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

March in Atlanta is the month when winter finally starts to loosen its grip and spring really begins to show up. If you live in the city, are visiting, or planning events, understanding Atlanta weather in March helps you pack right, dress smart, and plan your days with fewer surprises.

Is March a Good Time to Be in Atlanta?

For many people, March is one of the most comfortable months in Atlanta:

• Temperatures are usually mild, not too hot and not bitterly cold.
• Trees, flowers, and lawns begin to green up and bloom.
• Humidity is often lower than in summer, making outdoor time more pleasant.

The trade-off: March can be changeable, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and a mix of sunny days and stormy ones.

Typical March Temperatures in Atlanta

While every year is a bit different, Atlanta’s March temperatures usually fall into a predictable range.

Average Temperatures

Typical March temperature range in Atlanta:

In some years, you can get a few warmer days in the mid to upper 70s, and occasional cool snaps where highs stay in the 50s.

What to Wear Day to Day

Because temperatures can swing a bit:

• Dress in layers: T‑shirt or light top, plus a sweater, light jacket, or hoodie.
• Have a medium-weight jacket for cooler, breezy days or nights.
• Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking; mornings can feel chilly.

For locals, March is often the time when heavy winter coats go back in the closet, but it’s still too early to dress like it’s summer.

Rain, Storms, and Thunder in March

March is part of Atlanta’s early spring rainy season. You should plan on at least some wet days.

How Rainy Is March in Atlanta?

Common patterns include:

• Scattered showers every week or so.
• Some overcast, drizzly days.
• Occasional thunderstorms, especially later in the month or in the afternoon/evening.

It’s not usually an all-day, every-day rain month, but quick-moving showers are common.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Atlanta can see strong storms in March, especially when warm air clashes with lingering cool air:

• Thunder and lightning are relatively common on stormy days.
• Gusty winds can accompany fronts moving through.
• Some storms may bring brief heavy downpours and small hail.

While severe weather (like damaging winds or tornadoes) is not an everyday event, March is part of the broader spring severe-weather season in Georgia. It’s smart to:

• Have a weather app with alerts turned on.
• Pay attention to local media when storms are forecast.
• Know where you would go in your home, hotel, or workplace if a severe weather warning is issued.

How Humid Is Atlanta in March?

Compared to summer, March is much more comfortable:

• Humidity can vary, but many March days feel fresh and mild, not muggy.
• On rainy or stormy days, it may feel a bit damp, but nothing like July or August.

If you’re sensitive to humidity, March is often one of the better months for enjoying Atlanta’s parks, trails, and outdoor events.

Spring Allergy Season Starts in March

If you spend any time in Atlanta, you’ll quickly notice: pollen season is a big deal, and March is when it typically wakes up.

Pollen and Allergies

Here’s what many residents experience:

• Tree pollen (especially pine, oak, and other local species) ramps up during March.
• You may notice yellow dust on cars, outdoor furniture, and sidewalks.
• People prone to allergies often report sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion this time of year.

Helpful steps if you’re sensitive:

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days (especially mornings).
• Change clothes and shower after extended time outside.
• Consider keeping tissues and saline nasal spray handy if you’re out and about.

Local Atlanta weather forecasts often include daily pollen counts, which can help you plan outdoor activities.

Daylight and Sunrise/Sunset in March

March brings longer days, which makes the city feel more active in the evenings.

• Early March: the sun typically sets in the early evening, leaving a bit of light after work or school.
• After Daylight Saving Time begins (usually the second Sunday in March): sunset shifts later into the evening, which is great for after-work walks, festivals, and outdoor dining.

For Atlanta residents with long commutes, this can mean driving home in daylight instead of darkness, which many people prefer.

What March Weather Means for Outdoor Plans in Atlanta

Visiting Parks and Outdoor Attractions

March is often a prime month to enjoy:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta BeltLine trails
• Grant Park
• Chattahoochee River trails and recreation areas

You’ll want to:

• Check the day’s high temperature and rain chance before heading out.
• Wear layers so you can adjust as the day warms and cools.
• Consider packing a light rain jacket or compact umbrella if storms are in the forecast.

Events and Festivals

Atlanta starts to see more spring festivals, races, and outdoor gatherings in March. For these:

• Morning start times may still be chilly; a light jacket or long sleeves can help.
• By midday, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) becomes more important.
• Rain dates or rain-or-shine policies are common, so be prepared for wet grass and muddy areas in parks.

Driving and Commuting in March Weather

March rarely brings snow or ice in Atlanta, though late-season cold snaps are possible in some years. The bigger day-to-day issues on the road are:

• Wet roads from passing showers or storms.
• Reduced visibility during heavy rain bursts.
• Hydroplaning risk on highways when storms are strong.

Practical tips:

• Allow extra travel time when rain is in the forecast; traffic tends to slow down.
• Use headlights in rain for visibility.
• Watch for ponding water along the Downtown Connector, I‑285, and surface streets with poor drainage.

How to Check Atlanta’s March Weather and Alerts

For reliable local information specific to Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office

  • Provides forecasts and watches/warnings for the Atlanta metro area.
  • Service area includes the City of Atlanta and surrounding counties.

• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency management offices

  • May share updates during significant weather events through local alert systems and public messaging.

It’s also common for residents to use:

• Local TV and radio weather forecasts.
• Mobile weather apps with push alerts for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, or tornado warnings.

Packing Checklist for Atlanta in March

If you’re visiting—or just reorganizing your closet—this quick list fits typical Atlanta March weather:

Clothing:

• Light to medium jacket
• Sweaters or light pullovers
• Short-sleeve shirts or light layers for midday warmth
• Long pants or jeans; some people may be comfortable in lighter fabrics on warmer days
• Closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers

Extras:

• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
• Hat and sunglasses for sunnier days
• A small bag or backpack for layer changes during the day
• Tissues or other items you personally use for allergies, if needed

Key Takeaways: Atlanta Weather in March

• Temperature: Generally mild, with cool mornings and comfortable afternoons, usually from the 40s/50s in the morning to the 60s/low 70s in the afternoon.
• Rain: Expect periodic showers and some thunderstorms; not constant rain, but enough that an umbrella is useful.
• Humidity: Noticeable at times but generally far less intense than summer.
• Pollen:Tree pollen season often kicks in, so allergy-prone residents usually start to feel it in March.
• Best approach: Plan for layers, some rain protection, and awareness of storm forecasts—and enjoy one of Atlanta’s more pleasant months to be outside.