Sunday Weather in Atlanta: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Day

Checking the Sunday weather in Atlanta is almost a weekly ritual for anyone planning brunch on the BeltLine, a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or a family day at Piedmont Park. While specific conditions change from week to week, there are clear patterns in how Sundays typically feel in Atlanta throughout the year—and smart ways to plan around them.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to understanding what Sunday weather is usually like, how it shifts by season, and how to plan outdoor and travel activities around it.

How Atlanta’s Weather Typically Feels on a Sunday

Atlanta’s Sunday weather is not much different from any other day that week, but seasonal patterns matter a lot. In general:

• Winters are cool to mild, with occasional cold snaps and rare snow or ice.
• Springs warm quickly, with rain and thunderstorms becoming more common.
• Summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon storms.
• Falls are often the most comfortable, with cooler mornings and mild afternoons.

If you’re asking about “weather for Atlanta Sunday,” you’re usually trying to answer questions like:

• Is it a good day for outdoor plans (parks, festivals, sports)?
• Will I need rain gear or layers?
• Is it safe to drive or fly in or out of ATL?
• Will humidity or heat make outdoor time uncomfortable?

The sections below break that down by season and give practical planning tips tailored to Atlanta.

Typical Sunday Weather by Season in Atlanta

Use this quick overview table as a starting point, then read the sections that follow for more detail.

These are general ranges, not a real-time forecast, but they give a realistic sense of what a typical Sunday feels like in Atlanta.

Winter Sundays in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is variable. One Sunday can be sunny and near 60°F, and the next can bring cold rain or a brief freeze.

What Winter Sundays Usually Feel Like

• Temperature: Often in the 40s–50s°F during the day, dipping into the 30s°F at night.
• Precipitation: Light to moderate rain is more common than snow.
• Snow/Ice: Snow and ice are uncommon, but disruptive when they occur. Even a light glaze can make I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA-400 hazardous.

How to Plan a Winter Sunday in Atlanta

• For outdoor walks along the BeltLine or Piedmont Park:
  • Dress in layers; mornings can feel much colder than mid-afternoon.
  • Keep a water-resistant jacket handy if there’s a chance of showers.
• For driving:
  • If freezing rain or snow is in the forecast, allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips on hilly neighborhood streets.
• For visitors flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
  • Winter weather can slow flights even if snow doesn’t stick.
  • Check flight status before heading to the airport.

Spring Sundays in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring Sundays are often pleasant and busy around the city, with people packing patios, trails, and festivals—but also keeping an eye on the sky for storms.

What Spring Sundays Usually Feel Like

• Temperature: Ranges from upper 50s°F in early March to upper 70s or low 80s°F by May.
• Rain and storms:
  • Scattered showers and thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon and evening.
  • Storms can be brief but intense with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

How to Plan a Spring Sunday in Atlanta

• For parks and outdoor events (Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Chastain Park):
  • Mornings are often the least stormy, making them ideal for walks or runs.
  • Pack a light jacket and umbrella or poncho, especially in March and April.
• For events and festivals:
  • Popular Sunday events and markets may go forward in light rain but can pause or close during thunderstorms.
  • Build flexibility into your plans if storms are in the forecast.
• For driving and walking:
  • During heavy showers, some streets can pond or briefly flood, especially around low-lying areas.
  • Avoid walking or driving through standing water.

Summer Sundays in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is known for heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. This is when “What will the weather be like on Sunday?” matters most for comfort and safety.

What Summer Sundays Usually Feel Like

• Temperature: Daytime highs often climb into the upper 80s or 90s°F, with high humidity making it feel hotter.
• Humidity: Very humid, especially by midday and afternoon.
• Storms:
  • Pop-up thunderstorms are common in the late afternoon and early evening.
  • These storms can be short but intense, with lightning, heavy rain, and gusty winds.

How to Plan a Summer Sunday in Atlanta

• Best time for outdoor activities:
  • Aim for early morning (before 10 a.m.) or later in the evening for things like:
    • Walking the Atlanta BeltLine
    • Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden
    • Playing at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, or Grant Park
• Heat and sun tips:
  • Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
  • Keep water with you, especially if you’re walking, hiking, or attending an outdoor game.
• Thunderstorm awareness:
  • If you hear thunder, seek shelter indoors or in a hard-topped vehicle.
  • Outdoor pools, sports fields, and rooftop venues in Atlanta typically pause activities during lightning.

Fall Sundays in Atlanta (September–November)

Many residents consider fall the best season for Sunday plans in Atlanta. The heat breaks, humidity drops, and the city’s event calendar is full.

What Fall Sundays Usually Feel Like

• Temperature: Often 60s–70s°F during the day, cooler in the mornings and evenings.
• Humidity: Generally lower than in summer, especially in October and November.
• Rain: Less frequent than spring and summer, but showers and the occasional storm still occur.

How to Plan a Fall Sunday in Atlanta

• Outdoor sports and events:
  • Ideal for Falcons games, college football, and neighborhood festivals.
  • Great weather for ribbons of the BeltLine, Atlanta’s trails, and local hikes like Stone Mountain (outside the city).
• Clothing:
  • Plan on layering: a light jacket or sweater in the morning, short sleeves by afternoon.
• Leaf season trips:
  • If you’re using Atlanta as a base for a North Georgia leaf-viewing drive on Sunday, check both the Atlanta forecast and the mountain forecast, since it’s often cooler and wetter in higher elevations.

Planning Common Sunday Activities Around Atlanta Weather

Brunch, Patios, and Rooftops

A classic Atlanta Sunday often includes brunch and maybe a rooftop or patio:

• In summer, aim for earlier brunch times to avoid peak heat.
• In winter, check if the restaurant has covered or heated seating.
• In spring and summer, be prepared for sudden showers; most spots will move patrons inside if storms roll through.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Attractions

Popular Sunday spots include:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside and Westside Trails)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Neighborhood parks like Candler Park, Grant Park, and others

Weather tips:

• Check radar if storms are possible, especially in warm months.
• On hot Sundays, plan high-activity outings for early morning and keep lower-effort activities (picnics, short walks) for later.
• On cool or breezy Sundays, bring a light layer even if the midday forecast looks mild.

Driving, Transit, and Flying on Sundays

• Highways: Rain can slow traffic on I-285, I-75, I-85, and I-20, especially near major interchanges and construction zones.
• MARTA: If rain is heavy, MARTA rail is often more predictable than driving, especially for downtown or Midtown events.
• Airport (ATL):
  • Thunderstorms, especially in summer afternoons, can cause delays.
  • On winter Sundays, icy conditions (even minor) can affect schedules.

When to Check the Forecast for an Atlanta Sunday

To get the most reliable idea of what Sunday will look like:

1. 5–7 days before Sunday

   • Use this as a rough guide: is it shaping up to be hot, cool, rainy, or dry?
   • Good for early planning (tickets, reservations).

2. 2–3 days before Sunday

   • Forecast becomes more confident for temperature trends and general rain chances.
   • Start adjusting plans—especially for outdoor events.

3. The day before and the morning of Sunday

   • Check hour-by-hour forecasts and radar, particularly in spring and summer when storms can form quickly.
   • Look for any weather alerts (storms, flooding, winter weather) that might affect travel or outdoor events.

For official local information, Atlanta residents often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office
  (Located in Peachtree City, GA; serves the Atlanta metro region)
• Local TV and radio weather segments specific to Atlanta and the surrounding counties

Practical Weather Prep Checklist for Sundays in Atlanta

Use this quick list before heading out:

• ☑ Check:
  • Sunday temperature range
  • Rain or storm chances
  • Any watches or warnings
• ☑ Pack:
  • Water (especially May–September)
  • Umbrella or light rain jacket in spring, summer, and early fall
  • Layers in fall and winter
• ☑ Plan:
  • Indoor backup options if you’re attending outdoor events or parks
  • Extra travel time if storms, heavy rain, or winter weather are possible

Understanding the typical Sunday weather in Atlanta helps you decide whether to book that patio table, plan a park picnic, or shift to a museum day. For precise conditions on any given Sunday, always pair these patterns with a current local forecast before you head out.