Atlanta Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare Year-Round

Atlanta’s weather can feel like four seasons in a week if you catch it at the right (or wrong) time. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are thinking about moving here, understanding the typical Atlanta weather will help you plan clothing, activities, and even your commute.

This guide walks through Atlanta’s climate by season, typical temperatures, storm risks, and practical tips for daily life in the city.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which generally means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often short winters
• Plenty of rain spread through the year
• Occasional severe thunderstorms, mainly in spring and summer
• Rare, but locally disruptive, snow and ice events in winter

Here’s a simple overview of what weather feels like in Atlanta across the year.

Temperatures can vary from year to year, but this is a useful planning range.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta tends to be short, mild, and variable. You may see people in coats one week and light jackets the next.

Typical Winter Conditions

• Daytime temperatures: Often in the 40s and 50s°F
• Nights: Can dip into the 30s and occasionally below freezing
• Precipitation: Mostly rain, with occasional snow or ice
• Snow: Some years see no measurable snow, others have light accumulations; larger snow or ice events are uncommon but memorable

Because Atlanta is not built for heavy winter weather, even small amounts of snow or ice can cause major traffic issues, school closures, and delays. Roads, especially interstates like I-75, I-85, and I-285, can become dangerous quickly in freezing rain.

Winter Tips for Atlanta

• Keep a warm jacket, hat, and gloves handy, even if it feels mild most days.
• Have an ice scraper, a small emergency kit, and a charged phone if you drive regularly.
• When winter storms threaten, check updates from:
  • City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County offices for closures
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for flight delays

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta is known for blooming trees, pollen, and rapidly changing weather.

Typical Spring Conditions

• Temperatures: Often in the 60s and 70s°F, with cooler mornings
• Humidity: Starts to increase by late spring
• Rain: Frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons
• Storm risk: Some strong thunderstorms, with occasional hail or damaging winds

Spring is also prime time for pollen, especially from trees and grasses. Cars, sidewalks, and even ponds can take on a yellow-green tint for a few weeks.

Spring Tips for Atlanta

• Keep a light jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella with you.
• Plan for quick weather swings—a warm afternoon can turn stormy.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, you may want to track pollen counts and limit outdoor time on peak days.
• Outdoor activities in parks like Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine are often comfortable, especially in the mornings and early evenings.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is typically hot, humid, and long, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Typical Summer Conditions

• Daytime highs: Usually in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
• Heat index: Can feel even hotter when humidity is high
• Evenings: Warm and muggy, often staying in the 70s°F
• Storms: Regular pop-up thunderstorms, especially in late afternoon and early evening

Heat waves with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s°F are common, and occasionally higher. The city’s concrete and buildings can trap heat, making central areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead feel warmer than surrounding suburbs.

Summer Tips for Atlanta

• ☀️ Hydrate and shade: Carry water, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen.
• Try to schedule outdoor exercise early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Be prepared for sudden storms: avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and metal structures when thunder is nearby.
• If you rely on public transit such as MARTA, allow extra time during severe weather; storms can slow service.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is often considered one of the best times to be in Atlanta.

Typical Fall Conditions

• September: Still warm, feeling like late summer
• October–November: More comfortable, with days in the 60s and 70s°F
• Humidity: Gradually decreases
• Rain: Still possible, but often less frequent than in summer

Leaves change color later than in many northern cities, usually mid to late fall. Places like Grant Park, Inman Park, and local nature preserves can be especially scenic.

Fall Tips for Atlanta

• Layer clothing: mornings and evenings can be cool with warmer afternoons.
• Outdoor festivals, sports events, and walking the Atlanta BeltLine or neighborhood trails are usually pleasant.
• Keep an eye out for tropical system remnants (see below) that can still bring heavy rain in early fall.

Rain, Storms, and Tropical Weather in Atlanta

Rain Patterns

Atlanta receives steady rainfall across the year, rather than a single rainy season. You can expect:

• Light to moderate rain on many days, especially in spring and summer
• Occasional downpours and thunderstorms
• Short, heavy showers that affect traffic visibility and driving conditions

Always allow extra time for commutes when rain is in the forecast, especially on major roads like GA-400, I-20, and I-285.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

Strong thunderstorms are most common in late winter, spring, and summer.

They can bring:

• Lightning
• Gusty winds
• Small hail
• Brief, heavy rainfall
• Occasionally, tornado warnings, especially in broader North Georgia

Atlanta is not known for constant tornado activity, but the region can experience severe weather outbreaks, mainly in spring. Many residents rely on weather apps, local TV stations, or NOAA Weather Radio for alerts.

Tropical System Remnants

Atlanta is far from the coast, but it can still feel the impact of tropical storms or hurricanes that move inland from the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic.

Effects in Atlanta are usually:

• Heavy rain
• Gusty winds
• Isolated power outages or downed trees

When a tropical system approaches the Southeast, local forecasters often highlight potential flooding risks, especially in low-lying or creek-adjacent areas.

How Atlanta Weather Affects Daily Life

Commuting and Traffic

Weather has a noticeable impact on Atlanta’s already busy traffic:

• Rain can quickly slow interstates and side streets.
• Fog in cooler months can reduce visibility during the morning commute.
• Ice and snow, even in small amounts, can lead to major slowdowns and closures.

Many commuters adjust departure times around weather forecasts, especially those traveling long distances from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Sandy Springs.

Flying In and Out of Atlanta

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, weather can cause:

• Delays or ground stops from thunderstorms and lightning in warm months
• Deicing operations and schedule adjustments during occasional winter storms

If you’re flying, it’s wise to:

• Check your airline’s app or text alerts
• Monitor weather forecasts leading up to your trip
• Allow more time when rain or storms are expected

Useful Local Resources for Atlanta Weather

For official, localized weather and safety information, residents and visitors typically turn to:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta area coverage
  Provides forecasts, watches, and warnings specific to the metro region.

• NOAA Weather Radio (Atlanta area)
  Many people keep a weather radio for power outages and nighttime alerts.

• Local TV and radio weather
  Atlanta’s major local TV stations and radio outlets offer frequent weather updates, especially during severe weather or winter events.

City and county offices (such as City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and DeKalb County) often share closure information, shelter details, and emergency messages on their official channels during significant weather events.

Practical Packing and Planning Guide for Atlanta

Whether you’re living in Atlanta or just visiting, this quick guide can help:

Year-Round Essentials

• Light rain jacket or umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes that handle wet sidewalks
• Layers: T-shirt plus a light sweater or jacket

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Medium to warm coat
• Gloves, hat, and scarf for colder mornings and nights
• An ice scraper if you’re driving

Spring (Mar–May)

• Light jacket and rain gear
• Clothes that can adjust to cool mornings and mild afternoons
• Tissues or masks if you’re sensitive to pollen

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Layered outfits (long sleeves over a T-shirt)
• Light jacket for cooler nights
• Comfortable outdoor wear for festivals and parks

Understanding Atlanta weather helps you make better day-to-day decisions—from what to wear, to when to travel, to how you plan outdoor time. By watching local forecasts and knowing the city’s typical patterns, you can enjoy what Atlanta offers in every season.