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

Atlanta in December can feel like a mash-up of late fall and early winter. Some days are mild enough for a light jacket; others bring a sharp chill, gray skies, and a chance of freezing rain. If you live in the city, are visiting family, or planning a holiday trip, understanding December weather in Atlanta helps you pack right, plan activities, and stay safe on the roads.

Typical December Weather in Atlanta

December marks the start of meteorological winter in Atlanta, but compared with many U.S. cities, winters here are relatively mild.

Overall pattern:

• Temperatures: Generally cool days and cold nights
• Precipitation: Mostly rain, occasional wintry mix
• Snow: Possible, but not common
• Humidity: Often moderate to high, making it feel colder in damp, windy conditions

Average Temperatures

While each year is different, December in Atlanta usually looks like this:

Because temperatures can swing quickly, you may wear a T‑shirt and light jacket one afternoon and a winter coat the next morning.

Rain, Snow, and Ice: What Actually Happens in December

Rain Is More Likely Than Snow

Atlanta’s December weather is shaped by moist air from the Gulf of Mexico mixing with cooler air from the north. That usually means rainy days instead of snowstorms.

Common experiences:

• Light to moderate rain on and off over several hours
• Cloudy, gray days with drizzle
• A few clearing, sunny days that feel noticeably milder

💡 Tip: If you’re out and about in December, a compact umbrella and water-resistant shoes are more useful than heavy snow gear.

Snow and Wintry Mix

Snow in Atlanta during December is unpredictable and usually light, but it can happen. Some years see no snow at all; others may get a brief dusting or a couple of inches, especially in higher or northern parts of the metro area.

When temperatures hover near freezing, you may see:

• Flurries that melt on contact with the ground
• A mix of rain, sleet, or wet snow
• Freezing rain that can create slick sidewalks, bridges, and overpasses

Even small amounts of ice can disrupt traffic and public transit, as the city is not built for heavy winter weather.

Daylight, Sunrise, and Sunset

December brings some of the shortest days of the year in Atlanta, which affects commuting, outdoor plans, and events.

Typical patterns:

• Sunrise: Around 7:30 a.m., give or take a few minutes
• Sunset: Around 5:30 p.m. early in the month, shifting a bit later after the solstice
• Daylight length: Approximately 10 hours of usable daylight

If you’re driving, walking, or using MARTA:

• Expect more time in darkness for commutes
• Be prepared for glare and low visibility during early sunsets and wet weather

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

The key to dressing for Atlanta December weather is layering. Conditions change quickly from morning to afternoon and from dry to damp.

Clothing Basics

Consider building your outfits around:

• Base layer: Light long-sleeve shirt or T‑shirt
• Mid-layer: Sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket or coat; water-resistant if rain is in the forecast

Helpful extras:

• Hat and gloves for early mornings and nights, especially if it’s windy
• Scarf or neck warmer for outdoor events and walking tours
• Water-resistant shoes or boots on rainy or icy days

For locals:

• Keep a warm coat and umbrella handy in the car or by the door.
• If you leave home early, plan for colder mornings than the afternoon high suggests.

For visitors:

• Pack for a range of temperatures, not just what the forecast says for midday highs.
• A light rain jacket plus a warmer layer gives you flexibility for both mild and chilly days.

How December Weather Affects Getting Around Atlanta

Driving and Road Conditions

Most December days are just cool and wet, but occasional cold snaps and storms can create challenges:

• Rainy days: Slippery roads, spray from other vehicles, and reduced visibility
• Cold, clear nights: Pockets of black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads
• Wintry mix events: Higher risk of spinouts and collisions, especially where drivers are not used to ice

Common-sense precautions:

• Leave extra travel time when rain or cold is in the forecast
• Slow down on interstates and ramps during wet or near-freezing conditions
• Pay close attention to weather alerts from local news, Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, or City of Atlanta

If winter weather is expected, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) often treats major roads and interstates, but neighborhood streets may still be slick.

MARTA and Other Transit

Cold and rain can lead to:

• Longer waits on outdoor platforms at MARTA rail stations
• Slower bus travel during heavy rain or icy conditions

If you’re relying on MARTA:

• Dress warmly enough to stand outside for 10–20 minutes
• Build in buffer time if there is a storm or advisory in the forecast

Planning Outdoor Activities and Events

December in Atlanta still offers many chances to be outside, especially on milder, sunny afternoons.

Outdoor Plans

Good activities for typical December days:

• Strolling the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Grant Park
• Visiting holiday light displays at locations such as Atlanta Botanical Garden (weather permitting)
• Walking tours of neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward

To plan around Atlanta’s December weather:

• Check the day-of forecast for temperature, wind, and rain chances
• Aim for late morning to mid-afternoon for the warmest part of the day
• Bring layers and a rain jacket if plans can’t easily be moved indoors

Indoor Alternatives for Rainy or Cold Days

When weather turns rainy, chilly, or icy, many residents and visitors pivot to indoor attractions, including:

• Museums and cultural centers (for example, in and around Downtown and Midtown)
• Shopping and dining at Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station, or Lenox Square
• Indoor shows, concerts, or sports events across the city

Because holiday season can be busy, reserve tickets or plan ahead when possible, especially near weekends and school breaks.

Health, Comfort, and Home Considerations

Staying Comfortable Indoors

Even though Atlanta’s winters are relatively mild, December can bring overnight freezes and chilly mornings.

Around the house or apartment:

• Make sure your heating system is working before the first strong cold front
• Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers if windows or doors are drafty
• Keep a few warm blankets and layers available for cold snaps

If you rent, many Atlanta residents contact property management or landlords in late fall to check heating, especially in older buildings.

Pets and Outdoor Time

On cold, windy, or wet days:

• Limit time outdoors for smaller or short-haired pets
• Use pet sweaters or coats if your vet recommends them for comfort
• Watch for icy patches on sidewalks during rare freezing events

Where to Get Reliable Local Weather Information

Because December weather in Atlanta can change quickly, it’s helpful to follow local, real-time updates rather than relying only on long-range forecasts.

Useful sources include:

• Local TV and radio forecasts focused on the Atlanta metro area
• Official alerts from National Weather Service (NWS) – Atlanta/Peachtree City office
• Emergency updates from Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency or City of Atlanta channels

These sources typically provide:

• Short-term temperature and rain forecasts
• Winter weather advisories, watches, and warnings
• Updates on road conditions, school decisions, and city services when storms occur

Key Takeaways: Atlanta Weather in December

• Overall feel: Cool to cold, with variable days and a mix of sunshine, clouds, and rain
• Temperatures: Often 50s by day, upper 30s–low 40s at night, with occasional warm or cold swings
• Precipitation:Rain is common; snow and ice are possible but not frequent
• Best strategy:Layer clothing, carry a rain jacket or umbrella, and check local forecasts daily
• For residents and visitors: Plan flexible activities—outdoor options for mild days, and indoor backups for colder, wetter weather

With a bit of planning and smart layering, December in Atlanta is usually comfortable enough for holiday events, sightseeing, and everyday life, even when the weather turns chilly or damp.