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

March in Atlanta, GA is a true transition month. Winter is fading, spring is waking up, and the weather can swing from chilly mornings to warm, sunny afternoons—sometimes in the same week.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to decide what to pack or plan outdoors, understanding Atlanta weather in March will help you dress smarter, schedule better, and avoid surprises.

Typical March Weather in Atlanta, GA

March usually feels like early spring in Atlanta, with a mix of cool and mild days.

Quick snapshot of March weather in Atlanta:

These numbers are general patterns, not exact daily forecasts, but they give a good feel for what March is like in Atlanta.

Temperature: How Warm or Cool Is Atlanta in March?

Daytime temperatures

Afternoons in Atlanta during March are often comfortable and mild:

• Many days reach the low to mid-60s°F
• Warm spells can push temperatures into the 70s°F
• On cooler days, highs may stay in the 50s°F

You may find that you can comfortably walk around Downtown, Midtown, or along the BeltLine in just a light jacket or long sleeves by midday.

Nighttime and early morning temperatures

Overnight and early-morning temperatures are usually cool:

• Common lows are in the 40s°F
• It can occasionally dip into the upper 30s°F, especially earlier in the month

If you’re leaving early for work in Buckhead or walking your dog around Grant Park before sunrise, you’ll likely want a medium-weight jacket or coat.

Rain and Storms in March

How rainy is March in Atlanta?

March is normally a moderately rainy month:

• Expect several rainy days scattered through the month
• Showers can be light and brief or steady for several hours
• A few days may feature heavier rain and thunderstorms

You’ll want to keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy, especially if you walk or take MARTA around Downtown, Midtown, or near Georgia State.

Thunderstorms and severe weather

March marks the beginning of the spring storm season in North Georgia:

• Occasional thunderstorms are possible
• A few storms may be strong, with gusty winds and heavy downpours
• Thunderstorms can develop quickly on warm, humid afternoons

To stay aware of changing conditions, residents and visitors commonly follow:

• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency alerts
• Local TV weather updates and weather apps
• NOAA Weather Radio for more detailed alerts

If you’re planning outdoor activities at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, or Stone Mountain, it’s smart to check the day’s forecast and radar before you go.

Sunshine, Clouds, and Overall Feel

March in Atlanta brings a mix of:

• Sunny, crisp days that feel like true spring
• Cloudy, gray days with a cool breeze
• Days that start chilly and end up pleasantly warm

On many days, you might start with a jacket in the morning and carry it by mid-afternoon.

The longer daylight—especially after the shift to Daylight Saving Time—means:

• More light for after-work walks on the BeltLine
• Better conditions for evening visits to parks, patios, and outdoor events

Pollen, Allergies, and Early Spring Bloom

For many Atlantans, March is when pollen season really starts to show up.

When does pollen start in Atlanta?

• Tree pollen often ramps up during March
• By late March, pollen levels can be noticeable, especially on dry, breezy days
• You may see yellowish pollen dust on cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture

If you spend time outdoors around Oakland Cemetery, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or neighborhood parks, you may feel the early seasonal change in the air.

Practical tips for pollen-sensitive people

If you know you react to pollen, some common practical steps people in Atlanta take include:

• Limiting time outside on very high-pollen days
• Changing clothes and showering after long outdoor activities
• Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning or filters when needed
• Wiping off pets’ paws and fur when they come in from outdoors

For current pollen information specific to the Atlanta area, local residents often monitor:

• Atlanta Allergy & Asthma pollen count reports
• Local news weather segments that mention pollen levels

What to Wear in Atlanta in March

March weather in Atlanta can be unpredictable, so layering is key.

Clothing suggestions

Here’s what typically works well:

• Base layer: T-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt
• Mid-layer: Light sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece
• Outer layer: Light to medium-weight jacket (especially for mornings/evenings)
• Bottoms: Jeans, casual pants, or thicker leggings; some mild days can be comfortable in lighter fabrics
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or sneakers; consider waterproof shoes on wetter days

If you spend the day moving between indoor and outdoor areas—shopping in Atlantic Station, commuting to an office in Midtown, or sightseeing in Downtown—layers let you easily adjust to changing temperatures.

Accessories that help

• Compact umbrella or rain jacket for sudden showers ☔
• Sunglasses and light hat for sunny afternoons
• Light scarf for cooler mornings or breezy evenings

Planning Outdoor Activities in March

March can be a great month for outdoor plans in Atlanta, as long as you allow for some weather flexibility.

Popular ways people take advantage of March weather:

• Park days: Picnics or walks at Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Freedom Park, or Centennial Olympic Park
• BeltLine outings: Walking, running, or biking sections of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trails
• Zoo and attractions: Visiting Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or outdoor areas around the Georgia World Congress Center
• Sports and recreation: Golf, tennis, and youth sports often get underway in March

To avoid being caught off guard:

• Check the forecast the night before outdoor events or day trips
• Have a backup indoor plan (museums, the Georgia Aquarium, or local galleries) if rain moves in
• If you’re hosting events at places like outdoor pavilions or rooftops, communicate a rain plan with your guests

Driving and Commuting: Weather Considerations

While Atlanta usually avoids harsh winter conditions by March, there are still some things to keep in mind:

• Wet roads: Sudden downpours can lead to slick streets and minor flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas
• Visibility: On rainy days, morning and evening commutes on I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector can be slower due to spray and reduced visibility
• Storms: Thunderstorms can bring gusty winds and heavy bursts of rain that slow traffic and impact visibility

Many Atlanta drivers and commuters rely on:

• Local traffic and weather updates (radio, TV, and apps)
• Navigation apps that flag road delays or flooding

If you use MARTA, bus riders and rail commuters may want to allow a bit of extra time on stormy days in case of weather-related slowdowns.

Resources for Local Weather and Alerts

To stay on top of day-to-day weather in Atlanta in March, you can use a mix of local and national resources.

Commonly used Atlanta-area weather and emergency resources include:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office

  • Provides forecasts and watches/warnings for the Atlanta region
  • 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  • Recorded weather info and office contacts are typically accessible via national NWS numbers and online tools

• City of Atlanta – Office of Emergency Management

  • Coordinates emergency communications during severe weather affecting the city

• Fulton County and DeKalb County emergency alert systems

  • Offer opt-in alerts for severe weather and other emergencies in your local area

Residents often combine these with widely used weather apps and local TV forecasts to get a full picture of potential storms, temperature swings, and pollen conditions.

Visiting Atlanta in March: Packing Checklist

If you’re traveling to Atlanta in March, pack for mild but changeable spring weather:

Clothing to bring:

• Light to medium-weight jacket
• A mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops
• One or two warmer layers (sweater or fleece)
• Comfortable walking shoes, plus a backup pair in case of rain
• An outfit suitable for slightly warmer days (in case temps head into the 70s°F)

Other useful items:

• Compact umbrella or packable raincoat
• Sunglasses and small hat or cap
• Any personal allergy supplies if you’re sensitive to pollen

Being prepared for both cool mornings and pleasant afternoons will make it easier to enjoy Atlanta’s restaurants, neighborhoods, festivals, parks, and attractions without being distracted by the weather.

In March, Atlanta’s weather is best described as early spring with personality: generally mild, sometimes rainy, occasionally cool, and steadily warming as the month goes on. With a flexible wardrobe and an eye on the forecast, it’s an excellent time to be out and about in the city.