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

Atlanta in October is when the long, hot summer finally gives way to real fall weather. If you’re planning a trip, hosting an event, or just trying to figure out when to pack away the shorts, October is one of the most comfortable and popular months in the city.

Below is a practical guide to weather in Atlanta in October—temperatures, rain, what to wear, and how it affects local activities.

Typical October Weather in Atlanta

October is usually mild, dry, and pleasantly cool, especially compared to the muggy summer.

General patterns:

• High temperatures: Often in the low to mid-70s°F early in the month, cooling to the mid-60s°F by late October.
• Low temperatures: Commonly in the 50s°F, with some mornings dipping into the 40s°F, especially late in the month.
• Humidity: Noticeably lower and more comfortable than summer.
• Rain: October tends to be one of the drier months, but showers and a few stormy days are still possible.
• Daylight: Shorter days as the month goes on, with the sun setting earlier each week.

You can usually count on warm afternoons and cool evenings, which makes October a prime time for outdoor events around Atlanta.

Quick October Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

These are typical patterns and can vary from year to year, but they give a solid sense of what Atlanta’s October feels like.

How It Feels Day to Day

Mornings

Atlanta October mornings often feel crisp and cool:

• You may see light jackets, hoodies, or sweaters during school drop-off or MARTA commutes.
• If you’re out walking in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or Grant Park, the cooler air is usually refreshing, not harsh.
• Some mornings can feel chilly in shaded or higher spots, such as parts of Buckhead or near Stone Mountain.

Afternoons

By midday, it often warms into the comfortable 60s and 70s°F:

• Short sleeves, jeans, or light pants are typically enough.
• Outdoor patios at spots around Midtown, the BeltLine, or Ponce City Market stay busy because it’s rarely too hot or too cold.
• Direct sun can still feel warm, especially in the first half of the month, but not like summer’s heat.

Evenings and Nights

Once the sun goes down:

• Temperatures usually drop quickly, especially on clear, dry nights.
• A light to medium-weight jacket is often needed if you’re out in Downtown, West Midtown, or at an outdoor concert.
• If you’re attending sports events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, remember indoor games may feel different from the cooler walk to and from parking or MARTA.

Rain, Storms, and Weather Systems in October

October is not typically a very rainy month in Atlanta, but it’s not bone-dry either.

What to expect:

• Light to moderate showers that pass through with frontal systems.
• A few cloudy, cool days, especially when a cold front moves through.
• Thunderstorms are less frequent than in summer but can still occur.

Occasionally, remnants of tropical systems from the Atlantic or Gulf can bring periods of heavier rain and gusty winds to metro Atlanta, even in October. These are less common, but when they do happen, you may see:

• Several hours or a day or two of steady rain
• Wet roads on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285
• Minor flooding in low-lying or poor-drainage areas

For updated forecasts, Atlanta residents often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (serves the Atlanta area)
  • 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  • Forecasts and alerts for the entire metro region

Air Quality, Allergies, and Visibility

Air Quality

Compared to summer, October in Atlanta generally has:

• Better air quality, with fewer ozone-related issues.
• Clearer skies and better visibility on many days.

However, particle pollution can still be an issue on certain days, especially during dry stretches or when there’s regional smoke, so checking your daily forecast is still helpful if you are sensitive to air quality.

Seasonal Allergies

October can be a mixed month for allergies:

• Ragweed and other fall pollens may still be present, particularly in early October.
• Mold spores can increase after wet periods with fallen leaves on the ground.

If you’re sensitive, it’s wise to:

• Check daily pollen forecasts for the Atlanta metro area.
• Keep car and home windows closed on days with high pollen or mold counts.

What to Wear in Atlanta in October

Packing or dressing for Atlanta weather in October is mostly about layers.

Essentials:

• Light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings
• Short-sleeve shirts or light long sleeves for midday
• Jeans, chinos, or casual pants; shorts may still work on warmer days early in the month
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sneakers for walking and events
• Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for passing showers

If you’re attending dressier events—such as a show at the Fox Theatre or a dinner in Buckhead—a light fall coat or smart sweater generally works well over regular attire.

For outdoor sports (youth leagues, college games, or a visit to a pumpkin patch outside the city), consider:

• A layered top (T-shirt + light hoodie)
• Hat or cap for midday sun, especially early October
• Sunscreen on sunny days; it may not feel hot, but UV exposure still matters

How October Weather Shapes Atlanta Activities

Festivals and Events

October is prime season for:

• Neighborhood festivals in places like Cabbagetown, Little Five Points, and Decatur
• Outdoor markets and art shows along the Atlanta BeltLine
• Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall farms just outside metro Atlanta

The comfortable temperatures mean events are rarely canceled due to heat, but you should still:

• Bring a jacket for evening concerts or outdoor movie nights
• Expect cooler breezes in open spaces like Piedmont Park or Grant Park

Sports and Outdoor Recreation

With lower humidity and cooler temperatures, October is a great month for:

• Walking or biking on the Atlanta BeltLine
• Hiking around Stone Mountain Park or Kennesaw Mountain
• Attending football games or soccer matches

Morning runs or walks in areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Westside are usually comfortable, with cooler, crisp air and less intense sun.

Travel and Transportation

If you’re flying into or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, October weather typically causes fewer summer-style thunderstorm delays, but you might still see:

• Occasional delays from passing frontal systems bringing clouds and rain
• Some windy, cooler days after cold fronts move through

For driving:

• Early morning fog can occur, especially near rivers and low-lying spots.
• Wet leaves after rain can make residential streets a bit slick, so use caution.

Planning Events in Atlanta in October

If you’re planning a wedding, outdoor party, or corporate event in October:

• Afternoon events (2–5 p.m.) usually enjoy mild temperatures and plenty of light.
• Evening events (after 6 p.m.) can feel cool or even chilly, particularly later in the month.
• It’s smart to have:
  • Outdoor heaters or blankets for late-October evenings
  • A tent or covered area as a backup for rain
  • Clear communication with guests about dressing in layers

Locations with indoor-outdoor flexibility—such as venues in Midtown, Buckhead, or along the BeltLine—can give you a backup plan if a rainy front passes through.

Where to Check Reliable Weather for Atlanta

For the most accurate, up-to-date Atlanta October weather information, residents and visitors commonly use:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City / Atlanta Area Office
  • Address: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  • Provides local forecasts, radar, and weather alerts tailored to metro Atlanta

You can also monitor local TV and radio forecasts based in Atlanta, which often give neighborhood-level detail (for example, differences between Downtown, the northern suburbs, and areas south of the city).

Atlanta in October offers comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and plenty of clear days, making it one of the best months to enjoy everything from BeltLine walks to festivals in the parks. With a few layers and a light rain jacket, you’ll be ready for almost anything the month brings.