Atlanta Weather by Season: What to Expect All Year

Understanding Atlanta’s yearly weather helps you plan your commute, outdoor plans, and trips around the city. From humid summers at Piedmont Park to cool fall mornings along the BeltLine, Atlanta’s climate has a clear rhythm you can learn and work with.

Below is a practical, month‑by‑month look at Atlanta weather across the year, plus what locals typically wear and how visitors can prepare.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which usually means:

• Mild winters with occasional brief cold snaps and rare snow
• Warm, often hot summers with high humidity
• Quick-changing spring and fall with big temperature swings
• Thunderstorms mainly from late spring through summer
• Hurricane season influences (mainly heavy rain and wind from coastal storms, not direct hits)

Quick Yearly Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

These are typical ranges across the city, including neighborhoods from Buckhead to East Atlanta and Midtown.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is usually short and relatively mild compared to many U.S. cities, but it can surprise new residents and visitors.

Temperatures and Conditions

• Daytime highs: Often in the 40s to 50s°F
• Nighttime lows: Commonly 30s°F, dipping below freezing on some nights
• Snow and ice:
  • Snow is infrequent and usually light.
  • Ice and freezing rain can occasionally cause slick roads and power outages, especially on bridges and elevated sections of I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400.
• Precipitation: Winter tends to be fairly wet, with cold rain more common than snow.

What Locals Plan For

• A warm coat, layers, and a waterproof jacket are useful from December through February.
• Morning commutes can start near freezing, then warm into the 50s by afternoon.
• When winter storms are predicted, local schools and offices may adjust hours or close, and MARTA can operate with delays.

💡 Tip: For winter weather alerts, many Atlantans keep an eye on:

• The National Weather Service Atlanta Forecast Office
• City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County emergency management updates

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta is known for big temperature swings and a very noticeable pollen season.

Temperatures and Conditions

• March: Often in the 60s by day, 40s by night
• April: Common highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• May: Frequently near 80°F with rising humidity
• Rain: Showers and thunderstorms become more frequent, especially later in spring.

Pollen Season

• Trees and plants around Grant Park, Inman Park, and along the BeltLine produce heavy pollen, often visible as a yellow dust on cars and sidewalks.
• Many residents notice scratchy throats or itchy eyes during peak pollen days; people commonly keep windows closed and rely more on indoor air conditioning.

What Locals Plan For

• Layers are essential: a cool, dry morning can turn into a warm, humid afternoon.
• Light rain jackets and umbrella are commonly kept in cars or bags.
• Outdoor events (like festivals in Piedmont Park or concerts at Chastain Park Amphitheatre) often start ramping up, with weather ranging from perfect to stormy on short notice.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is typically hot, humid, and stormy, with many days feeling hotter than the actual temperature because of the moisture in the air.

Temperatures and Conditions

• Daytime highs: Often upper‑80s to low‑90s°F, with some days hotter
• Nighttime lows: Commonly in the 70s°F, especially in the urban core
• Humidity: Frequently high, making it feel sticky, especially downtown and in dense areas like Midtown and Atlantic Station.
• Thunderstorms:
  • Afternoon pop-up storms are common, especially on hot days.
  • These can bring heavy rain, lightning, and brief gusty winds.

Heat and Outdoor Life

• Locals often plan outdoor activities at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and Stone Mountain Park for early morning or late evening to avoid the peak heat.
• Air conditioning is standard in homes, apartments, offices, and MARTA trains.
• Heat indexes (what it “feels like”) can reach the upper‑90s°F or higher during mid‑summer.

What Locals Plan For

• Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water for any outdoor time.
• Parking in covered decks or shaded spots is common to avoid getting back into a very hot car.
• Residents pay attention to severe thunderstorm warnings, especially for strong winds, lightning, or localized flooding under heavy downpours.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is many residents’ favorite season in Atlanta, mixing milder temperatures with lower humidity and colorful foliage.

Temperatures and Conditions

• September: Often still feels like late summer, with highs in the 80s°F, gradually cooling.
• October: Many days in the 70s°F, with crisp mornings in the 50s°F.
• November: Highs often in the 60s°F, lows in the 40s°F.
• Humidity: Generally drops, making the air feel more comfortable.
• Storms: Thunderstorms decrease, but remnants of tropical systems can still bring occasional heavy rain.

Fall Foliage and Events

• Trees in Piedmont Park, Oakland Cemetery, and neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland show bright fall color typically in late October into November.
• Weather is often ideal for outdoor festivals, hiking at Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain, and walking the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine.

What Locals Plan For

• Light jackets or sweaters for mornings and evenings, with short sleeves comfortable mid‑day.
• Windows at home may stay open more often to enjoy the cooler, drier air.
• Homeowners often schedule HVAC checkups during fall to prepare for the coming winter and confirm cooling systems handled summer properly.

Month‑by‑Month Overview of Atlanta Weather

Below is a generalized view of how the year tends to feel in Atlanta. Actual conditions vary from year to year, but this gives you a local-style planning guide.

January

• Typical feel: Cold mornings, cool afternoons, often damp
• You’ll see: Coats, scarves, and occasional talk of possible flurries or ice
• Planning tip: Extra time for the commute when freezing rain or black ice is mentioned in forecasts.

February

• Typical feel: Still winterlike, but with a few early spring-style days mixed in
• You’ll see: Occasional 60°F+ days, but cold snaps still occur
• Planning tip: Keep winter gear handy; spring isn’t fully settled yet.

March

• Typical feel: Transition month; chilly mornings, milder afternoons
• You’ll see: More outdoor activity returning to parks and patios on warm days
• Planning tip: Layers for big day-to-night changes; rainy spells are common.

April

• Typical feel: Spring in full swing; comfortable but changeable
• You’ll see: Pollen at its peak, trees fully leafing out
• Planning tip: Plan around occasional thunderstorms, especially late afternoon and early evening.

May

• Typical feel: Warm to hot; beginning to feel more like summer
• You’ll see: Shorts and t‑shirts are common; pool season begins to open
• Planning tip: Hydrate more on warmer days; keep an umbrella nearby.

June

• Typical feel: Summer heat settles in; humid
• You’ll see: Afternoon thunderstorm patterns becoming more regular
• Planning tip: Outdoor workouts and dog walks often move to early morning.

July

• Typical feel: One of the hottest, most humid months
• You’ll see: Crowded pools, indoor attractions (museums, malls) especially midday
• Planning tip: Limit prolonged midday exposure, use shade and AC when possible.

August

• Typical feel: Very similar to July, occasionally even more humid
• You’ll see: Strong afternoon storms and steamy evenings
• Planning tip: Check forecasts for storm timing if you’re heading to outdoor events or Braves games at Truist Park.

September

• Typical feel: Warm, slowly easing out of peak summer heat
• You’ll see: Cooler evenings toward month’s end; fewer but still possible strong storms
• Planning tip: Good month for late‑season outdoor plans, still warm enough for pools and lakes.

October

• Typical feel: Comfortable days, cooler nights, generally low humidity
• You’ll see: Light jackets, outdoor dining, festivals, and football crowds
• Planning tip: Ideal for visitors who want pleasant weather for walking downtown or around Midtown.

November

• Typical feel: Cool mornings, mild afternoons; definite fall feeling
• You’ll see: Changing leaves, sweaters, and jackets in the mornings
• Planning tip: Heating systems start to run more regularly; a good time to test them.

December

• Typical feel: Cool to cold, with some mild days mixed in
• You’ll see: More gray, rainy days; occasional sharp cold fronts
• Planning tip: Have cold‑weather layers ready for evening events like holiday markets and light displays around Atlantic Station or Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Rain, Storms, and Tropical Influences

Everyday Rain Patterns

• Rain can occur in any month, but:
  • Late spring through summer: More frequent thunderstorms
  • Winter: More extended periods of cold or cool rain

Most neighborhoods see short, heavy showers rather than all‑day rain, especially in summer.

Thunderstorms

• Common in late afternoon or evening during warm months
• Can bring:
  • Lightning
  • Heavy rain that can briefly overwhelm storm drains
  • Gusty winds that occasionally bring down branches or cause outages

Residents often monitor weather before:

• Driving long distances on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20
• Outdoor events, concerts, or sports

Tropical Systems

While Atlanta is far from the coast, it can still feel the effects of Gulf or Atlantic tropical systems, especially from:

• June through November (hurricane season)

Typical impacts in Atlanta:

• Heavy rain
• Periods of gusty wind
• Localized flooding in low-lying spots and underpasses

Emergency alerts may come from:

• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
• Local county emergency management offices

How Atlanta Weather Affects Daily Life

Commuting and Transportation

• Rain and storms: Slow traffic on I‑285, Downtown Connector, GA‑400, and surface streets.
• Ice events: Rare but disruptive; bridges and overpasses freeze faster.
• MARTA: Rail and bus services typically continue in most weather, but strong storms or ice can cause delays.

Homes and Apartments

• Most places rely on central heating and air conditioning due to the winter chill and summer humidity.
• Residents commonly:
  • Change air filters before peak summer and winter
  • Use ceiling fans to help manage indoor comfort in warmer months
  • Seal windows and doors before winter for better insulation

Outdoor Activities

Because of Atlanta’s generally mild climate:

• Outdoor recreation is possible nearly year-round with seasonal adjustments:
  • Winter: Hiking in cooler air, bundled-up park walks
  • Spring/Fall: Ideal for festivals, running events, patio dining
  • Summer: Early morning or late evening outings to avoid afternoon heat

Practical Weather Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here are simple, local-style habits that help people deal with Atlanta weather year-round:

• Check the forecast daily
  Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and summer.

• Keep a small umbrella in your car or bag
  Summer storms often pop up with limited lead time.

• Plan outdoor time by season

  • Spring/Fall: Midday is usually comfortable.
  • Summer: Mornings and evenings are best.
  • Winter: Aim for the warmest part of the day (afternoon).

• Prepare for pollen in spring
  Many locals:

  • Wash cars more often
  • Keep windows closed
  • Use air conditioning to filter indoor air

• Store seasonal clothing wisely
  You’ll use:

  • Light, breathable clothes from roughly May through September
  • Layers, jackets, and rain gear from roughly November through March

Where Atlantans Commonly Get Weather Information

For up-to-date local conditions, storm alerts, and forecasts, residents often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office
  Provides local watches, warnings, and detailed forecasts for the metro area.

• City and County Emergency Management
  Agencies in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties push alerts during severe weather events, especially winter storms or flooding.

• Local news weather teams
  Many Atlantans check TV or mobile apps from major local stations for hourly and 7‑day outlooks.

These sources help with decisions like whether to delay a drive, reschedule outdoor plans, or prepare for potential power outages in stronger storms.

Understanding Atlanta’s yearly weather means knowing it’s generally mild, but with hot, humid summers and occasionally chilly, stormy, or icy days in winter. With the right expectations and a few simple habits—checking the forecast, dressing in layers, and planning around heat and storms—you can stay comfortable and make the most of Atlanta’s weather in every season.