Atlanta’s Weather, Month by Month: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather changes a lot from season to season, but it follows a fairly predictable yearly pattern. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are thinking about moving here, understanding Atlanta weather by month will help you plan clothing, travel, outdoor events, and even your energy bills.

Below is a clear breakdown of Atlanta’s yearly weather, from temperatures and rain to storms, pollen, and practical tips.

At a Glance: Atlanta Weather by Season

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which usually means:

• Winters: Mild, short, with occasional cold snaps and rare snow
• Springs: Warming quickly, frequent rain, and heavy pollen
• Summers: Hot, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms
• Falls: Warm to mild, often the most pleasant time of year

Quick Season Snapshot

(Temperatures are approximate and can vary year to year, but this reflects common Atlanta patterns.)

Winter in Atlanta (December – February)

Overall Winter Feel

Atlanta winters are relatively mild compared to many U.S. cities. You’ll usually see more chilly rain than snow.

• Daytime highs often in the 50s°F, sometimes reaching the 60s
• Nighttime lows generally in the 30s°F, with some dips below freezing
• Snow and ice: Possible but uncommon; when it happens, even small amounts can cause major travel issues

December

• Often feels like late fall in colder regions
• Mix of cool, gray, and occasionally sunny days
• Rain is common; snow is rare but not impossible

How to prepare in Atlanta:

• Keep a medium-weight jacket, layers, and a raincoat handy
• If snow or ice is in the forecast, Atlanta roads (like I‑75/85 and the Perimeter/I‑285) can become dangerous quickly due to limited plowing and salting

January

• Typically the coldest month of the year
• More frequent freezing mornings
• Rare winter storms can bring ice, sleet, or snow, sometimes causing school and office closures

Local tip: When forecasts mention “wintry mix”, plan ahead—public transit like MARTA may alter schedules, and some neighborhood roads, especially hilly or shaded ones, can ice over.

February

• Still winter, but signs of early spring start appearing
• Cool to mild days, chilly nights
• Increasing rain and some windy days
• Early tree pollen may begin toward the end of the month

Spring in Atlanta (March – May)

Overall Spring Feel

Spring in Atlanta is beautiful but unpredictable: you can get warm, sunny days one week and cool, stormy days the next.

• Temperatures warm from the 60s°F into the 80s°F over the season
• Thunderstorms become more frequent, especially in April and May
• Pollen levels often become very high, especially in March and April

March

• Transition month: cool mornings, mild afternoons, big swings day to day
• Rain is common; storms start to appear
• Pollen season often ramps up, especially from trees, turning cars and patios yellow

What Atlantans often do:

• Keep layers (light jacket in the morning, short sleeves by afternoon)
• Plan flexible backup options for outdoor events due to rain or storms

April

• Often one of the most pleasant months for being outside
• Warm days in the 70s and low 80s°F are common
• Showers and thunderstorms, often in the afternoon or evening
• Pollen levels frequently peak, especially around blooming season in neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Decatur

Planning around weather:

• Great time for visiting Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and Botanical Garden, but check the forecast for storms
• Many residents keep patio furniture covered or rinsed often due to pollen build-up

May

• Starts to feel like early summer
• Highs often in the 80s°F, with rising humidity
• Thunderstorms become a regular pattern
• Pollen starts to decline later in the month, but grass pollen can still be noticeable

Local tip: If you’re scheduling outdoor weddings, festivals, or sports, May can be beautiful—but always have rain and storm contingencies.

Summer in Atlanta (June – August)

Overall Summer Feel

Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid, with a strong “sticky” feel, especially in the city and near pavement-heavy areas like Downtown and Buckhead.

• Highs often in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
• Heat index (what it feels like) can be higher due to humidity
• Frequent afternoon or early evening thunderstorms, often intense but brief
• Nights stay warm, usually in the 70s°F

June

• Transition into full summer heat
• Humidity is noticeable, especially by late month
• Storms are common but usually scattered

How Atlantans adapt:

• Plan outdoor exercise (like using the BeltLine or city trails) for early morning or late evening
• Stay prepared for sudden downpours with umbrellas and quick shelter options

July

• Often feels like the hottest month, though July and August are similar
• Very high humidity, making it feel warmer than the thermometer reading
• Frequent pop-up thunderstorms, sometimes with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds

Practical tips:

• For outdoor events like July 4th celebrations or Braves games at Truist Park, plan for:
  • ☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • 💧 Plenty of water
  • ⛈️ Possible weather delays due to storms

August

• Still very hot and humid, though occasionally storms can bring slight cooling
• Thunderstorm chances remain high
• Late August may bring the edge of tropical moisture from Gulf or Atlantic systems, increasing heavy rain potential

Local note: During hot spells, cooling centers may be coordinated through local governments or community centers. Checking City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County announcements can help if you or someone you know is heat-vulnerable.

Fall in Atlanta (September – November)

Overall Fall Feel

Fall is often considered Atlanta’s best season. Heat gradually eases, humidity drops, and outdoor life becomes more comfortable again.

• Temperatures drop from summer highs in the 80s°F to fall highs in the 60s°F
• Humidity gradually lowers, and skies can be clearer
• Fall color appears in trees around late October into November

September

• Still feels like summer for much of the month
• Warm to hot during the day; muggy at times
• Storm chances continue, especially early in the month
• Occasionally, remnants of tropical systems can bring heavy rain and gusty winds

How locals plan:

• Many fall festivals start in late September; check forecasts for rain or wind when planning outdoor activities
• If traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, heavy rain can sometimes delay flights

October

• Often dry and pleasant, popular for outdoor events, hiking, and sports
• Highs often in the 70s°F, with cooler evenings
• Lower humidity and fewer storms than summer

Ideal for:

• Visiting Stone Mountain Park, North Georgia mountains (for early leaf color), or walking the Atlanta BeltLine comfortably
• Outdoor dining across intown neighborhoods

November

• Clearly fall, trending toward early winter by late month
• Highs commonly in the 50s to 60s°F, cooler nights
• Fall foliage around Atlanta often peaks in early to mid-November
• Rain increases slightly compared with October

Local tip: You’ll want light to medium jackets for morning and evening, especially for events like Thanksgiving parades or outdoor markets.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rain Patterns

Atlanta gets a moderate to high amount of rain over the year, spread fairly evenly, with slightly wetter periods in late winter/early spring and summer.

• Light to moderate rain is common year-round
• Heavy downpours can occur during thunderstorms
• Brief flooding is possible, especially in low-lying or poor-drainage areas

Neighborhoods along Peachtree Creek, Proctor Creek, and certain low spots near I‑20 and I‑75/85 sometimes see ponding or localized flooding during intense storms. Drivers often watch for standing water and avoid flooded underpasses.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Most common from spring through early fall, especially afternoons and evenings
• Can bring intense rain, lightning, gusty winds, and occasional hail
• Outdoor events and sports are frequently paused or delayed for lightning

Tornadoes and Severe Events

While not as frequent as in parts of the central U.S., Atlanta and surrounding counties can experience:

• Severe thunderstorms with strong winds
• Occasional tornadoes, usually weaker but still dangerous
• Downed trees and power outages, especially in heavily treed neighborhoods

For alerts, many residents rely on:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Notification systems provided by Fulton County, DeKalb County, and the City of Atlanta
• Wireless emergency alerts on smartphones

If you’re new to the area, it’s useful to identify:

• An interior room in your home or building with no windows (for tornado warnings)
• Backup light sources and a way to get weather information during power outages

Heat, Humidity, and “Feels Like” Temperatures

Summer Heat and Urban Areas

Atlanta’s combination of heat + humidity + concrete often makes it feel hotter than the air temperature:

• Downtown, Midtown, and areas near major highways can create a “heat island” effect
• Dense neighborhoods with limited tree cover experience higher nighttime temperatures

Residents frequently:

• Plan strenuous activity (running, biking, yard work) for early morning
• Use shaded trails and parks such as Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, or the Southside BeltLine
• Pay attention to heat advisories issued for North Georgia

Pollen and Air Quality Through the Year

Pollen Seasons in Atlanta

Atlanta is known for significant seasonal pollen, especially in spring.

• Late winter to early spring (Feb–Apr): Tree pollen (pines, oaks, etc.) peaks, giving many surfaces a yellow coating
• Late spring to early summer: Grass pollen can be noticeable
• Late summer to fall: Weed pollen, including ragweed, may rise

Many Atlanta residents:

• Rinse off cars, patios, and outdoor furniture regularly in peak pollen season
• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, relying on air conditioning instead
• Use indoor air filters to help keep indoor air clearer

Air Quality and Summer Smog

On hotter summer days, Atlanta can experience reduced air quality, especially in the afternoon.

Common responses include:

• Limiting prolonged outdoor activity during poor air quality periods
• Checking local air quality updates when planning outdoor work or exercise

Practical Tips for Dressing and Packing in Atlanta

If You Live in Atlanta

• Winter (Dec–Feb):

  • Medium coat, sweaters, and a few heavier layers for cold snaps
  • Gloves/hat for occasional freezing mornings
  • Rain gear for cooler, wet days

• Spring (Mar–May):

  • Layer-friendly wardrobe: light jacket, long-sleeve shirts, and T‑shirts
  • Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
  • Plan for pollen (covers for outdoor furniture, regular rinsing)

• Summer (Jun–Aug):

  • Light, breathable fabrics; shorts, dresses, T‑shirts
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Plan shade or indoor breaks in the mid-afternoon heat

• Fall (Sep–Nov):

  • Combination of summer and light fall layers
  • Light jacket or sweater for evenings and early mornings

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

For short trips:

• Winter visit: Pack a medium-weight coat, long pants, and a sweater, plus a compact umbrella
• Spring visit: Bring layers and rain-ready shoes; be prepared for both warm and cool days
• Summer visit: Focus on breathable clothing, sandals or lightweight shoes, and a hat
• Fall visit: Bring jeans or lightweight pants, T‑shirts, and a light jacket or sweater

Who to Check for Official Atlanta Weather Information

For current conditions, forecasts, and weather alerts specific to the Atlanta area, many residents and visitors rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office

  • Provides detailed forecasts and severe weather alerts for metro Atlanta and North Georgia

• Local government and emergency management offices, including:

  • City of Atlanta (for city service updates during storms)
  • Fulton County and DeKalb County emergency management (for local advisories, shelter info, and response updates)

These organizations typically provide the most stable and official guidance related to severe weather, flooding, and major disruptions.

Understanding Atlanta’s yearly weather helps you plan your wardrobe, your commute, your outdoor activities, and even your housing choices. While the city’s conditions can shift quickly—especially in spring and summer—Atlanta’s overall pattern is consistent: mild winters, stormy springs, hot humid summers, and comfortable falls that many residents look forward to every year.