Atlanta Weather by Month: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather can feel like a little bit of everything: steamy summers, colorful mild falls, short chilly winters, and long, blooming springs. Understanding Atlanta weather by month helps you pack, plan outdoor events, time your visits, and get your home or wardrobe ready.

Below is a month‑by‑month guide to typical Atlanta temperatures, rainfall, and seasonal patterns, plus local tips that matter if you live in or are visiting the city.

Quick Glance: Atlanta Weather by Month

Use this table as a fast reference for typical conditions. Values are approximate and describe what’s common, not guaranteed.

Winter: December, January, February

December: Chilly but Usually Not Harsh

Typical pattern in Atlanta:

• Highs: around the mid‑50s °F
• Lows: mid‑30s °F
• Vibe: Short days, cool mornings, occasional frosts

You’ll notice holiday lights around Centennial Olympic Park and Atlantic Station with air that feels crisp but not bitter. Snow is rare; most days are just cool and dry or lightly rainy.

What to wear / plan:

• Layers: light sweater or fleece + medium jacket
• Good month for walking around Ponce City Market or the BeltLine with a jacket handy
• Indoor holiday events are popular since evenings can feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

January: Atlanta’s Coldest Month

Typical pattern:

• Highs: low‑ to mid‑50s °F
• Lows: low‑ to mid‑30s °F
• Vibe: Cool to cold, occasional freezing nights

Most days are manageable with a jacket, but cold snaps can drop temperatures below freezing, especially at night. Light wintry mix (rain + a bit of sleet or snow) is possible but not constant.

Tips if you’re here in January:

• Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves if you get cold easily.
• If you commute, keep an eye on early‑morning forecasts—rare icy patches can cause major traffic issues on hills and bridges.
• Good season for indoor attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and High Museum of Art.

February: Late Winter With Hints of Spring

Typical pattern:

• Highs: upper‑50s °F
• Lows: upper‑30s °F
• Vibe: Unpredictable—cold mornings, mild afternoons, early blooms

Some days feel like winter; others feel like early spring. You may see trees starting to bud by late February, and a few warm spells can sneak into the upper‑60s or even low‑70s.

What locals watch for:

• Wardrobe swings: one day you need a coat, the next a light jacket.
• Occasional chilly, rainy stretches—keep an umbrella close.
• Early allergy season can begin for some residents as trees start waking up.

Spring: March, April, May

March: Mild, Breezy, and Often Wet

Typical pattern:

• Highs: mid‑60s °F
• Lows: mid‑40s °F
• Vibe: Increasingly mild, more rain, more wind

March in Atlanta is when spring really starts to show: flowering trees, green yards, and more outdoor activity. It’s also a transition month, so weather can swing between cool and warm and bring thunderstorms.

Key Atlanta‑specific notes:

• Outdoor events begin picking up at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and local farmers markets.
• Pollen becomes noticeable for many; you’ll see yellow dust on cars and sidewalks.
• Have a light rain jacket or umbrella ready—passing storms are common.

April: Classic Atlanta Spring

Typical pattern:

• Highs: low‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Vibe: Pleasant, warm afternoons, cool mornings

April is one of the most enjoyable months to be in Atlanta. Days are often sunny and comfortable, ideal for long walks through neighborhoods like Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, or Grant Park.

Expect:

• Comfortable t‑shirt weather most afternoons
• Cooler evenings—a light sweater or jacket helps if you’re out late
• Ongoing pollen season, especially around tree‑lined areas and parks

Best for:

• Festivals, outdoor dining, and patio seating around Midtown and Old Fourth Ward
• Garden visits, like Atlanta Botanical Garden, where spring blooms are in full display

May: Warm, Greener, and More Humid

Typical pattern:

• Highs: upper‑70s to low‑80s °F
• Lows: upper‑50s °F
• Vibe: Early summer feel, more humidity, still comfortable

By May, Atlanta shifts from spring into early summer mode. Trees are fully leafed out; evenings stay warmer; and pool openings and lake trips become common.

What it feels like:

• Warm but not usually oppressive yet
• More humid, especially in the afternoons
• Late‑day showers or thunderstorms are more likely

Planning tips:

• For long days outside (like at Stone Mountain Park or Chastain Park Amphitheatre), light breathable clothing is best.
• Pollen typically starts easing later in the month, but many still notice it.

Summer: June, July, August

June: Heat and Humidity Ramp Up

Typical pattern:

• Highs: upper‑80s °F
• Lows: upper‑60s °F
• Vibe: Hotter afternoons, sticky air, frequent pop‑up storms

June brings true Atlanta summer. Mornings can be pleasant, but by afternoon, heat and humidity usually dominate.

Common experiences:

• Short afternoon thunderstorms, especially on hot days, often clear quickly.
• Humidity makes it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
• Shade along trails like the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and South Peachtree Creek Trail is valuable.

How to handle it:

• Wear light, moisture‑wicking fabrics.
• Plan strenuous activities early in the morning or closer to sunset.
• Keep water handy if you’re out biking or walking long distances.

July: Peak Atlanta Heat

Typical pattern:

• Highs: upper‑80s to low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Vibe: Often hot and muggy, with steamy afternoons

July is usually one of the hottest months in Atlanta. Heat indexes can feel higher due to humidity, especially in the urban core around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.

What to expect:

• Very warm nights—air conditioning is widely used.
• Frequent thunderstorms, sometimes strong, especially late afternoon or evening.
• Outdoor events like Fourth of July celebrations continue, but people often seek shade and water.

Practical tips:

• For open‑air venues like Truist Park, hats and sunscreen are helpful.
• If you rely on public transit (MARTA trains and buses), expect warm walks between stations and destinations.
• Consider indoor breaks at malls, museums, or libraries during peak heat.

August: Hot, Humid, and Stormy

Typical pattern:

• Highs: near low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Vibe: Very summer‑like; still hot and sticky

August is similar to July, with strong heat + humidity and recurring late‑day storms. Some late August days may start to feel slightly less intense, but overall it’s still prime summer.

Things Atlantans notice:

• Grass and trees stay lush from frequent showers.
• Afternoon clouds and storms can roll in fast—check the forecast if you’re headed to outdoor concerts, festivals, or hikes.
• Many residents plan trips to lakes or cooler mountain areas in North Georgia.

If you’re visiting in August:

• Book accommodations with reliable air conditioning.
• Plan big sightseeing blocks in the morning and evening; keep midday relatively light.
• Quick‑dry clothes and a small umbrella or compact poncho can be handy.

Fall: September, October, November

September: Summer Slowly Backs Off

Typical pattern:

• Highs: mid‑80s °F
• Lows: mid‑60s °F
• Vibe: Still warm, a bit less humid by late month

Early September often feels like an extension of August, especially around Labor Day. By the end of the month, evenings start to cool and humidity usually drops.

What it’s like around town:

• College football season begins; tailgates around Atlanta can still be very warm.
• The weather is usually good for outdoor patios and city festivals, especially later in the month.
• Late‑day storms are still possible, but overall conditions become more stable.

October: One of Atlanta’s Best Weather Months

Typical pattern:

• Highs: low‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Vibe: Mild, dry, very comfortable

Many residents consider October the sweet spot: not too hot, not too cold, generally lower humidity, and lots of sunny days.

Expect:

• Great temperatures for hiking at places like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park or Sweetwater Creek State Park.
• Fall foliage beginning mid‑ to late October, especially as you move north toward the foothills.
• Ideal weather for outdoor festivals across neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Cabbagetown, and Old Fourth Ward.

What to wear:

• Light layers: t‑shirt by day, light sweater or jacket at night.
• Good walking shoes—this is a prime month for exploring the city on foot.

November: True Fall and Early Chill

Typical pattern:

• Highs: low‑60s °F
• Lows: low‑40s °F
• Vibe: Cool, often dry, colorful leaves

November brings a crisper feel, especially in the mornings and evenings. Fall color can linger into early to mid‑month around the city and is often more intense in nearby North Georgia.

You’ll notice:

• Cooler evenings for events like Thanksgiving celebrations, holiday markets, and outdoor light displays that begin late month.
• More people pulling out coats and boots, especially for early morning commutes.
• Generally less humidity than summer; air feels clearer and cleaner.

Planning around weather:

• Morning walks may feel chilly—have a jacket or heavier sweater ready.
• Outdoor sports and runs are popular in this cooler, drier air.
• Rainfall is usually moderate; long, soaking rains are possible but not constant.

Practical Tips for Navigating Atlanta Weather

1. Dressing for Atlanta Year‑Round

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Light to medium coat, sweaters, long pants; gloves and hats on colder days.
• Spring (Mar–May): Layers are key—t‑shirts, light sweaters, and a packable rain jacket.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses; sandals or breathable shoes.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): Mix of short sleeves and light outerwear; evenings can cool quickly.

2. Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather

• Thunderstorms: More common from late spring through summer, especially afternoons.
• Severe weather: Atlanta can experience strong storms, high winds, and occasional tornado warnings, particularly in spring and sometimes fall.

For official information and alerts, many Atlantans rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Public forecast information for the Atlanta metro area

Local TV and radio outlets also provide frequent, location‑specific updates during severe weather.

3. Urban Heat and Microclimates

Different parts of metro Atlanta can feel slightly different:

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead: More pavement and buildings can make nights feel warmer.
• Leafy neighborhoods and suburbs (Decatur, East Atlanta, Sandy Springs, etc.): Often a bit cooler at night due to more trees and less concrete.
• Higher elevations just north of the city: Sometimes a degree or two cooler, especially overnight.

4. Planning Trips and Events by Season

• Best for outdoor events & exploring: April, May, October, early November
• Best for pool, lake, and water activities: June through early September
• Best for mild sightseeing without heavy heat: March, April, October
• If you prefer the coolest weather: December through February, keeping in mind that it’s usually cool, not frigid

Understanding Atlanta weather by month helps you decide when to visit, what to wear, and how to plan your days. While conditions vary year to year, the patterns above describe what residents and frequent visitors commonly experience across the city.