Weather Averages in Atlanta: What to Expect Month by Month

Atlanta’s weather can feel like a little bit of everything: mild winters, long warm seasons, sudden thunderstorms, and plenty of humidity. Understanding weather averages in Atlanta helps whether you’re planning a visit, moving to the city, or just trying to time outdoor events.

Below is a clear look at typical temperatures, rainfall, and seasonal patterns in Atlanta, Georgia, along with practical tips for daily life in the city.

At a Glance: Average Weather in Atlanta

The table below summarizes typical monthly weather averages in Atlanta. Actual conditions vary from year to year, but these are common ranges many residents recognize.

Key takeaways:

• Warm to hot from May through September.
• Shortest, coolest season is December through February, but still mild compared to many U.S. cities.
• Rain is spread year‑round, with spring and summer thunderstorms being common.
• Snow is rare and usually light, but winter weather can still disrupt roads and travel.

Atlanta’s Climate in Simple Terms

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate:

• Hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
• Short, mild winters with occasional cold snaps.
• Long spring and fall seasons that can be very comfortable, but also bring pollen and quick temperature swings.

Because Atlanta sits in the Piedmont region (not on the coast and not in the mountains), it avoids the most extreme versions of coastal hurricanes or alpine snow, but can still be influenced by both Gulf moisture and cold air from the north.

Season by Season: What Atlanta Weather Really Feels Like

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Average highs: low‑ to mid‑50s
Average lows: upper‑30s to low‑40s

Most winter days in Atlanta feel cool rather than bitterly cold. You’ll see:

• Many days in the 50s or even 60s°F.
• Chilly mornings and nights, but daytime can be comfortable with a light jacket.
• Occasional freezing nights and a few days each year that struggle to get out of the 30s.

Snow and ice in Atlanta

• Snow is infrequent, and when it does fall, it’s often light and melts quickly.
• Ice and freezing rain can cause more issues than snow, particularly on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑20, and bridges in and around Midtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter.
• Even small amounts of winter precipitation can lead to delays, closures, and slick roads, because the city is not designed for heavy snow operations.

Practical tips for winter in Atlanta

• Keep layers handy: a light jacket or sweater for the day and a heavier coat for the occasional cold snap.
• If there’s a winter weather advisory, consider avoiding steep or less‑traveled roads, especially around northwest Atlanta and the higher areas near Vinings and Sandy Springs.
• Check local updates from Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management or broadcasts out of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you’re flying.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Average highs: mid‑60s in March up to upper‑70s/around 80 by May
Average lows: mid‑40s in March to upper‑50s in May

Spring is one of Atlanta’s most popular seasons:

• Temperatures climb quickly from cool to warm.
• March and April can swing from chilly mornings to mild afternoons.
• Rain is common, especially in March and April, and thunderstorms begin to pick up.

Pollen and allergies

Atlanta is well‑known for its spring pollen, especially:

• Pine, oak, and other tree pollens.
• Pollen dust on cars, sidewalks, and outdoor seating, especially in Buckhead, Midtown, and tree‑lined neighborhoods like Virginia‑Highland and Druid Hills.

Those who are sensitive often pay extra attention during March and April, when counts tend to peak.

Practical tips for spring

• Ideal time for outdoor visits to Piedmont Park, Atlanta BeltLine, and Atlanta Botanical Garden thanks to comfortable daytime weather.
• Keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy; passing showers are common.
• If pollen bothers you, consider keeping windows closed and using indoor air filters, especially when yellow pollen is visible outside.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Average highs: mid‑ to upper‑80s, often reaching into the low‑90s
Average lows: mid‑60s to low‑70s

Summer in Atlanta is usually hot and humid:

• Many afternoons reach or exceed 90°F, especially in July and August.
• Humidity makes it feel hotter, especially in areas with lots of pavement like Downtown, Midtown, and around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are very common.

Rain and thunderstorms

• Rain often comes in brief but heavy bursts, especially later in the day.
• Thunderstorms can bring:
  • Lightning
  • Localized flooding, especially in low‑lying areas or near creeks such as Peachtree Creek and spots along the BeltLine
  • Gusty winds

These storms usually pass quickly, but can temporarily disrupt outdoor events and rush‑hour traffic.

Heat considerations

• Outdoor activities in midday can feel intense, particularly on concrete and asphalt.
• Public spaces like Centennial Olympic Park, Grant Park, and the Atlanta Zoo are often more pleasant earlier in the morning or toward evening.

Practical tips for summer in Atlanta

• Plan outdoor activities (beltline walks, park outings, runs) during early morning or late evening when possible.
• Expect strong air‑conditioning in most buildings, including MARTA stations, office buildings, and malls, so having a light layer can still be useful indoors.
• Watch for afternoon storm forecasts if you’re planning outdoor festivals, concerts, or ballgames at Truist Park.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Average highs: low‑80s in September dropping to low‑60s in November
Average lows: upper‑60s to low‑40s across the season

Many locals consider fall the best time of year in Atlanta:

• September can still feel like late summer—warm and somewhat humid.
• October often brings pleasant days in the 70s°F with cooler evenings.
• November feels more like a mild early winter in some regions, with highs in the low‑60s and crisp mornings.

Rain and storms in fall

• Rainfall continues but is usually less intense than summer thunderstorms.
• Remnants of tropical systems from the Gulf or Atlantic can occasionally bring a day or two of heavier rain and gusty winds, but direct hits are uncommon this far inland.

Fall foliage

• Trees around Atlanta’s neighborhoods, parks, and along Ponce de Leon Avenue and in areas like Inman Park and Candler Park offer notable color in late October and November.
• Day trips to North Georgia (such as near Stone Mountain or further toward the mountains) are popular for leaf‑peeping and benefit from Atlanta’s generally stable fall weather.

Practical tips for fall

• Ideal time for outdoor festivals, including events in Piedmont Park, street festivals in Little Five Points, and neighborhood markets.
• Layer with a light jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you’re out at rooftop venues in Midtown or near Old Fourth Ward.

Rainfall Patterns in Atlanta

Atlanta receives consistent rainfall throughout the year, typically totaling several dozen inches annually. Residents often notice:

• Wettest feel: Late winter through early summer (roughly February–July), with both frontal systems and thunderstorms contributing.
• Drier feel: Late summer into early fall (August–October can feel a bit drier, though not rain‑free).
• Thunderstorm season: Mainly late spring through summer, featuring:
  • Brief but heavy downpours
  • Lightning
  • Occasional small hail or gusty winds

Urban areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Westside can see temporary street flooding during sudden heavy rains, especially at low points and underpasses. Drivers often plan alternative routes when strong storm cells are forecast during rush hour.

Humidity, Heat Index, and “Real Feel” Temperatures

Even when the thermometer shows mid‑80s°F, summer humidity in Atlanta can make it feel several degrees hotter.

• Humidity tends to be highest in June, July, and August.
• Areas with more shade and greenery—such as Decatur, parts of East Atlanta, and neighborhoods with mature trees—may feel slightly more comfortable than heavily built‑up zones.
• Nights often stay warm and muggy, especially within the Perimeter (I‑285) due to the “urban heat island” effect.

For anyone spending significant time outdoors—construction workers, delivery drivers, or those exercising along the BeltLine—it’s common to plan the hardest activity for earlier in the day.

Extreme Weather: What’s Typical in Atlanta

Severe thunderstorms

• Can occur any time of year, but more likely from spring into summer.
• May bring:
  • Frequent lightning
  • Strong winds
  • Localized flooding
• Outdoor events in places like Chastain Park Amphitheatre or Truist Park are routinely monitored for lightning in the area.

Tornadoes

• Tornadoes are possible but not everyday events.
• Surrounding regions in North and Central Georgia see occasional severe weather outbreaks in spring and sometimes late fall.
• Metro Atlanta residents typically rely on TV, radio, phone alerts, and sirens in some areas when severe weather is expected.

Tropical influences

• Atlanta is far enough inland that full hurricanes are rare here, but the city can experience:
  • Heavy rain
  • Gusty winds
  • Downed branches or power lines
• These effects typically come from weakened tropical storms or depressions passing through the region.

Microclimates Around Metro Atlanta

Within the Atlanta metro area, conditions can differ slightly from place to place on the same day:

• Urban core (Downtown/Midtown)
  Often a bit warmer, especially at night, due to pavement and buildings storing heat.
• Northern suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta)
  May be a degree or two cooler, with slightly less of an urban heat effect and more tree cover.
• Higher elevations and open areas
  Locations with fewer buildings and more open land can cool more quickly at night, especially in fall and winter.

These differences aren’t huge on paper, but they can affect how it feels when you’re choosing where and when to go for a walk, run, or outdoor dining.

Checking Current Weather and Alerts in Atlanta

While averages help you plan the general season, day‑to‑day weather can change quickly—especially with thunderstorms.

For up‑to‑date local conditions, forecasts, and severe weather alerts specific to Atlanta, residents often use:

• TV and radio stations based in Atlanta
• Weather apps and sites that allow zip‑code‑specific forecasts (e.g., 30303 for Downtown, 30308–30309 for Midtown, 30318 for Westside, 30305 for Buckhead)
• Official National Weather Service coverage for the Atlanta area

Local governments such as the City of Atlanta and Fulton County maintain communication channels for emergency alerts, especially for flooding, severe storms, and winter weather that may affect roads, transit, and city services.

How to Use Atlanta Weather Averages in Everyday Planning

Here’s how many people in Atlanta use these averages in practice:

• Travel planning
  • Spring (March–May) and fall (October–early November) are often seen as the most comfortable times to visit.
  • Summer trips are common but require planning for heat and storms.
• Outdoor events
  • Large outdoor festivals often cluster in April–May and September–October to take advantage of milder temperatures.
• Clothing choices
  • Most Atlantans keep summer clothing ready from around April through October.
  • A medium‑weight jacket and a few cold‑weather items suffice for most winters.
• Home and car preparation
  • Good air conditioning is important from late spring through early fall.
  • In winter, even though extreme cold is rare, it’s helpful to have basic supplies in cars during potential ice days because small winter events can still cause major slowdowns.

Understanding Atlanta’s weather averages helps you time your activities, pack the right clothing, and know what to expect across the year. While day‑to‑day conditions can vary, the city’s pattern of mild winters, long warm seasons, and frequent but manageable rain and storms is very consistent from year to year.