Atlanta Weather in Fahrenheit: What to Expect All Year
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, or you’re planning a visit, understanding Atlanta weather in Fahrenheit helps you dress right, plan outdoor plans, and prepare for sudden changes. Atlanta’s climate is generally described as humid subtropical—which in everyday terms means hot, humid summers, mild winters, and plenty of days in between where the weather can swing.
Below is a practical, local-focused guide to Atlanta temperatures in Fahrenheit through the year, including seasonal breakdowns, how it feels outside, and tips for staying comfortable.
Atlanta Weather in Fahrenheit: The Big Picture
Most Atlantans experience:
- Winter daytime highs: usually in the 50s °F
- Spring and fall highs: often in the 60s–70s °F
- Summer highs: regularly in the 80s–90s °F, with some days topping 90 °F
- Overnight lows: roughly 30s–70s °F, depending on the season
Humidity, thunderstorms, and occasional cold snaps or heat waves mean “feels like” temperatures can be different from the number on the thermometer.
Quick Seasonal Temperature Guide (Fahrenheit)
Typical Atlanta Temperature Ranges by Season
| Season | Typical Highs (°F) | Typical Lows (°F) | What It Usually Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 50–60 °F | 32–40 °F | Cool to chilly, occasional freezes |
| Spring | 65–80 °F | 45–60 °F | Mild, often pleasant, some storms |
| Summer | 85–95 °F | 68–75 °F | Hot, humid, “sticky” |
| Fall | 65–80 °F | 45–60 °F | Comfortable, gradual cooling |
These are general ranges, not exact daily forecasts, but they match what people in Atlanta feel most years.
Winter in Atlanta (December–February)
Temperatures in Fahrenheit
Atlanta winters are mild compared to much of the U.S., but locals know the chill can still feel sharp:
- Daytime highs: usually 50–60 °F
- Nighttime lows: often 32–40 °F
- Coldest mornings: can dip into the 20s °F on some days
Snow is uncommon, but not impossible. Light snow, freezing rain, or ice can cause major disruptions since the city isn’t built for long, harsh winters.
How It Feels
- At 50–55 °F with wind, it can feel colder than the number suggests, especially in open areas like Piedmont Park or walking across Centennial Olympic Park.
- On sunny days with little wind, 55–60 °F can still feel fairly comfortable with a light jacket.
Winter Tips for Atlanta
- Keep a warm jacket, hat, and gloves on hand, especially if you’re out early or late.
- Watch for overnight freezes when lows approach or drop below 32 °F; bridges and overpasses around the Perimeter (I-285) can ice up.
- For travel, check local forecasts from The National Weather Service (Atlanta office), based in nearby Peachtree City.
Spring in Atlanta (March–May)
Temperatures in Fahrenheit
Spring is one of the most comfortable times in Atlanta:
- March: highs usually 60–70 °F, lows 40–50 °F
- April–May: highs frequently 70–80 °F, lows 50–60 °F
How It Feels
- 60–70 °F often feels ideal for walking the Atlanta BeltLine, visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or catching a game.
- Humidity starts to creep up, and spring thunderstorms are common, especially later in the season.
🌸 Pollen alert: When temps warm into the 60s and 70s °F, tree and grass pollen can become heavy. Many locals plan outdoor time and cleaning around these weeks.
Spring Tips for Atlanta
- Keep layers handy: cool mornings in the 40s–50s °F can turn into warm afternoons in the 70s–80s °F.
- Afternoon storms can roll through quickly. If you’re outside in parks or at events, be aware that temperatures can drop 5–10 °F during or after a storm.
Summer in Atlanta (June–August)
Temperatures in Fahrenheit
Summer is when the phrase “Hotlanta” feels very real:
- Daytime highs: commonly 85–95 °F
- Very hot days: some afternoons hit the upper 90s °F
- Nighttime lows: usually 68–75 °F
Heat Index: Why It Feels Hotter
Because Atlanta is humid, the heat index (the “feels like” number) often runs several degrees higher than the actual temperature:
- A day listed as 90 °F can easily feel like 95–100 °F in the middle of the afternoon.
- Downtown, Midtown, and areas with a lot of pavement can hold heat longer, so evenings may stay warm and muggy.
Summer Tips for Atlanta
- Plan outdoor activities (Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain day trips, BeltLine walks) in the morning before 11 a.m. or evening after 6 p.m. when temps move from the 90s back into the 80s °F.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat make a big difference when the heat index climbs above 95 °F.
- Public cooling options like libraries and community centers can offer air-conditioned spaces when temperatures spike.
If you’re sensitive to heat, pay attention when local forecasts mention “heat advisories” for Metro Atlanta; that usually signals heat indices around or above 100 °F.
Fall in Atlanta (September–November)
Temperatures in Fahrenheit
Fall is another favorite season locally because the heat eases off:
- September: highs still often 80–85 °F, lows 65–70 °F
- October: highs generally 70–75 °F, lows 50–60 °F
- November: highs around 60–65 °F, lows 40–50 °F
You’ll feel the shift from sticky to comfortable as dew points (humidity levels) drop.
How It Feels
- Many days in October feel almost perfect: afternoon temps in the 70s °F, evenings in the 50s–60s °F.
- Great weather for outdoor events, fall festivals, and hikes in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
🍂 Local note: Even if the calendar says “fall,” early September can still feel like summer, with temps in the upper 80s °F and plenty of humidity.
How Atlanta’s Weather in Fahrenheit Compares Day vs. Night
Understanding daily temperature swings helps you plan outfits and timing:
Summer:
- Afternoon: 90–95 °F
- Late night: often still 70–75 °F
- Nights don’t cool down much, so apartments and homes can hold heat.
Winter:
- Afternoon: 50–60 °F
- Early morning: 32–40 °F, sometimes colder
- It’s common to leave home in a heavy coat and carry it by mid-afternoon.
Spring/Fall:
- Mornings in the 40s–50s °F, rising to 60s–70s °F later
- Layers are important, especially for long days out around the city.
Common “Feels Like” Questions About Atlanta Temperatures
Does Atlanta feel hotter than the temperature says?
Often, yes. In June–August, the combination of 90+ °F temperatures and high humidity can make it feel hotter than the thermometer suggests.
- Example:
- Air temperature: 92 °F
- Humid, sunny, little wind
- Feels like: 98–100 °F
Shaded areas, indoor spaces, and high spots with breezes (like some Midtown rooftops or hillier neighborhoods) might feel more tolerable.
Does Atlanta feel colder in winter because of humidity?
On damp or windy winter days:
- 45–50 °F with wind and drizzle can feel colder than the raw number.
- Areas around open plazas, stadiums, or long walks between MARTA stations can be chilly when there’s a breeze.
Understanding Atlanta Weather Alerts and Where to Check
When you see weather alerts for Atlanta, the temperatures are always given in Fahrenheit, often with a heat index or wind chill value.
You can get official local weather forecasts and alerts from:
- National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
- Location: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
- General Phone: 770‑486‑0028
For day-to-day temperatures in Fahrenheit, Atlantans commonly rely on local TV stations, smartphone weather apps, and built-in weather apps on phones and cars. Many apps allow you to set Fahrenheit as the default, which is standard in the U.S.
Practical Planning Tips by Temperature (°F)
Here’s a quick guide to what certain Fahrenheit temperatures usually mean in Atlanta day-to-day:
30–40 °F
- Cold, often early morning in winter; you’ll want a coat, and possibly a hat and gloves.
40–55 °F
- Cool; typical winter afternoons or cooler fall/spring mornings. Light to medium jacket.
55–70 °F
- Comfortable; great for outdoor plans. Long sleeves or a light jacket in shade or wind.
70–85 °F
- Warm; T-shirt weather. Common spring and fall afternoons, plus milder summer days.
85–95 °F
- Hot; typical Atlanta summer. Seek shade and stay hydrated, especially in mid-afternoon.
95+ °F
- Very hot; heat index may cross 100 °F. Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat if you can.
Visiting Atlanta? Simple Packing Checklist by Season
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Medium to heavy jacket
- Long pants, sweaters, closed shoes
- Optional: gloves and hat for early mornings or nights near freezing
Spring (Mar–May)
- Light jacket or hoodie
- T-shirts and long-sleeve layers
- Umbrella or light rain jacket for storms
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Hat, sunglasses, and refillable water bottle
- Light outer layer for air-conditioned buildings that can feel chilly after the heat
Fall (Sep–Nov)
- Mix of T-shirts and light layers
- Light jacket for evenings in the 50s °F
- Comfortable walking shoes for outdoor festivals and parks
Understanding Atlanta weather in Fahrenheit comes down to a few points: mild winters with occasional chills, long warm-to-hot seasons, and a lot of days where humidity makes it feel warmer than the number. Whether you’re commuting inside the Perimeter, exploring the BeltLine, or flying in for a short visit, keeping these local temperature patterns in mind will help you plan your days comfortably.