August Weather in Atlanta: Heat, Humidity, and How to Handle It

August in Atlanta, Georgia is the height of summer: long, hot days, thick humidity, and frequent afternoon storms. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, knowing what to expect from August Atlanta weather can help you plan your days, your wardrobe, and your outdoor activities.

What August Weather in Atlanta Is Really Like

In August, Atlanta is hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons.

• Typical high temperatures: upper 80s to low 90s °F
• Typical low temperatures: low to mid 70s °F at night
• Humidity: generally high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature
• Rain: frequent pop-up thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and early evening

You’ll hear locals talk about the “dog days of summer” — August is exactly that in Atlanta. It’s not usually the single hottest week of the year, but it’s still firmly in summer mode with no real hint of fall yet.

Temperature: What to Expect Day and Night

Daytime Heat

Daytime in August is typically:

• Hot by mid-morning (often into the 80s °F before noon)
• Peak heat from about 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• “Feels like” temperatures (heat index) often climbing into the mid to upper 90s °F when humidity is high

On many days, you’ll notice:

• Stepping outside from air conditioning can feel like “walking into a wall” of heat and humidity.
• Shaded areas help, but the air can still feel heavy and warm.

Nighttime and Early Morning

Nights don’t cool down dramatically in August:

• Lows usually sit in the low–mid 70s °F
• It often feels muggy even after dark
• Early mornings can feel slightly more comfortable but still warm and humid

This matters if you plan to run on the BeltLine, walk in Piedmont Park, or attend early events. Morning is usually the best time for outdoor activity, but it will still be warm.

Humidity and “Feels Like” Conditions

Humidity is one of the defining features of August weather in Atlanta:

• Relative humidity is frequently high throughout the day
• The heat index (what it feels like on your skin) can be several degrees hotter than the actual temperature
• Light breezes are common but may not feel very cooling in the middle of the day

Because of this, August can feel:

• Sticky — your clothes may cling, and you may sweat quickly after stepping outside
• Fatiguing — walking a few blocks in the sun can feel more tiring than you expect

If you’re planning to sightsee downtown, visit Midtown attractions, or walk around Atlantic Station, factor in a bit more time and plan for air-conditioned breaks.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather

Typical August Rain Pattern

Atlanta in August often follows a fairly recognizable pattern:

• Mornings: often dry or partly cloudy
• Afternoon: scattered showers and thunderstorms develop, sometimes quickly
• Evening: storms may fade, leaving humid, cloudy, or partly clear skies

These storms are usually short-lived but intense, bringing:

• Heavy downpours
• Lightning
• Gusty winds

It’s common to have one part of the city dry while another area gets drenched.

Severe Weather Potential

While not usually the peak of severe storm season, August can still bring:

• Strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning
• Localized street flooding during heavy rain
• Occasional gusty or damaging winds

For weather alerts in Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (covers the Atlanta area)
• Fulton County and City of Atlanta emergency management agencies issue alerts through local systems and warning sirens in some areas

If you’ll be outside at Truist Park, a festival, or a park event, keep an eye on the sky and monitor a reliable weather source for thunderstorm warnings.

Air Quality and August Heat

August heat can affect air quality in Atlanta:

• Hot, stagnant days sometimes bring moderate to occasionally unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
• Ozone levels can be higher, particularly during sunny, hot afternoons.

If you’re sensitive to poor air quality (for example, you have respiratory concerns), you may want to:

• Plan outdoor activities in the morning or after sunset
• Spend the hottest, sunniest part of the day in indoor, air-conditioned spaces

Local forecasts often include an Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Atlanta area. Many residents check it before long outdoor workouts or extended time outside.

What to Wear in Atlanta in August

Clothing Tips

To stay comfortable in August’s weather:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking athletic wear)
• Light colors to reflect sunlight
• Short sleeves, shorts, skirts, or dresses are common and practical
• A light layer for strong indoor air conditioning (restaurants, offices, malls, and MARTA trains can feel chilly after being in the heat)

Footwear:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that can handle sudden rain
• Consider water-resistant shoes if you’ll be walking in areas that puddle, like some downtown sidewalks or around Five Points

Accessories:

• Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat or cap
• Small umbrella or compact rain jacket for pop-up storms
• A refillable water bottle — many Atlanta attractions and parks have fountains or cafes for refills

Staying Comfortable and Safe in the Heat

While individual needs vary, some general habits help people cope with August in Atlanta:

• ☀️ Time your outdoor activities:
  • Prefer early morning or late evening for exercise, dog walking, and long strolls.
• 💧 Hydrate regularly:
  • Drink water steadily throughout the day, especially if using the BeltLine, Chattahoochee River trails, or city parks.
• 🧴 Use sun protection:
  • Sunscreen, hats, and light, long-sleeve layers help when you’re out around Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta, or Atlanta Botanical Garden.
• 🧊 Seek AC breaks:
  • Rotate between outdoor sites and indoor spots like museums, shops, or food halls.
• 🌦️ Plan for storms:
  • Be prepared to pause outdoor plans for a quick downpour and wait it out somewhere covered.

If your home doesn’t have strong air conditioning, many Atlanta residents visit public libraries, shopping centers, or indoor public facilities during the hottest part of the day.

August Weather and Atlanta Activities

Outdoor Attractions

Atlanta still has plenty of outdoor life in August, but timing matters.

Popular outdoor spots and how August weather affects them:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown):
  • Mornings are best for jogging, walking, or picnics.
  • Midday can be very hot on open lawns; seek shady areas or the pool when open.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail:
  • Busy in the mornings and evenings.
  • Little shade in some stretches; bring water and take breaks in cafes or markets along the trail.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (north of the city):
  • Tubing, kayaking, and riverside walks can feel more comfortable since the water can offer a cooling effect, but humidity is still high.

Sports, Festivals, and Events

If you’re going to:

• A baseball game at Truist Park
• An MLS match or concert at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Food or music festivals around Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Downtown

Plan for:

• Arriving early to avoid standing in long lines in the hottest sun
• Wearing breathable clothing and comfortable shoes
• Carrying a rain layer or umbrella for late afternoon storms if events include outdoor portions

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is domed and climate-controlled inside, but getting there may still involve time in the heat.

Getting Around the City in August Weather

Walking and Biking

• Short walks between downtown, Midtown, and nearby neighborhoods are common, but August heat can make even a few blocks feel draining.
• Bike share or scooters can help shorten trips but still expose you to the full heat and sun.

If you’re walking:

• Stick to shaded streets when possible.
• Factor in a little extra time for water and cooling breaks.

Public Transit and Driving

• MARTA buses and trains are air-conditioned, offering relief from the heat.
• When driving, interior car temperatures can climb very quickly in the sun. Many locals:
  • Use sunshades
  • Crack windows slightly when parked
  • Run the AC for a bit before driving long distances

Also remember: heavy August downpours can temporarily slow traffic, reduce visibility, and cause puddling or localized street flooding, especially in low-lying spots.

August Weather: Typical Pattern at a Glance

Here’s a simple overview of what an average August day in Atlanta might look like:

Conditions vary day to day, but this pattern is common enough that locals often plan around it.

Who to Contact for Local Weather and Alerts

If you want official, up-to-date information for Atlanta weather in August (or any time of year), residents commonly rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office

  • Provides forecasts, radar, and severe-weather alerts for the metro area

• City of Atlanta / Fulton County emergency management services

  • Coordinate local alerts during significant weather events

You can also monitor local Atlanta TV and radio stations for live updates during periods of strong thunderstorms or unusual heat.

Key Takeaways for August in Atlanta

• Expect hot, humid days with highs often in the upper 80s to low 90s °F.
• Plan for muggy nights with little relief from the heat.
• Be ready for frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms.
• Dress in light, breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and schedule intense outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
• Use Atlanta’s many air-conditioned indoor attractions and transit options to balance out time in the sun.

Understanding August Atlanta weather helps you enjoy the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and events while staying as comfortable as possible in the peak of summer.