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

November in Atlanta, Georgia marks the shift from warm, Southern fall days to the first real hints of winter. If you’re planning a trip, hosting guests, or just trying to plan your month, understanding Atlanta’s November weather will help you pack, dress, and schedule with confidence.

Overall Weather in Atlanta in November

By November, Atlanta has usually moved past the lingering heat of early fall.

Typical Atlanta November weather:

  • High temperatures: often in the 60s°F (around 15–20°C)
  • Low temperatures: often in the 40s°F (around 4–9°C)
  • Feel: cool in the morning and evening, mild to comfortably warm in the afternoon
  • Humidity: usually lower than summer, so it feels drier and more comfortable
  • Rain: scattered showers are possible, but November is not typically the rainiest month

You can expect a mix of crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and cooler nights. Jackets or layers are useful almost every day, especially if you’re out early or late.

Early vs. Late November in Atlanta

Weather in November can feel very different depending on when you’re here.

Early November (around November 1–10)

  • Days are often mild and pleasant
  • Highs frequently sit in the upper 60s°F, sometimes creeping into the low 70s°F on warmer days
  • Evenings and mornings are cool but not usually bitter
  • Perfect for outdoor activities like walking the Atlanta BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland and Inman Park

Mid to Late November (around November 15–30)

  • Temperatures trend cooler overall
  • Daytime highs are more likely in the upper 50s to low 60s°F
  • Overnight lows can dip into the upper 30s°F, and brief light frost is possible in some parts of the metro area
  • Some days can feel winter-like, especially if it’s cloudy or breezy

Around Thanksgiving, it’s common for Atlanta to feel chilly in the mornings and evenings, with comfortable but cooler afternoons. You’ll want a heavier jacket or warm layers if you’re tailgating, attending an outdoor event, or watching parades.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather Potential

How Rainy Is November in Atlanta?

November typically brings occasional rain, but usually not the frequent afternoon thunderstorms that you see in summer.

  • Expect periodic rainy days, often with light to moderate showers
  • Heavy, all-day downpours are less common, but can happen with passing weather systems
  • Thunderstorms are less frequent than in spring and summer, but are still possible

Many days in November are dry and partly sunny, especially early in the month.

Severe Weather and Tornado Risk

While severe weather is not as common in November as in peak spring season, Atlanta can experience strong storms in the fall:

  • Some years bring a secondary severe weather season in late fall
  • Isolated strong storms with gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rain may occur when strong cold fronts move through
  • Tornadoes are rare, but they are not impossible in November

For safety and timely updates in the Atlanta area, residents typically monitor:

  • National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office (covers metro Atlanta)
  • City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Management

These agencies issue watches and warnings that apply to Fulton County and surrounding metro counties.

Daylight and Sunset Times in November

November brings a noticeable change in daylight, especially after the time change.

  • Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday in November
  • After the change, sunset in Atlanta shifts to earlier in the evening, often around 5:30 p.m. or earlier later in the month
  • Mornings get a bit brighter earlier, but evenings feel darker much sooner

This earlier darkness affects commutes, outdoor plans, and events. If you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, consider:

  • Planning outdoor activities earlier in the day
  • Being mindful of reduced visibility when driving during evening rush hour
  • Wearing reflective clothing or using lights if you jog or bike after work

What to Wear in Atlanta in November

Because Atlanta’s November weather fluctuates, layering is the best strategy.

Everyday Clothing Tips

  • Base layer: t-shirts or light long-sleeve shirts
  • Mid-layer: light sweaters, flannels, or hoodies
  • Outer layer: medium-weight jacket, denim jacket, light insulated coat, or fleece
  • Bottoms: jeans, chinos, or other long pants; shorts are less common but may still be comfortable on warmer days
  • Footwear: sneakers, casual boots, or other closed-toe shoes

For locals, this is often the time when short sleeves and a jacket become the standard combination—especially if you’re moving between MARTA, office buildings, and restaurants.

Evening and Event Clothing

If you’re going out in neighborhoods like Midtown, West Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward in the evening:

  • Expect temperatures to feel chilly once the sun goes down
  • Bring a warm jacket, especially if you’re walking between venues or attending outdoor seating at restaurants and rooftop bars
  • For outdoor concerts, sporting events, or festivals, hat and light gloves can be useful toward the end of the month

Packing Guide for Visitors to Atlanta in November

If you’re flying or driving in for a few days or a week, you’ll want to be ready for both mild and cool conditions.

Essential Items to Pack

  • 🧥 Medium-weight jacket (enough for 40s°F at night)
  • 👕 Layers: a mix of t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
  • 🧣 Scarf or light hat for colder mornings or nights
  • 👖 Long pants: jeans, slacks, or casual pants
  • 👟 Comfortable walking shoes for city exploring
  • Compact umbrella or rain jacket for occasional showers

If you expect to spend time hiking at places like Stone Mountain Park, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, or along the Chattahoochee River, add:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers
  • Extra socks
  • A light packable rain layer

Outdoor Activities and Events: How Weather Affects Plans

Enjoying Fall Colors

In the Atlanta area, fall foliage often peaks from late October into early-to-mid November, depending on the year.

  • Neighborhoods like Druid Hills, Grant Park, and Ansley Park are great for tree-lined walks
  • Parks including Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail offer plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities

Cool, dry November days are ideal for long walks, cycling, and picnics—with a light jacket or sweater.

Sports and Festivals

November weather is important if you’re attending:

  • College football games at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium or nearby University of Georgia (Athens)
  • High school football playoff games around the metro area
  • Fall festivals, markets, and outdoor events in Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, or Marietta Square

Most of these events continue unless there is heavy rain or lightning. Bleachers and stadium seating can feel cooler than the air temperature, so many locals bring:

  • Cushions or blankets
  • Gloves, especially for night games
  • A rain poncho if showers are in the forecast

Driving and Commuting in November Weather

Atlanta does not typically see snow or ice in November, but cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets affect driving conditions.

Traffic and Visibility

  • Evening commutes often happen in the dark after the time change
  • Rainy evenings can reduce visibility on major roads such as I-75/85, I-20, and I-285
  • Glare from wet roads and headlights can be more intense after sunset

Consider:

  • Allowing extra time for rush-hour commutes
  • Checking headlights, tail lights, and wiper blades
  • Slowing down on wet roads and during heavy rain

Indoor vs. Outdoor Planning in Atlanta in November

Because November brings a mix of mild and chilly days, it’s smart to build flexibility into your plans.

Good Weather Days

Take advantage of milder, sunnier days to:

  • Walk the Atlanta BeltLine
  • Spend time at Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, or Grant Park
  • Visit outdoor attractions like Zoo Atlanta or the grounds at Atlanta History Center

Cooler or Rainy Days

On colder, windy, or rainy November days, Atlanta offers plenty of indoor options:

  • Museums like the High Museum of Art, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, or Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  • Indoor attractions such as Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
  • Shopping at Ponce City Market, Lenox Square, or Atlantic Station

Planning a mix of indoor and outdoor options helps you adjust quickly to day-to-day changes in November weather.

Quick-View: Typical Atlanta November Weather

Use this as a general planning guide; day-to-day conditions can vary.

Weather FactorWhat You Can Generally Expect in Atlanta in November
Daytime HighsMostly upper 50s to upper 60s°F
Nighttime LowsMostly upper 30s to upper 40s°F
HumidityMore comfortable than summer, often moderate to low
RainOccasional showers, some fronts with heavier rain
StormsA few strong storms possible, but not frequent
Snow/IceUnlikely in November in Atlanta
Best ClothingLayers + light/medium jacket, closed-toe shoes
DaylightShorter days; early sunsets after time change

Where Atlantans Get Local Weather Information

To stay on top of changing November conditions, especially for storms or temperature swings, people in Atlanta commonly use:

  • Local TV weather from stations based in Atlanta
  • National Weather Service forecasts for Atlanta and Fulton County
  • Weather apps with location set to Atlanta, GA

If you live or are staying in Atlanta, enabling location-based alerts on your phone can help you get notified of severe weather watches and warnings specific to your part of the metro area.

Understanding Atlanta weather in November helps you plan clothing, activities, travel, and events with fewer surprises. Expect cool mornings, mild afternoons, and cooler evenings, with occasional rainy days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy late fall around the city.