Atlanta Weather by Month: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather can feel like four seasons in a week, but there is a pattern. If you live in Atlanta, are thinking about moving here, or are planning a visit, understanding Atlanta’s monthly weather averages helps you pack, plan outings, and prepare your home.

Below is a clear month‑by‑month guide to typical temperatures, rainfall, and seasonal patterns in Atlanta, Georgia, plus practical tips for locals and visitors.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Monthly Weather Averages

These are approximate typical values for Atlanta’s climate, not exact daily forecasts, but they’re useful for planning.

Key takeaway:
Atlanta has mild winters, long warm seasons, and humid, stormy summers. Ice and snow are rare but possible; afternoon thunderstorms are common from late spring through summer.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

December: Cool and Often Rainy

• Average high: mid‑50s °F
• Average low: upper‑30s °F

What it’s like:

• Many days feel chilly but not frigid, with clouds and light rain.
• You can get sunny, crisp days in the 50s and 60s, but also occasional cold snaps dropping into the 20s overnight.

Local tips:

• Have a medium-weight jacket, layers, and a raincoat or umbrella.
• If you’re visiting for holiday events (like at the Atlanta Botanical Garden), evenings can feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially with damp air.

January: Atlanta’s Coldest Month

• Average high: low‑50s °F
• Average low: mid‑30s °F

What it’s like:

• This is typically the coldest part of the year, with the best chance of light snow or ice.
• Many days still rise above freezing by afternoon, but mornings can be quite cold for the South.

Important for residents:

• Black ice can form on bridges and overpasses, especially early in the morning.
• Atlanta doesn’t get heavy snow often, but even a light wintry mix can disrupt roads due to limited local snow equipment.

February: Cool, Wet, and Early Spring Signs

• Average high: upper‑50s °F
• Average low: upper‑30s °F

What it’s like:

• Still cool, but by late February, trees and flowers start budding.
• Rain is common; some years feel like extended winter, others flip toward early spring warmth.

What to plan for:

• Keep layers and a waterproof jacket handy.
• If you have seasonal allergies, you may notice early pollen toward the end of the month.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta is beautiful but unpredictable: warm one day, cool the next, with heavy pollen and occasional severe storms.

March: Mild Temperatures, Rising Pollen

• Average high: mid‑60s °F
• Average low: mid‑40s °F

What it’s like:

• Many days feel pleasantly cool to mild.
• Flowering trees bloom, and pollen season kicks in, especially late March.
• Rain and thunderstorms become more frequent.

Local experience:

• You’ll often see yellow pollen dust on cars and sidewalks.
• Great time for walking the BeltLine or parks, but have a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

April: Classic Atlanta Spring

• Average high: low‑70s °F
• Average low: low‑50s °F

What it’s like:

• One of the most comfortable months: warm days, cooler nights.
• Pollen usually peaks in early to mid‑April.
• Thunderstorms are common, sometimes strong.

Practical tips:

• For outdoor events and festivals, plan for sun plus a backup layer and umbrella.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, consider:
  • Keeping windows closed on high-pollen days.
  • Running air conditioning or fans to keep indoor air moving.

May: Warm, More Humid, Feels Like Early Summer

• Average high: around 80 °F
• Average low: around 60 °F

What it’s like:

• By mid‑May, Atlanta often feels decidedly warm, and humidity increases.
• Thunderstorms can be frequent, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

For day-to-day life:

• Air conditioning use becomes more regular.
• Great for outdoor dining, Braves games, and festivals, but have sun protection and water if you’re outside for long stretches.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is known for heat, humidity, and afternoon storms. If you’re from a drier climate, it can feel more intense than the temperatures alone suggest.

June: Hot and Humid Starts

• Average high: upper‑80s °F
• Average low: upper‑60s °F

What it’s like:

• Feels hot and muggy, especially in the afternoons.
• Thunderstorms become almost a daily possibility, often quick but heavy.

Planning tips:

• If you’re commuting or walking around Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, expect to feel sticky by midday.
• 🌧️ Expect pop-up storms: Carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket.

July: Peak Heat in Atlanta

• Average high: around 89–90 °F
• Average low: low‑70s °F

What it’s like:

• Often the hottest and most humid month, with many days feeling hotter than 90 °F because of humidity.
• Afternoon thunderstorms and occasional strong storms continue.

For residents and visitors:

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities (like hiking at Stone Mountain or biking the BeltLine) for early morning or later evening.
• Many homes and businesses rely heavily on air conditioning; it’s uncommon to be comfortable without it during this time.

August: Still Hot, Slightly Easing Late Month

• Average high: upper‑80s to near 90 °F
• Average low: low‑70s °F

What it’s like:

• Feels very similar to July in the first half: hot, humid, with regular storms.
• By late August, some days may feel a bit less oppressive, especially at night.

What to watch for:

• Strong thunderstorms can bring brief heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
• Outdoor events often continue; bring water, sunscreen, and shade if you’ll be in open areas like Piedmont Park.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is many locals’ favorite time: cooler, less humid, and still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.

September: Warm, Transitioning from Summer

• Average high: low‑80s °F
• Average low: mid‑60s °F

What it’s like:

• Early September often still feels like summer, especially over Labor Day.
• Humidity stays high early in the month, but begins to drop later in September.

Helpful for planning:

• Great for late‑season pool days and outdoor concerts.
• Still wise to expect a summer-like thunderstorm pattern, especially earlier in the month.

October: One of Atlanta’s Best Months

• Average high: low‑70s °F
• Average low: mid‑50s °F

What it’s like:

• Comfortable, dry, and sunny much of the time.
• Humidity is usually lower, and nights start feeling refreshingly cool.
• Fall color begins in late October and continues into November.

For activities:

• Ideal for hiking, festivals, college football games, and patios.
• A light sweater or jacket is often enough for mornings and evenings.

November: Mild Days, Chilly Nights

• Average high: low‑60s °F
• Average low: mid‑40s °F

What it’s like:

• Many days remain mild, but cooler air masses start moving through.
• Fall foliage is often at or just past peak in early November.
• Rain increases at times as the pattern shifts toward winter.

What to have ready:

• Light to medium coats for evenings.
• If you’re hosting visitors for Thanksgiving, expect cool but not harsh conditions most years.

Rainfall and Storm Patterns in Atlanta

• Rain is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, with a slight tendency for more in late winter/early spring and during summer thunderstorms.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common from late spring through summer, often brief but heavy.
• Severe weather (strong storms, occasional tornado risk) tends to be more likely in spring and sometimes late fall, but events are relatively infrequent.

Everyday implications:

• Traffic can slow significantly during heavy downpours, especially along I‑285, I‑75/85, and the Downtown Connector.
• It’s useful to check daily forecasts if you’re planning outdoor events, even on otherwise sunny days in summer.

Snow, Ice, and “Winter Weather Events” in Atlanta

Snow and ice are infrequent but impactful in the Atlanta area.

Typical pattern:

• Light snow or flurries may occur a few times in some winters, often with little accumulation.
• Ice — from freezing rain or sleet — can be more disruptive than snow:
  • Roads, bridges, and hills can become slick quickly.
  • Travel may be delayed or canceled even for relatively small amounts.

What locals usually do:

• When winter weather is forecast, many residents:
  • Avoid non-essential driving.
  • Watch for school and work schedule changes.
• The region does not maintain as much snow and ice equipment as colder climates, so even minor events can cause issues.

Humidity and “Feels Like” Temperatures

Atlanta’s humidity has a big impact on how temperatures feel:

• In summer, high humidity can make an 88 °F day feel like mid‑90s or hotter.
• In winter, damp air plus wind can make a 45 °F day feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Practical considerations:

• For summer outings, prioritize:
  • Shade, breathable clothing, and water.
• For winter, pack layers that can handle both cool, damp conditions and milder afternoon warm‑ups.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Atlanta Based on Weather?

It depends on what you prefer:

• Most comfortable overall:

  • Late March–April and October
  • Mild temperatures, generally pleasant for walking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.

• Warm but not at summer’s peak:

  • May and September
  • Can still be humid but often more manageable, with many events and activities.

• Least favorable for heat-sensitive visitors:

  • July and August
  • Very hot and humid, but good for pool time and indoor attractions (museums, the Georgia Aquarium, etc.).

• For lower crowds and cooler air:

  • January–February
  • Cooler and sometimes dreary, but often less busy, and big attractions remain open.

Simple Planning Checklist by Season

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• 🧥 Medium coat, layers, and a hat or gloves for colder snaps
• ☔ Umbrella or rain jacket
• Be prepared for occasional icy conditions on roads and sidewalks

Spring (Mar–May)

• 🌸 Light jacket or sweater
• ☂️ Umbrella for frequent showers and storms
• If you’re sensitive, consider steps to manage heavy pollen exposure

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• 🧴 Sunscreen, hat, light clothing
• 💧 Water bottle for outdoor activities
• Be ready for quick, intense thunderstorms and high humidity

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• 👕 Layers: T‑shirt plus light sweater or jacket
• Ideal time for outdoor festivals, hiking, and sports
• Occasional rain; evenings gradually become cooler

Understanding Atlanta’s monthly weather averages helps you choose the right clothes, schedule outdoor time wisely, and prepare your home or trip. While daily conditions can vary, these typical patterns give a solid, realistic picture of what Atlanta’s weather is like throughout the year.