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

Planning for Atlanta weather in March means getting ready for a true transition month. Winter is fading, spring is waking up, and the weather can swing from chilly mornings to warm, sunny afternoons within a single week.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a few days, or are deciding whether March is a good time to come, this guide walks through what the month typically feels like, what to pack, and how the weather might affect your plans.

March Weather in Atlanta at a Glance

March is usually mild and changeable in Atlanta. You’ll notice:

• Cool mornings, comfortable afternoons
• Periods of rain and thunderstorms
• Early spring pollen starting to show up
• Occasional leftover chilly snaps from winter

Here’s a simple overview of typical March conditions in Atlanta:

The exact numbers vary year to year, but this pattern is a good guide for planning.

Temperatures: How Warm (or Cool) Is Atlanta in March?

Daytime vs. Nighttime

In Atlanta in March, you can usually expect:

• Mornings: often in the 40s °F, occasionally dipping into the high 30s early in the month
• Afternoons: frequently rising into the 60s °F, with some days reaching the low 70s °F
• Evenings: cooling back to the 40s–50s °F

Early March often feels more like late winter, while late March starts to feel decisively like spring.

“Feels Like” Temperatures

Wind, clouds, and rain can make a big difference:

• Cloudy and damp days can feel cooler than the thermometer suggests
• Sunny, calm afternoons can feel quite warm, especially if you’re walking around Midtown, Downtown, or the BeltLine

If you’re commuting, heading to class at Georgia State or Georgia Tech, or exploring neighborhoods like Inman Park or West Midtown, plan for layers you can add or remove.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather

How Rainy Is March in Atlanta?

March is typically one of the wetter months in Atlanta. You’ll likely see:

• Multiple rainy days scattered through the month
• A mix of light showers, steady rain, and occasional thunderstorms

Rain can come in quick bursts or as all‑day gray, so it’s wise to keep an umbrella or light rain jacket in your car, backpack, or office.

Thunderstorms and Stormy Days

As warm, moist air from the south meets lingering cool air from the north, thunderstorms become more common:

• Rumbles of thunder and brief downpours are not unusual
• Some storms can be strong, especially later in March
• Gusty winds and heavy rain can briefly slow traffic on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector

Tornadoes are not a daily concern, but North Georgia’s spring severe weather season often ramps up in March and April. It’s helpful to:

• Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone
• Know where interior rooms are in your home, apartment, or office
• Pay attention to local weather updates, especially if a strong system is moving through the region

For official local weather information, residents commonly look to:

• National Weather Service Atlanta Forecast Office (serving the metro area)
• Local TV/weather teams and radio for real‑time coverage during storms

Snow and Cold Snaps: Is Winter Really Over?

By March, measurable snow and ice are uncommon in Atlanta, but the city is not completely out of winter’s reach.

• A light frost early in the month is still possible
• A quick cold front can drop temperatures into the 30s °F overnight
• True winter storms (ice or snow) are rare in March, but not impossible in unusual years

If you’re planting sensitive flowers or setting up outdoor events in early March, be prepared for the chance of a late-season cold night.

Humidity, Air Quality, and Pollen

Humidity Levels

Atlanta in March starts to feel more like the Southeast:

• Humidity is noticeable on some days, but not yet as heavy as June–August
• After a rain, it can feel a bit muggy, especially in low‑lying parts of the city or near creeks and green spaces

You’ll still get plenty of crisp, comfortable days, especially when a dry front passes through.

Pollen and Spring Blooms 🌸

Late March is when pollen starts to become a major presence in metro Atlanta:

• Trees begin to bloom, and the city’s famous yellow‑green pollen dust can appear on cars, patios, and sidewalks
• Pollen levels typically ramp up as the month goes on and can be especially noticeable near parks like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Chastain Park, and wooded neighborhoods

Many local news outlets and health organizations provide daily pollen counts for the Atlanta area each spring, which residents often use to plan outdoor activities or cleaning routines.

What to Wear in Atlanta in March

Because March weather in Atlanta is so changeable, layering is the key.

Everyday Clothing Suggestions

For work, school, or sightseeing around the city:

• Base layer: light T‑shirt or long‑sleeve shirt
• Mid‑layer: thin sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer: light to medium‑weight jacket (something you can carry easily)
• Bottoms: jeans, chinos, or comfortable pants; some days are warm enough for lighter fabrics
• Shoes: closed‑toe shoes or sneakers that can handle a surprise shower

If you’re spending time outdoors on the Atlanta BeltLine, in Piedmont Park, or at Zoo Atlanta:

• Wear breathable, comfortable clothes
• Bring a packable rain jacket or small umbrella
• Consider a hat or light sunglasses on bright days

Packing Tips for Visitors

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for a March visit:

• Pack for both cool and mild weather
• Include one slightly warmer layer (like a medium‑weight jacket) for chilly evenings
• Add at least one rain‑friendly outfit (jacket, shoes that can get wet)
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, consider bringing any non‑prescription items you typically use in spring in your home area

How March Weather Affects Getting Around the City

Driving and Traffic

Most days, March weather doesn’t cause major road problems, but there are a few things to know:

• Rain and thunderstorms can slow traffic on major interstates and surface streets
• Visibility can drop quickly in heavy rain, especially during the evening commute
• In the rare case of a cold rain or brief freeze early in the month, bridges and overpasses in the Atlanta area may become slick for short periods

Drivers in Atlanta commonly monitor traffic through local media, navigation apps, and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) updates, especially when a storm system is expected.

MARTA and Public Transit

For those using MARTA rail and buses:

• Rain generally doesn’t stop service, but thunderstorms and high winds can occasionally cause delays
• Covered and indoor stations across Atlanta, such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, and stations along the North and East Lines, provide shelter from sudden showers
• A small umbrella or compact rain jacket is helpful when walking from stations to destinations around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur

Outdoor Activities and Events in March

March weather in Atlanta is often inviting enough to be outside, especially on dry, sunny days.

Popular Outdoor Spots

You’ll typically see more people enjoying:

• Piedmont Park – walking, running, picnics on mild weekends
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails – biking, jogging, patio dining
• Grant Park, Freedom Park, and neighborhood green spaces – early-spring strolls and dog walks
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – early spring blooms as the weather warms up

Because showers can pop up, many locals keep their plans flexible, ready to shift from outdoor activities to indoor options like museums, the Georgia Aquarium, or shopping if rain moves in.

Sports, Festivals, and Games

March usually overlaps with:

• College basketball tournaments and watch parties at local bars and restaurants
• The lead‑up to Atlanta United matches and other spring sports
• Early spring runs, walks, and charity events around the city

Weather‑related adjustments—like start time changes or brief delays—can happen if thunderstorms or heavy rain move through the metro area.

Home and Garden Considerations for March in Atlanta

Yard Work and Planting

Residents across Atlanta often use March to:

• Clean up yards after winter
• Begin planting cool-season flowers and vegetables
• Refresh mulch and garden beds

Because of the possibility of a late frost, especially early in the month:

• Many gardeners wait until mid‑ to late March to plant more sensitive flowers
• Some use covers or bring potted plants inside when a colder night is forecast

Local garden centers and community gardens throughout the metro area often time their spring activity around this same pattern.

Home Maintenance

March’s combination of rain, wind, and pollen leads many homeowners and renters in Atlanta to:

• Check gutters and downspouts for blockages
• Look at rooflines and windows after heavy rain to spot any leaks
• Plan for pollen cleanup on porches, decks, outdoor furniture, and vehicles

Because pollen can layer quickly on surfaces, residents often wait until the peak pollen wave begins to ease before doing deep outdoor cleaning or pressure washing.

Health and Comfort Tips (Non‑Medical)

While avoiding medical advice, there are some general comfort-oriented steps many Atlanta residents find useful in March:

• Keep tissues, eye protection, or face coverings handy outdoors if pollen bothers you
• Use doormats and interior rugs to reduce pollen and mud being tracked inside
• Wipe down porches, railings, and outdoor furniture periodically during heavy pollen weeks
• Wear light layers so you can adjust quickly from a cool morning to a warm afternoon

If weather‑sensitive family members (such as infants, older adults, or those with known sensitivities) are visiting, it can help to track local forecasts closely day by day, since March conditions can shift quickly.

How to Stay Informed About March Weather in Atlanta

Because March weather in Atlanta can change from one day to the next, staying up to date is important, especially for outdoor plans and travel.

Useful steps include:

• Checking the local forecast each morning before commuting, hiking, or driving long distances
• Enabling severe weather alerts on your smartphone
• Paying attention to local TV, radio, or city alerts if strong storms are predicted
• Keeping flashlights and basic supplies where you can reach them easily if a thunderstorm temporarily knocks out power

For official forecasts and alerts covering Atlanta, residents typically rely on:

• The National Weather Service forecast for the Atlanta area
• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) for statewide emergency information
• Local city and county emergency management offices within the metro area

Understanding Atlanta’s March weather means preparing for variety: cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, occasional storms, and the first real taste of Southern spring. With a flexible wardrobe, an eye on the forecast, and a bit of readiness for rain and pollen, March can be one of the most pleasant months to live in or visit Atlanta.