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

Atlanta in September sits right on the edge between late summer heat and the first hints of fall. If you’re planning a visit, moving here, or just trying to plan your month around the weather, it helps to know what September in Atlanta actually feels like day to day.

Below is a practical guide to September Atlanta weather, tailored to what you’ll experience across the city—from Midtown and Downtown to Buckhead, Decatur, and the suburbs.

Overall: Is September Still Hot in Atlanta?

Yes. September in Atlanta is usually warm to hot and still humid, especially in the first half of the month.

Typical patterns:

• Daytime highs: Often in the mid-80s to low 90s°F, warmer early in the month
• Overnight lows: Commonly in the upper 60s to low 70s°F
• Feels-like temperatures: Can be several degrees warmer because of humidity
• Air quality: Can still be hazy or muggy on some days, but generally improves compared to midsummer

By late September, many Atlantans notice that mornings and evenings start to feel more comfortable, especially in shaded parts of town and higher-elevation neighborhoods on the north side.

Temperature Breakdown: Early, Mid, and Late September

September doesn’t feel the same from start to finish. Here’s how it usually unfolds.

Early September (Labor Day timeframe)

• Feels like full summer
• Highs often upper 80s to around 90°F
• Nights are warm and a bit sticky
• Great for pools, outdoor patios, and night events, but mid-afternoon can be intense in direct sun, especially around large paved areas like Downtown or around Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Mid-September

• Still warm, but slightly less oppressive
• More days in the low to mid-80s°F
• Humidity can swing: some days feel breezy and pleasant, others still muggy
• Late afternoons can be comfortable for walking the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Atlanta Botanical Garden if there’s shade and a light breeze

Late September

• First real hints of fall
• More mornings in the 60s°F, which feel refreshing
• Highs often upper 70s to low 80s°F
• Nights are more comfortable for open-air dining around neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown
• Not consistently “fall-like,” but noticeably milder than August

Rain, Storms, and Tropical Systems

September can be a wet month in Atlanta, but rainfall is usually scattered rather than all-day.

Typical rain patterns

• Pop-up afternoon thunderstorms still happen, especially early in the month
• Rain often comes as short, heavy showers rather than long, gentle rain
• Some days are completely dry and sunny; others bring on-and-off showers

Tropical weather influences

Because September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, Atlanta sometimes feels the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes that move inland from the Gulf or Atlantic:

• These systems can bring periods of steady rain and gusty winds
• They can cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying or poor-drainage areas and along creeks and streams
• Impacts vary widely year to year; some Septembers are quiet, others see multiple rainy days from passing systems

If a named storm may affect the area, many residents follow updates from the National Weather Service Atlanta Forecast Office and local TV weather teams.

Humidity and “Feels-Like” Conditions

Humidity is a big part of September weather in Atlanta.

• Early September often feels humid and heavy, especially midday
• Heat index (“feels-like”) temperatures can climb into the mid-90s°F on hotter days
• More shade and trees in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, and Grant Park make walking more tolerable compared to full-sun streets and large parking lots

By late September, humidity levels generally start to ease, making outdoor activities more comfortable, especially before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Daylight, Sunrise, and Sunset in September

You’ll still get plenty of daylight, but the days are noticeably shorter than peak summer.

Approximate patterns:

• Sunrise: Around 7:10–7:25 a.m. by mid-to-late month
• Sunset: Around 7:45–7:15 p.m. as the month goes on

What this means in practice:

• Morning activities (jogs around Piedmont Park or the BeltLine, dog walks, kids heading to school) often happen in comfortable temperatures and softer light.
• Evening plans like events at Truist Park, State Farm Arena, or outdoor festivals usually start in warm weather but cool off slightly after sunset.

What to Wear in Atlanta in September

Clothing basics

For most of the month, lightweight, breathable clothing works best:

• Short sleeves or light tops
• Shorts, skirts, or lightweight pants
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• A light layer (like a thin cardigan or long-sleeved shirt) for late evenings or strong air conditioning indoors

For work and events

If you’re heading to work in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead offices or attending events:

• Business casual usually means light dress shirts, blouses, and breathable fabrics
• For outdoor events (festivals, games, concerts), dress as if it’s still summer but consider:
  • A hat for shade
  • Clothes that breathe well if you’ll be on asphalt or in large crowds

Packing Tips for Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in September, especially from a cooler climate, plan for warm, changeable conditions.

Must-pack items:

• ☀️ Sunscreen (UV is still strong)
• 🧢 Hat and sunglasses
• 💧 Reusable water bottle for walking around Downtown, the BeltLine, or parks
• 🌧️ Compact umbrella or light rain jacket for pop-up storms
• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes—much of intown Atlanta is best explored on foot or scooter
• A light sweater for air-conditioned spaces like office buildings, malls, and museums

Outdoor Activities and Weather Timing

September is a popular month for outdoor events, festivals, and sports around Atlanta.

Good times of day to be outside

• Early morning: Often the most comfortable time—great for runs along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, hikes at Stone Mountain Park, or walks through Grant Park
• Late afternoon to evening: After 5–6 p.m., the sun is less intense, making it nicer for:
  • Dining on patios in areas like Inman Park, Midtown, or Westside
  • Watching a game at Truist Park
  • Strolling around Atlantic Station or Ponce City Market

Weather and big events

September frequently brings:

• College and pro football games (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, local college campuses)
• Outdoor festivals and neighborhood events
• Concerts at venues like Chastain Park Amphitheatre and other outdoor stages

If you’re attending an outdoor event:

• Check the day-of forecast for potential thunderstorms
• Plan for sun exposure if seating is not shaded
• Allow extra travel time if heavy rain is in the forecast; downpours can slow traffic on I‑75/85, I‑20, and I‑285

Heat and Storm Safety Basics (Local Context)

While September isn’t as extreme as July or August, it can still bring hot afternoons and strong storms.

Heat-related considerations

• Long walks through Downtown, Midtown, or around attractions like Zoo Atlanta or the Georgia Aquarium can feel hotter than the temperature alone suggests because of concrete and buildings.
• Use shaded routes when possible—tree-lined streets and parks make a big difference.
• Many Atlantans keep cold water in the car if they’re driving around town on hot days.

Thunderstorms and lightning

Fast-moving storms are a routine part of September Atlanta weather:

• If you hear thunder while in an open area (parks, sports fields, festival grounds), it’s safer to head indoors or to a vehicle.
• Heavy downpours can quickly create standing water on roads and in low spots, especially around underpasses and near streams.

The City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management and local county emergency management offices (like in Fulton and DeKalb) share updates when heavier rain is expected to cause flooding.

Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort

Almost all homes, apartments, offices, hotels, and public buildings in Atlanta use air conditioning in September.

• Many residents keep AC running most of the month, especially overnight during warm, humid spells.
• If you get cold easily, bring a light layer when you go to:
  • Office buildings in Downtown or Buckhead
  • Shopping centers like Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza
  • Museums, theaters, and indoor attractions

Where to Check Local Weather in Atlanta

For up-to-date September forecasts and alerts specific to Atlanta, many residents rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office
  • Main forecast area covers Atlanta and surrounding counties
• Local TV stations with weather teams based in Atlanta
• Weather apps that let you set locations like “Atlanta, GA,” “Midtown,” or your specific ZIP code

If you’re concerned about severe weather or flooding, you can also sign up for alerts through your county emergency management agency (such as Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Gwinnett) or enable emergency notifications on your phone.

Quick September Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

This is what most Atlantans plan around when scheduling school routines, outdoor events, and travel in September. If you keep the warmth, humidity, and pop-up storms in mind, you can enjoy the city comfortably all month long.