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

Atlanta in December feels like real winter without the deep freeze you find farther north. If you’re planning holiday travel, everyday commuting, or outdoor events, understanding Atlanta’s December weather helps you dress right, drive safely, and plan activities with fewer surprises.

Overall Climate: Is Atlanta Cold in December?

December is one of Atlanta’s coolest months, but it’s usually not bitterly cold.

• Typical afternoon highs: around the low to mid-50s°F
• Typical overnight lows: around the mid-30s°F
• Feels-like factor: can be cooler on windy or damp days
• Daylight: short days, with sunset often before 5:30 p.m.

You’ll see a mix of:

• Cool, sunny days that feel comfortable with a jacket
• Gray, rainy days that feel chilly and damp
• Occasional cold snaps with near-freezing temperatures, especially at night

Snow is possible but uncommon in December. Most years, Atlanta’s “winter weather issues” are more about cold rain and black ice than heavy snow.

Quick December Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

These are general patterns, not exact forecasts—always check a current local forecast before you head out.

Rain, Storms, and Humidity in December

How Rainy Is Atlanta in December?

Atlanta tends to be fairly wet in winter, and December is no exception. You’ll often see:

• On-and-off light rain that lasts most of the day
• Gray, low clouds that keep temperatures from warming up
• The occasional heavier passing shower or thunderstorm

This means you should plan for:

• Water-resistant shoes or boots for walking around Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead
• A light waterproof jacket or umbrella if you’re heading to events like Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden or outdoor shopping at Atlantic Station

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

December is not peak severe weather season, but:

• A strong cold front can still bring gusty winds and heavy rain
• Thunder and lightning are possible, though less frequent than in spring

For alerts, many Atlanta residents rely on:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones
• Local TV and radio weather updates
• Weather apps set to Atlanta, GA or your neighborhood (e.g., West End, Buckhead, Decatur area)

Snow, Ice, and “Winter Weather Events”

Does It Snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow in Atlanta is uncommon but not impossible in December. In many years, you may see:

• No snow at all, or
• Light flurries that melt quickly, especially on main roads

When it does snow, it usually looks like:

• A dusting to a couple of inches, especially on grassy areas and cars
• Slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and shaded neighborhood streets

Ice and Black Ice: The Bigger Concern

Even without significant snow, Atlanta can see freezing rain or black ice, especially:

• Overnight and early morning, when temperatures are near or below freezing
• On elevated roads, like highway ramps and bridges on I-75, I-85, I-285, and I-20
• In hilly neighborhoods, where runoff freezes on slopes

If there’s any chance of ice:

• Allow extra time for your commute
• Drive slowly and avoid sudden braking
• Watch for patchy black ice, which is often hard to see but common in shaded and low-lying spots

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) typically treats major highways and key routes when winter weather is expected, but side streets and neighborhood roads may remain slick longer.

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Everyday Clothing Tips

Plan for layers so you can adjust between indoor heating and outdoor chill:

• Base layer: T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
• Mid-layer: Light sweater, fleece, or hoodie
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket or coat; a waterproof shell on rainy days

You’ll be comfortable most days with:

• Jeans or heavier pants rather than shorts
• Closed-toe shoes or boots instead of sandals
• A hat or beanie on colder mornings or windy days

For Evenings Out and Events

If you’re heading to a Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a concert at State Farm Arena, or outdoor holiday events:

• Bring a warmer coat for walking to and from MARTA stations or parking
• Pack a scarf and gloves, especially if you’ll be standing outside in lines or walking around light displays
• If rain is in the forecast, a compact umbrella is very useful around Downtown or Midtown

Getting Around Atlanta in December Weather

Driving and Commuting

Most December days, driving in Atlanta is no different than a typical cool fall day. The challenges come when:

• Heavy rain reduces visibility on interstates and surface streets
• Cold mornings create isolated icy spots in low-lying or shaded roads
• Holiday traffic increases around Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Perimeter Mall, and popular event areas

Practical tips:

• Keep a small ice scraper in your car for frosty windshields
• Make sure your wiper blades and headlights work well
• Check that your tires have adequate tread, especially if you live in hillier areas like parts of East Atlanta, Kirkwood, or Southwest Atlanta

Public Transit and Rideshare

MARTA (rail and bus) generally runs normally in December, including on cold days and during light winter weather. However:

• In rare significant winter storms, schedules may be adjusted
• Sidewalks and station entrances can be slippery if freezing rain or snow occurs

If using rideshare:

• Expect longer waits or surge pricing during heavy rain or major holiday events
• Plan a slightly earlier pickup if weather looks rough

Air Travel: Flying In or Out of Atlanta in December

If you’re using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December:

• Most cold days do not cause major disruptions
• Heavy rain or storms can slow arrivals and departures due to low visibility
• In rare winter weather events (snow or ice), you may see de-icing delays and cancellations

Tips:

• Arrive with extra time, especially during holiday periods
• Check your flight status frequently on your airline’s app or at the airport kiosks
• Dress in layers for the trip—terminals stay warm, but getting to and from parking or MARTA can be chilly

Outdoor Activities and Events in December

Despite the cooler weather, December is still very active in Atlanta.

Popular outdoor or partially outdoor activities include:

• Holiday light shows at places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and around Centennial Olympic Park area
• Strolls on the Atlanta BeltLine, especially the Eastside Trail
• Outdoor markets and festivals in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Grant Park

To enjoy these comfortably:

• Check the day’s forecast before heading out
• Dress in warm layers, especially if you’ll be standing still for long stretches
• On rainy days, prioritize water-resistant shoes for puddles and damp sidewalks

Health and Comfort Considerations

December weather in Atlanta can be chilly but variable, which affects how it feels day to day:

• Damp 45°F with wind can feel colder than a dry 38°F
• Repeated temperature swings from mild afternoons to cold nights can feel rough if you’re outside a lot

Common comfort tips many locals use:

• Keep lip balm and hand lotion handy; indoor heating can be drying
• Use a light scarf to protect from wind when walking between buildings in Midtown or Downtown
• For kids walking to school or waiting at bus stops, coats, hats, and gloves are often needed in early morning

For official citywide information during significant weather events, many people monitor:

• The City of Atlanta and Fulton County official communications
• Local TV and radio stations that provide advisories about closures and delays

Preparing Your Home for December Weather in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or have a second home here, December is a time to:

• Check heating systems: Make sure your furnace, heat pump, or space heaters work safely
• Protect pipes: In very cold snaps, some residents open cabinet doors under sinks or let faucets drip slightly to help prevent freezing
• Seal drafts: Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers on older windows and doors

Because freezing conditions are usually short-lived, extreme measures are often not needed, but it’s still wise to be ready for that occasional hard freeze.

Who to Contact for Weather and Road Information

For official, stable sources of information during December weather:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

  • General Information: 404-631-1990
  • Provides roadway condition updates for major highways and interstates in and around Atlanta.

• City of Atlanta Government

  • Often shares updates on city services, closures, and emergency information related to winter weather.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Main phone: 800-897-1910
  • Check your airline directly for real-time flight changes during storms or icy conditions.

These sources help you understand road conditions, travel impacts, and safety considerations specific to the Atlanta area.

If you’re in Atlanta in December, expect cool to cold, often damp weather with occasional cold snaps, but usually not the kind of deep winter that shuts everything down. With a good jacket, a few layers, and a close eye on the daily forecast, you can comfortably navigate the city’s holiday season, commutes, and events all month long.