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

December in Atlanta, Georgia sits right on the line between fall and winter. You’ll get a mix of cool, often damp days, some crisp, sunny afternoons, and the occasional brief cold snap. If you’re living in Atlanta or planning a visit around the holidays, understanding Atlanta’s December weather can help you pack, dress, and plan your activities comfortably.

Typical December Temperatures in Atlanta

December is one of Atlanta’s cooler months, but it’s rarely bitterly cold for long.

Average temperature range:

You can also get occasional warmer days in the low 60s°F, especially earlier in the month, and short cold snaps when temperatures dip into the 20s°F overnight.

Key takeaway:
Expect cool days and cold nights, with enough variation that layers are your best friend.

Rain, Clouds, and Humidity

December in Atlanta tends to be cloudier and wetter than fall, but not relentlessly rainy.

• Rainfall: Light to moderate rain is common, often in on-and-off showers rather than all-day storms.
• Humidity: It’s usually less muggy than the summer months, but cool, damp air can still feel chilly, especially in the morning and evening.
• Storms: Thunderstorms are less frequent than in spring and summer, but periodic fronts can still bring gusty winds and heavier rain for a day or two.

If you’re commuting around the Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead areas, keep a compact umbrella or water-resistant jacket handy. Sidewalks can be slick, and traffic often slows during rainy rush hours.

Does It Snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow in Atlanta in December is possible but uncommon.

• Light flurries can occur some years, usually with little or no accumulation.
• Minor ice or wintry mix is sometimes a bigger issue than deep snow, especially on bridges and overpasses around interstates like I‑285, I‑75, and I‑85.
• Major winter storms are rare but can happen in December or later in the season.

Because the city is not designed for frequent snow and ice, even a small amount can cause travel delays, school schedule changes, and road closures, especially on hilly neighborhoods and elevated roadways.

If a winter system is forecast, Atlantans often follow updates from:

• National Weather Service Atlanta Office
  Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone (public line): 770‑486‑1133

They provide local forecasts, watches, and warnings that are specific to metro Atlanta and surrounding counties.

Daylight and Sunrise/Sunset Times

December days in Atlanta are short.

• Sunrise: Roughly 7:30 a.m.
• Sunset: Around 5:30 p.m. early in the month, a bit later near New Year’s

This means:

• Evening commutes are often in the dark, especially along the Downtown Connector and major surface streets.
• Outdoor plans at places like the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Grant Park work best if you start earlier in the afternoon.
• Many holiday light displays, like those at Atlanta Botanical Garden or Zoo Atlanta, take advantage of early darkness.

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Because temperatures can swing from chilly to mild in a single day, layering is the most practical strategy.

Everyday Clothing Tips

For most December days in Atlanta, consider:

• Base layer: Light long-sleeve shirt or T‑shirt
• Mid-layer: Sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket (denim, leather, or a light insulated coat)
• Bottoms: Jeans, casual pants, or thicker leggings
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or boots; water-resistant options for wetter days

When a cold front passes through, you may want:

• A heavier coat, especially if you’ll be outside at night
• A hat, gloves, and scarf, particularly for outdoor events (holiday markets, walking tours, or games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, depending on roof status)

What Locals Often Keep Handy

• Compact umbrella or rain jacket for on-the-go showers
• Layer that can be removed in the afternoon if temperatures climb
• Comfortable walking shoes for hilly neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and parts of Decatur

December Weather and Getting Around Atlanta

Weather has a direct impact on Atlanta’s traffic, transit, and travel plans.

Driving

• Rainy days: Slower traffic on interstates and surface streets; allow extra time for I‑285 and major corridors.
• Cold snaps: Watch for black ice early in the morning and late at night, especially on overpasses like Spaghetti Junction (I‑85/I‑285).
• Holiday travel: Around late December, highways to and from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport can be busy, even in cool but clear weather.

You can find city-level updates through City of Atlanta Department of Transportation for information on road work and some weather-related disruptions:

City of Atlanta Department of Transportation
68 Mitchell St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: 404‑330‑6165

MARTA (Transit)

Weather rarely shuts down MARTA trains and buses, but:

• Rain can slow bus routes because of traffic.
• On very cold mornings, wait times outdoors at bus stops can feel uncomfortable—plan for extra layers.

For route impacts and updates:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer information: 404‑848‑5000

How December Weather Affects Outdoor Plans

Parks, Trails, and the BeltLine

Many Atlantans still enjoy outdoor activities in December because daytime temperatures are often cool but manageable.

Good options include:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Popular for walking, jogging, and biking on mild days.
• Piedmont Park – Great for dog walking, casual sports, and skyline views when the air is crisp and clear.
• Stone Mountain Park (east of the city) – Known for holiday events and walking trails, though it can feel cooler and windier near the mountain.

Tips:

• Aim for late morning to mid-afternoon when it’s warmest.
• Check the forecast for rain before planning longer walks or bike rides.
• On colder or windy days, bring extra layers if you’ll be near open areas or higher elevations.

Holiday Events and Festivals

Atlanta’s December calendar is filled with holiday lights, parades, and markets. Many are outdoors or semi-outdoors:

• Dress in layers and warm footwear for nighttime events.
• Keep gloves and a hat handy if you’ll be standing in line or walking from parking areas.
• After rain, parts of outdoor venues and parking lots can be muddy or slick, so choose shoes with good traction.

Indoor Activities for Colder or Rainy December Days

When temperatures dip or rain moves in, Atlanta offers plenty of indoor options that aren’t impacted much by December weather:

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
• World of Coca‑Cola (Downtown)
• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)
• High Museum of Art (Midtown)
• Indoor shopping and dining areas at Ponce City Market and Atlantic Station

These can be good backup plans if a scheduled outdoor plan gets rained out or a cold front makes outdoor time less comfortable.

December Weather and Air Travel in Atlanta

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a major hub, so December weather here can matter even if you’re just passing through.

• Light to moderate rain usually has limited impact on airport operations.
• Severe thunderstorms or rare ice events can lead to delays or cancellations.
• Holiday travel demand combined with weather issues elsewhere in the country can also affect flights in and out of Atlanta.

For flight-specific weather impacts, passengers generally work through their airline, but airport information is available at:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Airport information line: 800‑897‑1910

Health and Comfort Considerations (Non-Medical)

December in Atlanta can feel dry indoors and damp outdoors, depending on the day.

Many residents notice:

• Dry indoor air from heating systems, which can affect skin and comfort.
• Allergens like mold or lingering pollen on milder days.
• Chilly winds in open spaces or near tall buildings, particularly in Downtown and Midtown corridors.

Practical, non-medical comfort tips:

• Keep lip balm and moisturizer handy if you’re sensitive to dry air.
• Use layers and wind-resistant outerwear if you’ll be walking between office buildings, parking decks, or transit stations.
• For long outdoor stints (football games, holiday light walks), bring extra layers that are easy to add or remove.

How to Check Local December Forecasts for Atlanta

Because December weather in Atlanta can shift quickly with passing fronts, it helps to check updates regularly.

Common ways residents stay informed include:

• Daily local forecasts from TV or radio stations based in Atlanta.
• Weather apps set to Atlanta, GA for notifications about temperature drops, rain, or rare winter weather advisories.
• Official warnings and alerts from agencies like the National Weather Service Atlanta Office (contact details above).

Watching the next 3–7 days of forecasts is especially useful if you’re:

• Planning holiday travel
• Organizing outdoor events
• Scheduling work that depends on dry or mild weather (roofing, exterior painting, moving days, etc.)

Quick December Weather Checklist for Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting in December, it’s wise to:

• ✅ Pack layers: light shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight coat
• ✅ Bring closed-toe, comfortable shoes; water-resistant if possible
• ✅ Keep a compact umbrella or light rain jacket handy
• ✅ Plan outdoor activities for midday, when it’s warmest and brightest
• ✅ Check the 7-day forecast before long drives or flights
• ✅ Watch for ice advisories if a cold front and rain overlap

With a bit of planning, December weather in Atlanta is generally manageable and often pleasant enough to enjoy both holiday events and everyday city life—without the deep winter conditions found farther north.