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

December in Atlanta brings the start of true winter weather, but it’s usually milder than what you’ll find in many other parts of the country. If you’re planning holiday travel, outdoor activities, or just wondering how to dress and drive around town, understanding Atlanta’s December weather can make your month a lot easier.

Typical December Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s December weather is best described as cool and changeable, with a mix of crisp sunny days, chilly rain, and the occasional brief cold snap.

Average temperatures

While day-to-day conditions vary, December in Atlanta generally feels like a cool fall month in many northern cities.

Typical December temperatures in Atlanta:

It’s not unusual to get a couple of afternoons in the low 60s, especially early in the month, and a few nights that dip below freezing, especially around or after cold fronts.

Rain, Clouds, and the Chance of Snow

Rain and humidity

December is typically a fairly wet month in Atlanta:

• Expect periodic rain every week or so, often tied to passing fronts.
• Rain is usually light to moderate but can be steady for several hours.
• Humidity can feel high before and during rain, then drop as cooler, drier air moves in behind a front.

Bring a water-resistant jacket or umbrella if you’ll be walking around downtown, Midtown, or near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or Centennial Olympic Park.

Cloud cover and sunshine

December days can be:

• Overcast and gray when systems move through
• Clear and sunny behind cold fronts, with crisp blue skies

Plan for shorter daylight hours, with the sun setting around 5:30 p.m. early in the month and gradually getting slightly later toward New Year’s.

How likely is snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow in Atlanta during December is possible but not common.

• Most years: No measurable snow in December.
• Occasionally: A light dusting or brief flurry, especially late in the month.
• Rarely: A more disruptive winter event with snow or ice.

When wintry weather threatens, even a small amount can slow traffic dramatically and lead to school and event changes, especially on bridges, overpasses, and hilly roads around the metro.

Wind and Cold Snaps

Wind

Typical December winds in Atlanta are:

• Generally light to moderate, often making temperatures feel a bit cooler
• Stronger on days when cold fronts pass through

A breezy 50°F day can feel more like the low 40s, especially if you’re walking around Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or open parking lots around stadiums and venues.

Cold snaps and freezes

Atlanta does experience short, sharp cold snaps in December:

• Nighttime lows can temporarily drop into the 20s°F during colder spells.
• Light hard freezes are possible, which matter for plants, pipes, and pets.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s wise to:

• Protect sensitive outdoor plants
• Make sure outdoor faucets are insulated
• Bring pets indoors on the coldest nights

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Planning your December wardrobe in Atlanta is all about layers. Conditions can swing from cool and comfortable to genuinely cold over the course of a day.

Everyday clothing tips

For walking around neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Inman Park, consider:

• Base layer: T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
• Mid-layer: Light sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket (insulated or lined)
• Bottoms: Jeans or heavier pants (lightweight pants may feel chilly in the morning and at night)
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or sneakers; waterproof shoes are helpful on rainy days

For evenings out

If you’re going to dinner in Downtown, catching a performance at the Fox Theatre, or walking around festive lights:

• Bring a warmer coat (especially if temperatures are near freezing)
• Consider a scarf, hat, and gloves on colder nights
• Women may want tights or leggings under dresses if spending time outside

For outdoor activities

If you’re heading to:

• Piedmont Park
• The Atlanta BeltLine
• Stone Mountain Park
• Outdoor holiday markets or ice rinks

…dress in layers that are easy to remove as you warm up walking or exercising. A lightweight but wind-resistant jacket is useful for breezy days.

Driving and Getting Around Atlanta in December

Road conditions

Most December days feature normal driving conditions: cool, dry, or rainy.

Points to keep in mind:

• Heavy rain can reduce visibility and cause slick spots on major routes like I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector.
• On the rare days when there is ice or snow, even small amounts can cause significant delays, especially on hills and overpasses.

If wintry weather is expected:

• Allow extra time for your commute or airport trip.
• Watch for updates from Atlanta DOT, Georgia DOT, or local news outlets.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

December is a busy travel month at Atlanta’s main airport. Weather-related impacts you might see:

• Rain and low clouds may lead to delays or longer taxi times.
• On the rare wintry days, de-icing operations may slow departures.

Build extra time into your schedule, especially around weekends and major holiday dates.

December Weather and Outdoor Plans in Atlanta

Enjoying holiday events

Atlanta hosts many holiday and seasonal activities that are influenced by weather:

• Outdoor light displays at venues and neighborhoods
• Holiday markets and festivals
• Ice skating rinks and outdoor performances

Tips for attending:

• Dress for standing still in cool air, not just walking.
• Bring a warm layer even if it feels mild in the afternoon—temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
• After a rain system, evenings can feel damp and chilly even if the temperature is not extremely low.

Parks, trails, and outdoor attractions

Places like:

• Piedmont Park
• The BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (northwest of the city)
• Chattahoochee River trails

…are popular in December because humidity is lower and bugs are minimal compared to summer.

For outdoor activities:

• Plan for cooler mornings; starting late morning or early afternoon is often more comfortable.
• Trails can be muddy after rain, so consider sturdy shoes.

Indoor Plans if the Weather Turns Wet or Cold

On colder, rainy December days, Atlanta offers plenty of indoor options:

• Georgia Aquarium – downtown, climate-controlled and good for multi-hour visits
• World of Coca-Cola – next to the aquarium
• High Museum of Art – in Midtown
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – east of downtown
• Shopping and dining districts like Ponce City Market and Lenox Square

Planning some backup indoor activities is a smart idea for visitors and residents alike.

Health, Comfort, and Home Considerations

Indoor heating and dry air

Once heaters run regularly in December, indoor air can feel dry:

• Some people notice dry skin, chapped lips, or static electricity.
• Simple steps like using lip balm, hand lotion, or a humidifier can improve comfort.

Pets and outdoor setups

• Pets that normally spend time outside may need more shelter and warmth in December, especially at night.
• Outdoor hoses and spigots should be disconnected or insulated when a freeze is expected.

Where to Get Reliable Local Weather Information

For up-to-date weather forecasts, advisories, and alerts specific to Atlanta:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  • Serves the Atlanta metro area with detailed forecasts, radar, and alerts.
• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency management offices
  • Share information about severe weather preparedness and local emergency updates.

These official agencies provide the best guidance on hazardous weather, freezes, and rare winter storms that could affect roads, schools, and public services.

Quick Planning Summary for December in Atlanta

Expect in December:

• Cool days, cold nights – highs mainly in the 50s°F, lows in the 30s–40s°F
• Frequent rain but usually not all-day washouts
• Rare but possible light snow or ice, especially late in the month
• Short daylight and early sunsets around 5:30 p.m.

Pack or keep handy:

• 🧥 Medium-weight jacket, plus a heavier coat for colder snaps
• 🧣 Scarf, hat, and gloves for chilly evenings and early mornings
• ☔ Umbrella or rain jacket for wet days
• 👟 Closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes, waterproof if you’ll be outside in the rain

With realistic expectations and a few layers, December in Atlanta is usually comfortable enough for exploring the city, enjoying holiday events, and going about daily life without the extreme winter conditions seen farther north.