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

Atlanta in February sits right between winter’s chill and the first hints of spring. If you’re planning a visit or live here and want to know what to expect, February weather in Atlanta is cool, often damp, and occasionally surprising—with everything from mild, sunny afternoons to raw, rainy days and the rare winter storm.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta’s February temperatures, rain and snow chances, what to pack, and how the weather affects driving, outdoor plans, and local events.

Typical Atlanta Weather in February

Temperature: Cool Mornings, Mild Afternoons

February is still winter in Atlanta, but it’s usually not harsh.

You can generally expect:

• Morning lows: often in the mid-30s to low 40s°F
• Afternoon highs: commonly in the mid-50s to low 60s°F
• Coldest nights: can dip below freezing, especially early in the month
• Mild streaks: some days reach the upper 60s or even low 70s°F, giving a taste of spring

Key takeaway:
February in Atlanta is cool and changeable. You’ll want layers so you can adapt from chilly mornings to more comfortable afternoons.

Rain, Clouds, and the Chance of Snow

February is one of the wetter months in Atlanta.

• Rain: Expect frequent light to moderate rain, often over several days in a row
• Storms: Periodic rainy fronts can bring heavy downpours and gusty winds, especially later in the month
• Cloud cover: Many days are cloudy or partly cloudy, with a few bright, clear days mixed in
• Snow and ice:
  • Snow is possible but uncommon—some years have flurries, others nothing at all
  • When temperatures are near freezing and rain moves in, freezing rain or sleet can occur
  • Even small amounts of ice can create major travel problems around metro Atlanta

Most winters, you’ll see more cold rain than snow. When a winter weather advisory is issued, residents often prepare quickly because the city is not built for frequent snow and ice.

February Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

How February Weather Feels Day-to-Day

Week-to-Week Patterns

While exact conditions change each year, a typical February in Atlanta might include:

• Early February:
  • Cooler overall, with more risk of overnight freezes
  • Higher chance of wintry mix if a cold front lines up with moisture
• Mid-February:
  • Still cool, but more frequent mild afternoons in the 50s and 60s
  • Cloudy or rainy systems every week or so
• Late February:
  • More days feel spring-like, especially in the afternoons
  • Trees and bushes may begin budding and flowering, and pollen season is not far away
  • Still possible to get a short, cold snap

Bottom line: Expect variety. It’s not unusual to need a coat one day and a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt the next.

What to Wear in Atlanta in February

Clothing Tips for Locals and Visitors

Because temperatures can swing from chilly to mild, layering is your best strategy.

Consider:

• Base layer: T-shirts or lightweight long-sleeve shirts
• Mid-layer: Light sweaters, sweatshirts, or fleece
• Outer layer:
  • A medium-weight jacket or coat for most days
  • A water-resistant or waterproof jacket for rainy periods
• Bottoms: Jeans, casual pants, or thicker leggings; shorts are rarely comfortable for most of the month
• Footwear:
  • Closed-toe shoes or sneakers
  • Waterproof shoes or boots if you plan to be outside in wet conditions

Accessories That Help

• Umbrella or rain jacket – You’ll likely use this more than once in February
• Hat and gloves – Not always needed, but helpful on colder mornings or nights
• Scarf – Useful on windy days, especially in open areas downtown or around Midtown

If you’re visiting and packing light, aim for versatile pieces you can layer up or down depending on the day’s forecast.

Driving and Getting Around During February Weather

Rain and Wet Roads

Significant rain events are common in February. Around metro Atlanta:

• I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA 400 can see heavy spray and low visibility during downpours
• Puddling can develop in low spots; keep an eye out for standing water on city streets
• Traffic tends to slow or back up more during rainy rush hours

Tips for drivers:

• Allow extra time if rain is in the forecast
• Make sure wiper blades and headlights are working well
• Use low-beam headlights in low visibility

Rare Snow and Ice Events

When snow or ice is expected, officials may urge drivers to stay off the roads, especially during the worst of the event.

For winter weather updates and advisories in Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Public weather info line is typically available; check their latest forecasts and statements before traveling in questionable conditions.

Local government offices often share updates on road conditions:

• City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City information line: (404) 330-6000

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  Main public info line: (404) 631-1990
  511 Georgia (by phone) provides real-time traffic and road condition details.

When wintry weather is predicted, it’s common for:

• Schools and offices to adjust schedules or close
• Public transit (MARTA) to modify service on certain routes if conditions become unsafe

Outdoor Activities in Atlanta in February

Enjoying Parks and Trails

On dry, mild days, February can be pleasant for outdoor exploring without the intense summer heat.

Popular spots that Atlantans use even in winter include:

• Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
  Great for walking, jogging, and city views; expect it to be breezy and cooler near open fields.

• Atlanta BeltLine
  The Eastside and Westside Trails are often busy on mild weekends. The paved paths can be slick in rain, so watch your footing.

• Stone Mountain Park (a short drive east of the city)
  Cooler and windier at the top of the mountain—layers help.

Tip: If a strong cold front has just moved through, winds can be brisk even if the sun is out, so a wind-resistant jacket is useful.

Events and Sports

By February:

• You may see early-season festivals, races, or charity walks scheduled on weekends.
• Outdoor seating at restaurants in Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, and the BeltLine may be open on milder days.

If you’re planning an outdoor event or gathering:

• Have a backup indoor plan or tent/cover in case of rain.
• Check the short-term forecast a few days in advance, as February can shift quickly from sunny to wet.

Air Quality, Allergies, and Seasonal Shifts

Early Signs of Spring

Toward the end of February, Atlanta starts transitioning toward spring:

• Some trees and shrubs begin budding
• Certain early-blooming plants may release pollen, especially on mild, breezy days

While peak pollen season is usually later (March–April), people who are sensitive sometimes notice early symptoms in late February.

Air Quality and Humidity

• Humidity can feel more noticeable on rainy or overcast days but is generally less intense than in summer.
• On clear, calm days, air quality is often decent, but urban traffic can still lead to local smog or haze, especially near busy interstates.

If you’re sensitive to air quality or pollen, many Atlanta residents use local weather apps or news outlets to monitor day-by-day conditions.

Practical Tips for Visiting or Living in Atlanta in February

Here are some quick, Atlanta-specific pointers:

• ✅ Check the forecast daily. Conditions can swing from cold and dry to warm and rainy within 24–48 hours.
• ✅ Pack layers and a rain option. A light to medium coat plus a rain jacket or umbrella works well for most days.
• ✅ Plan flexible outdoor activities. Use mild, dry days for BeltLine walks, Piedmont Park, or zoo visits, and keep museums, the Georgia Aquarium, or indoor attractions in mind for rainy days.
• ✅ Pay attention to winter weather advisories. Even small amounts of snow or ice can disrupt travel, school, and work across the metro area.
• ✅ Use local resources. Atlanta TV stations, radio, and weather services based in the region are tuned to the city’s quick-changing winter patterns.

In short, February weather in Atlanta is cool, variable, and often wet, with rare but impactful winter storms and growing hints of spring. With a few layers, a reliable umbrella, and an eye on local forecasts, you can stay comfortable and make the most of what the city offers this time of year.