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

February in Atlanta, Georgia can feel like a seasonal mash-up. Some days hint at spring with sunshine and mild temperatures, while others remind you it’s still winter with chilly rain and the occasional cold snap.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or planning events here, understanding Atlanta weather in February helps you pack right, dress smart, and plan your days with fewer surprises.

Typical Atlanta Weather in February

February is still winter in Atlanta, but it’s usually cool and damp rather than bitterly cold.

Average Temperatures

Here’s a simple look at what temperatures are commonly like in February:

You can expect:

• Cool mornings, often in the upper 30s or low 40s
• Mild afternoons, especially on sunny days
• Noticeable day-to-day swings, with some weeks feeling much warmer or cooler than others

Rain, Storms, and the Chance of Snow

Atlanta’s February weather is known for being changeable and occasionally wet.

Rain and Cloud Cover

• Rain is common in February, often as light to moderate showers
• Overcast or mostly cloudy days are frequent
• Prolonged, soaking rain can show up with passing weather systems

It’s smart to keep a compact umbrella or light rain jacket handy if you’re out and about, especially if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or State Farm Arena.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

While the peak of severe weather comes later in spring, a few thunderstorms can occur in February:

• Some storms bring brief heavy rain and gusty winds
• Lightning and thunder are possible, especially with stronger cold fronts

If you’re planning outdoor activities at places like Piedmont Park, Atlanta BeltLine, or Stone Mountain Park, keep an eye on same-day forecasts and be prepared to adjust plans quickly.

Snow and Ice: Rare but Disruptive

Snow in Atlanta in February is uncommon, but not impossible. When wintry weather does happen, it can cause significant travel issues:

• Light snow or a wintry mix (sleet/freezing rain) can lead to icy roads and bridges
• Even small amounts of frozen precipitation can trigger school closures, delayed openings, and flight disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Slippery conditions can develop quickly in the early morning or overnight

Most Februaries pass with little or no snow, but it’s wise to stay informed if a cold, wet system is in the forecast.

What to Wear in Atlanta in February

Because the weather can swing from chilly to mild, layering is the best strategy.

Everyday Clothing Tips

For residents, commuters, and visitors:

• Base layer: Light long-sleeve shirt or tee
• Middle layer: Sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket or coat; something you can unzip or remove
• Bottoms: Jeans or heavier pants work well most days
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or sneakers; consider waterproof options on rainy days

On warmer days in the upper 50s or 60s, you may be comfortable in:

• A long-sleeve shirt and light jacket, or
• A sweater without a coat during the afternoon

On colder mornings or nights:

• Add a scarf, hat, and gloves, especially if you’re walking to MARTA stations or standing at bus stops

For Outdoor Activities and Events

If you’re heading to:

• Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or the BeltLine for walks or runs
• Outdoor patios in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or West Midtown
• Games or events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Truist Park (for early events and tours)

Consider:

• Moisture-wicking base layers if you’re active
• A packable rain jacket
• A warm layer for evenings, when temperatures drop again after sunset

Air Quality, Allergies, and Comfort

February in Atlanta can feel more comfortable than summer because humidity is usually lower and extreme heat isn’t an issue. But there are still a few comfort factors to consider.

Early Allergy and Pollen Season

Atlanta’s pollen season often starts earlier than many expect:

• Tree pollen (especially from oak, pine, and other local trees) can begin to rise late in February, especially during warmer stretches
• Residents sometimes notice sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion starting before spring officially begins

If you’re sensitive to pollen:

• Keep an eye on daily pollen counts reported by local Atlanta news and weather outlets
• Consider keeping car windows closed on high-pollen days
• Washing or changing clothes after spending a lot of time outdoors can help reduce exposure

Air Quality

February typically has better air quality than hot summer months, but:

• On colder mornings, inversion layers can occasionally hold pollutants close to the ground, especially along busy corridors like the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-285
• People who are sensitive to air quality may prefer mid-day outdoor activities when temperatures warm up a bit

How February Weather Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Commuting and Traffic

Weather and Atlanta traffic are closely connected:

• Rainy mornings can significantly slow traffic on major interstates such as I-75, I-85, I-20, and GA-400
• Visibility can drop quickly in heavy rain, especially before sunrise
• In the rare event of ice or snow, expect road closures, accidents, and slower travel times

If you commute:

• Allow extra time on rainy or stormy days
• Use MARTA rail or buses if there’s concern about icy roads in hilly areas, especially in neighborhoods with steep side streets

Flights and Travel

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, February weather can sometimes affect operations:

• Low clouds or storms may cause flight delays
• In rare wintry weather, de-icing operations and runway treatments can slow down departures and arrivals

If you’re flying:

• Check your flight status frequently, especially during stormy or freezing conditions
• Build extra time into your schedule traveling to and from the airport when it’s raining heavily or forecasts mention ice

Outdoor Things to Do in February in Atlanta

Even though it’s winter, February can be a good month for outdoor exploring on milder days.

Enjoying Parks and Trails

On dry, mild days in the 50s or 60s, consider:

• Walking or biking along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trail
• Visiting Piedmont Park for a jog, dog walk, or picnic on the warmer afternoons
• Exploring Freedom Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park with a jacket and comfortable shoes

Because temperatures can dip quickly after sunset, it’s useful to:

• Bring an extra layer if you’ll be out in the evening
• Plan to wrap up outdoor activities before it gets too dark and colder

Indoor Attractions as a Weather Backup

February’s rainy and chilly spells make it a great month for indoor attractions, including:

• Georgia Aquarium in Downtown
• World of Coca-Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• High Museum of Art in Midtown
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills

Having indoor options in mind helps you adapt quickly if the forecast shifts from sunny to stormy.

Safety and Preparedness for February Weather

Atlanta’s February weather usually isn’t extreme, but it’s still wise to be prepared.

Staying Informed

Local weather updates for Atlanta are widely available through:

• Local TV stations and radio
• Weather apps on your phone
• National and regional forecast services

For severe weather alerts (thunderstorms, tornado watches, or winter weather advisories), you can enable wireless emergency alerts on your mobile device.

City and County Emergency Contacts

If you’re interested in local preparedness resources:

• Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)

  • Generally based in downtown Atlanta government facilities
  • Provides guidance on emergency planning, including severe weather and winter weather readiness

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

  • Handles storm drains and flooding-related concerns within city limits

For non-emergency city services or to report issues like downed trees blocking city streets or localized flooding:

• Atlanta 311 (Non-Emergency City Services Line)
  • Phone: 3-1-1 (inside city limits) or the city’s main service number from outside the area

For immediate emergencies due to weather (downed power lines, traffic accidents, or life-threatening situations), contact 911.

Power Outages and Utilities

Strong storms or rare ice events can sometimes cause power outages in parts of the metro area.

For residents and visitors staying in Atlanta:

• Georgia Power is the primary electric utility in much of the city
  • You can report outages, check status, or ask about safety around downed lines through their official customer service channels

In the event of a power outage:

• Use flashlights instead of open flames where possible
• Unplug sensitive electronics until the power stabilizes
• Be cautious around downed lines and report them immediately

How to Plan Ahead for February in Atlanta

To make the most of Atlanta weather in February:

• ✅ Check the forecast daily, especially if you’ll be outdoors or traveling
• ✅ Dress in layers so you can adjust through the day
• ✅ Keep rain gear handy, especially for morning commutes and event days
• ✅ Watch for rare winter weather alerts and plan your schedule accordingly
• ✅ Have indoor backup plans for rainy or stormy days

With a bit of planning, February in Atlanta can be a pleasant mix of cool, cozy days and surprisingly warm afternoons that hint at the spring just around the corner.