Month‑by‑Month Guide to Atlanta’s Weather

Atlanta’s weather changes a lot over the year, from chilly, damp winters to hot, humid summers and colorful fall days. Understanding the monthly weather in Atlanta helps you know what to pack, how to plan outdoor time, and what to expect if you live here year‑round.

Below is a clear, Atlanta‑focused breakdown of temperatures, rain, storms, and practical tips for each month.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather by Month

Use this as a fast reference for average conditions in the city (not exact every year, but a reliable guide).

Temperatures refer to typical daytime highs and overnight lows within the Atlanta metro, including areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Downtown.

Key Atlanta Weather Patterns to Know

Before diving month by month, it helps to know a few big‑picture patterns that repeat every year:

• Humidity: Atlanta is humid most of the year, especially May through September. Even “moderate” temperatures can feel warmer.
• Rain & storms: Thunderstorms are common from spring through late summer, often in the afternoon. Heavy downpours can cause brief street flooding.
• Snow & ice: Snow is rare but possible in winter. Ice and freezing rain cause more real disruption than snow does.
• Pollen: Spring pollen (especially from trees) can be intense. Cars and sidewalks often turn yellow‑green during peak weeks.
• Microclimates: Central neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead may be a degree or two warmer than outlying suburbs, especially at night.

January: Cool Days, Cold Nights, and Occasional Flurries

Typical Atlanta weather in January

• Highs: low to mid‑50s °F
• Lows: low to mid‑30s °F
• Rain: Fairly frequent light to moderate rain
• Snow/ice: Possible, but not every year

January is Atlanta’s coldest month. Most days are just chilly and gray rather than bitterly cold. Many mornings start near or slightly below freezing, especially in higher or more open parts of the metro, like parts of Cobb, Gwinnett, and South Fulton.

Snow is uncommon but not unheard of. More often, if there is wintry weather, it shows up as sleet or freezing rain, which can make roads hazardous, especially on hills and bridges around interstates like I‑285 and GA‑400.

What to wear and plan for in January

• Layers: sweater or fleece plus a medium‑weight coat
• Gloves and a hat for early mornings and nights
• Waterproof shoes on rainy days
• Allow extra drive time if temperatures drop below freezing after rain

February: Late Winter With a Hint of Spring

Typical February conditions

• Highs: mid‑ to upper‑50s °F
• Lows: upper‑30s °F
• Rain: Regular showers, some heavier storms late in the month
• Snow/ice: Still possible, but becoming less likely

February in Atlanta straddles winter and early spring. You’ll get cold, raw days followed by surprisingly mild stretches where the city feels like spring has arrived early.

You may notice early blooms on trees, especially in parks like Piedmont Park or along neighborhood streets in Inman Park and Virginia‑Highland. However, cold snaps can still roll in, sometimes bringing overnight freezes.

Tips for February

• Keep winter gear handy, but you may have days comfortable in just a light jacket.
• Storm systems can bring strong thunderstorms toward the end of the month.
• Outdoor events start to pick up on milder weekends; check the forecast if you’re planning hikes at Stone Mountain or along the BeltLine.

March: True Spring Begins, With Changeable Weather

Typical March conditions

• Highs: low to mid‑60s °F
• Lows: mid‑40s °F
• Rain: Regular showers and thunderstorms
• Other: Increasingly windy, rising pollen levels

March is when spring really arrives in Atlanta. Trees leaf out, flowers bloom, and parks fill up on sunny weekends. At the same time, weather can be highly changeable—a warm, 70‑degree afternoon can be followed by a chilly, windy day.

March is the start of peak pollen season, especially tree pollen. Many Atlantans notice itchy eyes, scratchy throats, or general irritation during this period, even if they don’t think of themselves as having allergies.

Plan for March in Atlanta

• Expect a mix of cool and mild days; layers are helpful.
• Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket handy for passing showers.
• Be prepared for gusty thunderstorms, sometimes with lightning and brief heavy rain.

April: Mild, Green, and Stormy at Times

Typical April conditions

• Highs: low to mid‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Rain: Frequent showers and storms, often intense but brief
• Other: Pollen often at its worst

April is one of the most pleasant months overall—warm but not hot, and with long stretches of clear, blue skies. It’s a prime time for outdoor festivals across Downtown, Midtown, and neighborhood parks.

However, April is also known for strong spring thunderstorms. These can bring heavy rain, lightning, and occasionally hail or damaging winds. Storms often move through quickly, followed by cooler, drier air.

Living in or visiting Atlanta in April

• Ideal for walking the Atlanta BeltLine, visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or catching a game at Truist Park.
• Pollen is usually very high; many people rinse off cars and outdoor furniture regularly.
• Keep an eye on severe weather alerts, especially during afternoons and evenings.

May: Early Summer Feel, Increasing Humidity

Typical May conditions

• Highs: upper‑70s to low‑80s °F
• Lows: upper‑50s to low‑60s °F
• Rain: Scattered showers and storms, generally more isolated
• Other: Humidity becomes noticeable

By May, Atlanta starts to feel like early summer. Afternoons are warm, and evenings are pleasant for outdoor dining in places like Ponce City Market, Decatur Square, and West Midtown patios.

Humidity continues to build, especially later in the month. While mornings can still feel fresh and comfortable, mid‑ to late‑afternoon can be steamy.

May weather tips

• Light clothing during the day; a light layer for cooler nights.
• Afternoon thunderstorms may pop up, but many days stay dry.
• It’s a popular month for outdoor weddings, festivals, and graduations; check for storm chances if planning major events outside.

June: Hot Days and Frequent Afternoon Storms

Typical June conditions

• Highs: mid‑80s °F
• Lows: upper‑60s °F
• Rain: Regular afternoon/evening thunderstorms
• Other: High humidity, heat becomes a daily factor

June marks the beginning of Atlanta’s true summer pattern. Expect hot, humid afternoons with the possibility of pop‑up thunderstorms, especially after very warm days. These storms can bring downpours, lightning, and gusty winds but often pass quickly.

Evenings are still reasonably comfortable, though humidity can remain high, especially in lower‑lying and heavily built‑up areas.

How to handle June in Atlanta

• Dress for heat: breathable fabrics, hats, and sunglasses.
• Plan outdoor exercise in the early morning or near sunset when possible.
• Sudden storms may temporarily disrupt outdoor events at places like the Atlanta Zoo, Six Flags, or open‑air concerts; watch local radar on active days.

July: Peak Heat and Humidity

Typical July conditions

• Highs: upper‑80s to low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Rain: Frequent storms, often in late afternoon
• Other: Muggiest month, high “feels like” temps

July is usually Atlanta’s hottest and most humid month. It’s not unusual for “feels like” (heat index) readings to climb well above the actual air temperature, especially during mid‑afternoon in areas with lots of concrete and limited shade.

Thunderstorms are common, often building during the late afternoon and into the evening. These can be intense, with heavy rain and frequent lightning.

Practical July guidance

• Prioritize shade and air conditioning in the middle of the day.
• For outdoor events like 4th of July celebrations, expect it to be very warm even after sunset.
• Keep water handy if you’re walking around areas like Downtown, Midtown, or the Georgia Tech campus.

August: Still Hot, Slightly Shifting Toward Late Summer

Typical August conditions

• Highs: upper‑80s to low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Rain: Frequent storms; can get moisture from tropical systems
• Other: Humidity remains extremely high

August feels much like July in Atlanta: hot, humid, and storm‑prone. Many days follow a similar pattern—sunny, steamy mornings, building to afternoon clouds and occasional storms.

This is also peak Atlantic hurricane season, and while Atlanta is not on the coast, remnants of tropical systems can bring extended periods of heavy rain and gusty winds to the metro area.

August in everyday life

• Back‑to‑school activities often happen in the heat; dress children appropriately for bus stops and playgrounds.
• Monitor forecasts for tropical remnants that can cause multi‑day rain events and localized flooding around creeks and underpasses.
• Air conditioning use is typically at its highest; indoor attractions like Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola stay popular.

September: Gradual Relief From the Heat

Typical September conditions

• Highs: low‑ to mid‑80s °F
• Lows: mid‑60s °F
• Rain: Still some storms, but less frequent later in the month
• Other: Humidity begins to ease

September brings noticeable but gradual cooling. Early in the month, it can still feel like full summer, but by late September, mornings become more comfortable, and evenings start to feel more like fall.

Thunderstorms remain possible, especially in the first half of the month, but overall storm frequency tends to decrease compared to midsummer.

What to expect in September

• Good month for outdoor events, especially by mid‑ to late‑September.
• Many Atlantans resume outdoor running and biking as heat stress eases.
• College football season begins, bringing large crowds to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and nearby tailgates—expect warm but increasingly pleasant game days.

October: Atlanta’s Most Comfortable Month

Typical October conditions

• Highs: upper‑60s to low‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Rain: Generally low; more sunny, dry days
• Other: Comfortable humidity, emerging fall color

October is often considered the best month for weather in Atlanta. Days are comfortably warm, nights are cool, and humidity is low. The sky frequently stays clear or partly sunny, making it ideal for nearly any outdoor plan.

Fall color starts to appear, especially in later October, at area parks, neighborhood streets, and nearby spots in North Georgia.

Why October stands out

• Great time for outdoor festivals, patio dining, and walking tours.
• Low risk of severe heat or intense storms.
• Light jacket or sweater at night is usually enough, though a heavier layer might be needed late in the month.

November: Cooler, Clearer, and More Fall‑Like

Typical November conditions

• Highs: mid‑50s to low‑60s °F
• Lows: low‑40s °F
• Rain: Occasional fronts bring showers, but many dry days
• Other: Stronger cold fronts, crisp mornings

November in Atlanta feels solidly like fall edging toward winter. Early in the month, you can still get mild afternoons, but cold fronts become more frequent, sometimes dropping temperatures sharply within a day.

Fall foliage often peaks between late October and early November in and around the city, especially in tree‑lined neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.

Living with November weather

• Coat in the morning, lighter layers by afternoon on milder days.
• Evening events, like games or outdoor gatherings, can be chilly, especially with any breeze.
• Rain is typically linked to passing cold fronts rather than daily pop‑up storms.

December: Cool, Damp, and Occasionally Chilly

Typical December conditions

• Highs: low‑ to mid‑50s °F
• Lows: upper‑30s °F
• Rain: Periodic rainy days, sometimes several in a row
• Snow/ice: Possible late in the month, but not common

December marks the start of meteorological winter in Atlanta. While not intensely cold by many standards, it can feel raw and chilly, especially on damp, cloudy days.

Most precipitation is rain, though there can be brief periods of sleet or flurries, mainly in the northern suburbs or higher elevations outside the core city. Significant snow is unusual but not impossible.

December practical notes

• Pack a medium‑weight coat, especially if you’ll be out at night for holiday events.
• Many holiday attractions, like the Atlanta Botanical Garden lights and outdoor markets, are held in cool, sometimes damp conditions—dress warm and prepare for light rain.
• Black ice can occur on bridges and overpasses if temperatures drop below freezing after rain.

How Atlanta’s Monthly Weather Affects Daily Life

Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, the monthly weather patterns shape:

• Commuting:

  • Summer storms can slow traffic on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20 with heavy downpours.
  • Winter ice events, though rare, can significantly disrupt travel across the metro.

• Outdoor activities:

  • Spring (March–May) and fall (late September–November) are prime seasons for the Atlanta BeltLine, city parks, and nearby hiking areas.
  • Summer is still active outdoors, but many people shift to early morning or evening for comfort.

• Home and utilities:

  • Air conditioning runs hardest from June through September.
  • Heating needs typically peak from December through February, with some use in late November and early March.

• Events and tourism:

  • Major events are often scheduled in April, May, October, and November, when conditions are more predictable and comfortable.
  • Indoor attractions stay popular during the hottest and coldest parts of the year.

Staying Informed About Atlanta Weather

For day‑to‑day planning, many Atlanta residents rely on local TV stations, radio, and weather apps for short‑term forecasts and severe weather alerts. When storms or winter weather threaten, local officials and agencies may issue guidance related to:

• Road conditions and closures
• Public transit changes (MARTA bus and rail service)
• School and government operations

If you live or stay near central Atlanta—around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead—conditions like temperature and rain are usually similar across these neighborhoods, though slightly different from outlying suburbs.

Understanding the monthly weather in Atlanta lets you plan realistically: pack layers for winter and early spring, prepare for heat and humidity from late May through early September, and enjoy some of the country’s most comfortable weather in fall.