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

Atlanta’s local weather can swing from crisp, blue-sky mornings to steamy afternoons and sudden thunderstorms. Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or are visiting for a few days, understanding Atlanta’s weather patterns helps you plan your day, your wardrobe, and even your commute.

This guide breaks down typical Atlanta weather by season, what to watch for with storms and severe weather, how heat and humidity really feel, and practical tips for staying comfortable and safe around the city.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practice, that means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often wet winters
• Changeable spring and fall, with big temperature swings
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially in warm months

Here’s a simple overview of what “local weather in Atlanta” usually means across the year.

Typical Atlanta Weather by Season

Values are typical ranges, not exact forecasts. Day-to-day local Atlanta weather can run warmer or cooler, especially during fronts and heat waves.

Local Weather Patterns in Atlanta

Heat and Humidity

From roughly late May through September, Atlanta’s weather usually feels:

• Hot in the afternoon: Temperatures in the upper-80s to 90s are common.
• Very humid: Even when temperatures aren’t extreme, the humidity can make it feel hotter.
• Warm evenings: Nighttime lows can stay in the 70s, especially inside the Perimeter (I‑285).

For anyone spending time outdoors—walking around Downtown, Midtown, or the BeltLine, at Piedmont Park, or at a Braves game near Truist Park—it helps to:

• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Drink water regularly
• Take breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces, especially in mid-afternoon

Rain and Thunderstorms

Atlanta gets regular rainfall year-round, with a noticeable peak in the warm months.

Common patterns:

• Pop-up afternoon storms in summer, especially on hot, humid days
• Short, intense downpours that can cause brief street flooding
• Occasional strong thunderstorms with gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rain

If you rely on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or I‑285, heavy rain can quickly slow traffic and reduce visibility. Building extra time into your commute on stormy days is wise.

Atlanta’s Local Weather by Season

Winter Weather in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are generally mild compared with many U.S. cities, but they can be unpredictable.

What you’re likely to see:

• Many days in the 40s and 50s, with chilly mornings
• Cold snaps where temperatures dip into the 20s
• Rain is more common than snow

Snow and ice do happen, but usually in short, disruptive bursts rather than long-lasting events. When they occur:

• Even a small amount of ice or snow can cause major travel problems.
• Roads—especially hills, bridges, and overpasses—may become slick quickly.
• Schools and offices may delay opening or close for safety.

If you live or stay in neighborhoods with steep streets—like parts of Buckhead, Druid Hills, or West Midtown—be especially cautious during freezing conditions.

Winter tips for Atlanta:

• Keep a warm layer and rain jacket handy.
• Check forecasts before early-morning commutes.
• Allow extra travel time when temperatures drop near or below freezing.

Spring Weather in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most comfortable times in Atlanta but can change rapidly.

Typical spring conditions:

• Daytime temperatures mostly in the 60s and 70s
• Cool mornings and pleasant afternoons
• Frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms
• Noticeable pollen season, especially from trees

Pollen can coat cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture, especially in March and April. If you’re planning time outside at places like Grant Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or the Atlanta BeltLine, expect high pollen on many dry, breezy days.

Spring tips:

• Dress in layers to handle cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
• Expect rain and have an umbrella or light raincoat available.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, check daily local pollen reports and plan outdoor activities when counts are lower or after rain.

Summer Weather in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer is when local weather in Atlanta really means heat, humidity, and storms.

What it usually feels like:

• Hot afternoons: Highs often reach the 90s.
• Sticky humidity: “Feels like” temperatures can run higher than the actual air temperature.
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially after very hot mornings.
• Warm nights, with limited relief from the heat.

If you’re walking in Downtown, Midtown, or around tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or Centennial Olympic Park, expect pavement and buildings to hold heat.

Summer safety and comfort tips:

• Plan outdoor activities—like walks on the BeltLine Eastside Trail or visits to Zoo Atlanta—earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
• Use sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Keep water on hand, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone doing physical activity outdoors.
• When storms are in the forecast, be ready to move indoors quickly if you hear thunder or see lightning.

Fall Weather in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another highly popular season in Atlanta because of the more comfortable local weather.

Typical fall conditions:

• Highs often in the 60s to upper-70s
• Lower humidity than summer
• Cool mornings and evenings with mild afternoons
• Generally clearer skies, though rain still occurs

This is a great time for outdoor events, football games, and festivals across neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park.

Fall tips:

• Keep a light jacket for early morning and late evening.
• Expect some lingering warm days in September that feel like late summer.
• Watch for cool fronts that can cause a sudden drop in temperatures over a day or two.

Severe Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s severe weather is usually connected to thunderstorms, tropical systems, and occasional winter weather.

Thunderstorms, Lightning, and High Winds

Strong thunderstorms are not unusual, especially from late spring through early fall.

Potential impacts:

• Frequent lightning
• Gusty winds that can bring down branches or power lines
• Heavy rain that can cause short-term flooding on streets and low-lying areas

If you’re outdoors at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, Lake Lanier area (north of the city), or at sports fields, it’s important to:

• Move indoors if you hear thunder.
• Avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and metal structures.
• Delay or pause outdoor activities until the storm passes.

Tornadoes and Tornado Warnings

Tornadoes are less common than general thunderstorms but are possible in the Atlanta area, especially in spring and fall, or with certain tropical systems.

You may see:

• Tornado Watch – conditions are favorable; be alert and monitor weather.
• Tornado Warning – a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar; take shelter now.

If you are in a house or apartment in Atlanta during a warning:

• Go to an interior room on the lowest level, away from windows.
• An interior hallway, bathroom, or closet can be safer than rooms with large windows.
• If you live in a high-rise (common in Midtown and Buckhead), go to an interior hallway away from glass and, if possible, a lower floor.

Tropical Systems and Remnants

While Atlanta is not on the coast, it can still feel effects from:

• Tropical storms or hurricanes that move inland
• Remnants of Gulf or Atlantic systems that bring heavy rain and wind

These systems can cause:

• Prolonged periods of rain
• Gusty winds
• Localized flooding, especially near creeks and rivers

Areas along waterways, such as near the Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, and other smaller streams, may be more vulnerable to flooding.

Getting Local Weather Information in Atlanta

For reliable, up-to-date Atlanta weather, many residents rely on:

• Local TV stations with dedicated weather teams (covering Metro Atlanta and North Georgia)
• National and regional weather services that provide radar, alerts, and hourly forecasts
• Weather apps that send push alerts for severe weather watches and warnings

If you need official information, you can look to:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  (Serves the Atlanta metro area with forecasts, watches, and warnings)

Local governments also share updates and emergency information:

• City of Atlanta – through official city channels and public information officers
• Fulton County Emergency Management Agency – for county-wide alerts and preparedness guidance
• DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County emergency management offices – for surrounding metro counties

Many Atlanta-area residents sign up for county or city emergency alert systems, which provide text or email notices about significant weather and public safety issues.

How Local Weather Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Commuting and Traffic

Weather can have a noticeable effect on Atlanta’s already busy traffic:

• Heavy rain slows traffic on interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA‑400) and surface streets.
• Fog and low clouds can affect visibility in the early morning, especially in lower areas and near rivers.
• Winter ice or snow can lead to closures or major delays, even if totals are small.

If you commute from suburbs such as Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Stone Mountain, keeping an eye on the morning forecast can help you avoid surprises.

Air Travel

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major air hub. Weather that can impact flights includes:

• Thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening
• Low clouds and reduced visibility
• Wintry precipitation, even in small amounts

On stormy days, consider:

• Monitoring your flight status regularly
• Allowing extra time to get to the airport when heavy rain is expected

Outdoor Activities and Events

Atlanta hosts many outdoor events, from festivals to concerts and sports games. Local weather affects:

• Heat management at summer events
• Storm preparedness for outdoor concerts or games
• Clothing choices for evening events when temperatures may drop after sunset

For visits to places like Stone Mountain Park, Kennesaw Mountain, or local trails, it’s helpful to check not just temperature but also rain chances and storm timing.

Practical Tips for Handling Atlanta’s Local Weather

Here are straightforward ways to stay comfortable and safe in Atlanta’s changing conditions:

• Check the forecast daily. Local weather can shift quickly, especially around seasons.
• Plan around the heat. Schedule strenuous outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the evening during summer.
• Keep rain gear handy. A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is useful much of the year.
• Have a flexible wardrobe. Layers are helpful in spring and fall when mornings and afternoons feel different.
• Sign up for alerts. Use a weather app or local emergency alert system to receive severe weather warnings.
• Know your shelter options. If you work or live in a high-rise or frequently attend large events, be aware of interior areas you can move to quickly during severe storms.

Understanding local weather in Atlanta means knowing to expect heat and humidity in summer, changeable but pleasant springs and falls, and mostly mild winters with occasional surprises. With a few simple habits—checking the forecast, preparing for storms, and planning around the heat—you can move through the city, enjoy its parks and neighborhoods, and travel in and out of Atlanta with fewer weather-related hassles.