges) for Atlanta:

These ranges are typical for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is often used as the reference point for city weather.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Temperatures

• Average highs: Low to upper 50s °F
• Average lows: Mid-30s to around 40 °F

Freezing temperatures are common overnight, but long stretches of all-day freezing are less typical inside the city.

Rain, Snow, and Ice

• Precipitation is usually rain, not snow.
• Snowfall is limited most years, and some winters see no significant accumulation.
• When it does snow, or when freezing rain occurs, it can quickly affect roads, interstates (like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector), and Atlanta’s hilly neighborhoods, sometimes leading to school and office closures.

If you live here:

• Keep an ice scraper, some warm layers, and basic emergency supplies in your car.
• Watch local outlets or the National Weather Service Atlanta office (Peachtree City) for winter weather advisories.

If you’re visiting:

• Pack a medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and a water-resistant layer for rainy days.
• You generally won’t need heavy snow gear, but a hat and gloves are helpful during colder snaps.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of Atlanta’s most changeable and active weather seasons.

Temperatures

• March: Highs in the 60s °F, lows in the 40s °F
• April: Highs into the 70s °F, lows in the 50s °F
• May: Many days in the upper 70s to 80s °F, with mild nights

You can experience a chilly morning followed by a very warm afternoon in the same day.

Rain and Thunderstorms

• Spring brings frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially in late March through May.
• Thunderstorms can feature heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and occasional hail.
• Tornadoes are uncommon but possible in the greater Atlanta area, usually associated with stronger storm systems.

Practical tips:

• Keep an umbrella or lightweight rain jacket handy.
• If you spend time outdoors—on the BeltLine, at Piedmont Park, or at Truist Park—check the day’s forecast for thunderstorm chances, especially later in the day.
• Make sure you know where your interior room on the lowest floor is at home or work in case of severe weather alerts.

Pollen and Air Quality

Spring also means high pollen counts, especially from trees like pine and oak.

• Expect a yellow dusting on cars, sidewalks, and balconies.
• Clear, breezy days can still be high-pollen days, so many residents watch pollen forecasts along with temperature and rain chances.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is dominated by heat, humidity, and afternoon storms.

Temperatures

• Average highs: Upper 80s to low 90s °F
• Average lows: Low to mid-70s °F

Heat index values (what it “feels like”) can climb higher due to humidity, especially away from shaded or heavily wooded areas.

Humidity

• Atlanta’s humidity is noticeable and persistent.
• Mornings can feel muggy, and evenings may stay warm and sticky, especially in denser urban neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead where concrete and asphalt retain heat.

Indoor comfort considerations:

• Air conditioning is standard in Atlanta homes, apartments, hotels, and workplaces.
• If you’re moving here, expect higher cooling costs in summer and consider ceiling fans, blinds, and better insulation to manage indoor temperatures.

Rain and Thunderstorms

• Summer brings frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms.
• These storms often develop quickly, with:
  • Heavy rain
  • Lightning
  • Occasional strong wind gusts

Common patterns:

• A seemingly sunny day can turn stormy briefly, then clear again.
• Short, intense downpours can cause ponding on streets and low-lying intersections, especially in parts of Downtown and near underpasses.

Practical planning:

• If you’re walking around Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, or Little Five Points, consider scheduling outdoor activities in the morning when possible.
• For driving, allow extra time in the late afternoon when storms are more likely.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Many Atlanta residents consider fall the most comfortable season.

Temperatures

• September: Still warm, with highs in the 80s °F
• October: Highs generally in the 70s °F, lows in the 50s °F
• November: Highs in the 60s °F, cooler mornings and evenings

Humidity decreases overall, and many days feel dry, mild, and pleasant.

Rain and Storms

• Rainfall continues but is often less intense and less frequent than summer.
• Tropical systems that move inland from the Gulf or Atlantic can occasionally bring bands of heavy rain and gusty wind to the Atlanta area in early fall.

Outdoor life:

• This is prime time for festivals, college football games, and outdoor events across Grant Park, Inman Park, the BeltLine, and the Chattahoochee River trails.
• You can usually plan outdoor activities with fewer heat-related or thunderstorm interruptions than in summer.

Rainfall Patterns in Atlanta

Across the year, Atlanta averages significant rainfall, but it’s spread out rather than concentrated into one short wet season.

General patterns:

• Wettest months: Often late winter through early summer, with peaks around March–July depending on storm tracks.
• Driest period: Often in late fall, especially October and early November, though this can vary year to year.

What that means for daily life:

• You’ll want an umbrella or rain jacket handy most of the year.
• Brief but heavy showers can create isolated street flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near creeks, and older drainage systems.

If you’re a homeowner or renter:

• Check how water drains around your driveway, yard, or parking area.
• Consider clearing gutters regularly and being aware of flash flood watches, especially if you live near creeks like Peachtree Creek or Proctor Creek.

Atlanta Humidity and Heat Index

Even when the air temperature doesn’t look extreme on paper, humidity amplifies the heat.

• In summer, it can “feel like” it’s several degrees hotter than the thermometer reading.
• Standing in direct sun on pavement—such as along major corridors like Peachtree Street—often feels substantially warmer than shaded parks or tree-lined residential streets.

Everyday strategies:

• ☀️ Plan outdoor exercise (jogging, dog walking, biking) earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
• 💧 Stay hydrated if you’re outside for long periods, especially at outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Zoo Atlanta.
• 🧢 Use hats, light clothing, and shade whenever possible.

Severe Weather Considerations in Atlanta

While Atlanta’s weather averages are moderate overall, there are some risks and occasional extremes residents and visitors should understand.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Thunderstorms are common from spring through early fall.
• Lightning strikes can be frequent during storms, especially during hot, unstable summer days.

Practical guidance:

• At the first sound of thunder, many safety experts recommend moving indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle.
• If you’re at outdoor venues, such as sports fields or amphitheaters, pay attention to any weather delay announcements.

Tornadoes and High Winds

• Tornadoes are possible but not everyday events in the Atlanta metro area.
• More commonly, storms bring strong straight-line winds, which can:
  • Down trees and branches
  • Knock out power in some neighborhoods

Local readiness:

• Keep a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and charged devices available during severe weather seasons.
• Atlanta residents often follow local TV and radio weather teams and check NWS Atlanta (Peachtree City) alerts for reliable updates.

Winter Weather Impacts

• Light snow or ice can have an outsized effect on travel and schedules because the city is not built around frequent snow events.
• Elevated roadways, bridges, and shaded roads can ice first, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

Many residents:

• Stock a small stash of nonperishable food, water, and basic supplies during winter.
• Monitor forecasts closely when the National Weather Service mentions wintry mix or potential freezing rain.

Microclimates Across Atlanta

Not all parts of Atlanta feel the same, even under the same city forecast.

• Urban core areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):
  • Tend to be warmer, especially at night, due to buildings, roads, and less vegetation.
• Leafier neighborhoods and suburbs (Druid Hills, Morningside, Decatur, Sandy Springs):
  • Often feel slightly cooler and shadier, especially under tree canopies.
• Higher elevations north and west of Downtown:
  • Can experience minor temperature differences, sometimes a degree or two cooler at night.

This can matter when:

• Choosing where to walk or bike on hot days (tree-lined routes can feel notably more comfortable).
• Comparing your actual home conditions to the official city forecast based on the airport area.

Where to Check Reliable Weather for Atlanta

For daily planning, severe weather, or longer-term trends, many Atlanta residents rely on a mix of official and local sources:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  • Commonly referenced for official forecasts, watches, and warnings in the metro area.
• City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County emergency management agencies
  • Provide information about alerts, shelters, and preparedness guidance during significant weather events.
• Local TV and radio weather broadcasts
  • Offer neighborhood-level coverage, especially useful during severe storms.

If you live in Atlanta, consider enabling wireless emergency alerts on your phone so you receive warnings for tornadoes, flash floods, and other urgent threats.

Quick Reference: What to Pack by Season in Atlanta

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Medium-weight coat or insulated jacket
• Sweaters and long pants
• Gloves and hat for colder snaps
• Water-resistant shoes for rainy days

Spring (Mar–May)

• Layers: T‑shirts plus a light jacket or sweater
• Umbrella or light raincoat
• Comfortable walking shoes (parks and festivals)

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for storms

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Short sleeves for warmer days, plus a light jacket
• Comfortable layers for cool mornings and evenings
• Rain jacket for periodic showers

Understanding Atlanta weather averages—from mild winters and humid summers to seasonal storms—helps you make better day-to-day decisions, whether you’re choosing what to wear, planning outdoor events, or preparing your home. With a general sense of the city’s climate and a habit of checking local forecasts, you can navigate Atlanta’s changing weather with confidence.