Atlanta Weather in August: Heat, Humidity, and Afternoon Storms Explained

August in Atlanta, GA is hot, humid, and stormy—classic late-summer in the Southeast. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are just trying to figure out what Atlanta feels like in August, it helps to know what to expect and how to prepare.

What the Weather Is Really Like in Atlanta in August

August is typically one of Atlanta’s hottest and most humid months.

Typical August conditions in Atlanta:

You’re unlikely to get chilly weather in Atlanta in August. Even evenings can feel warm and muggy, especially inside the Perimeter (I‑285) where urban heat builds up.

Heat & Humidity: How Hot Does Atlanta Feel in August?

Because of the humidity, the “feels like” temperature (heat index) is often higher than the number you see on the thermometer.

• A day that’s 92°F with high humidity might feel closer to 100°F or more.
• Shade and wind can make a big difference, but on still, sunny days the city can feel very sticky and oppressive, especially on concrete and asphalt.

Common experiences for locals and visitors in August:

• Sweating quickly after stepping outside
• Needing more breaks when walking around Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead
• Car interiors heating up quickly if parked in direct sun

If you’re not used to Southern humidity, build in extra time for cooling off indoors or in shaded parks.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Lightning

August is a wet and storm-prone month in Atlanta, but not usually with all-day rain. Instead, the pattern often looks like this:

• Morning: Often warm, partly cloudy, and humid.
• Afternoon: Higher chances of pop-up thunderstorms, heavy showers, and lightning.
• Evening: Storms may clear out, leaving humid, steamy air.

Key things to know:

• Thunderstorms can form quickly. A sunny lunchtime in Downtown or Midtown can turn into a stormy commute home.
• Downpours can be heavy. Short bursts of intense rain can cause ponding on roads, especially around low-lying underpasses.
• Lightning is common with summer storms. Outdoor activities at places like Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine may be paused or cut short.

If you have outdoor plans, it’s smart to check the forecast and radar regularly, especially in the afternoon and early evening.

Daylight and Outdoor Comfort

In August, Atlanta still has long, bright days, but the length of daylight is slowly shrinking as summer moves toward fall.

• Sunrise: Typically early morning
• Sunset: Generally in the 8 p.m. to earlier-evening range as the month progresses

Because of the heat, many Atlantans prefer:

• Early morning outdoor exercise (jogging on the BeltLine, walking in Grant Park, or hiking at nearby Stone Mountain)
• Later evening dinners on patios in neighborhoods like Inman Park, West Midtown, or Virginia-Highland

Midday sun can be intense, especially with reflection off buildings and pavement in areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Atlantic Station.

What to Wear in Atlanta in August

Clothing choices can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.

Best clothing options:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, moisture-wicking materials)
• Shorts, light pants, skirts, and summer dresses
• Short-sleeve or sleeveless tops
• Comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers

Also helpful:

• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• A light, packable rain jacket or small umbrella for sudden storms
• A layer for air-conditioned interiors (some offices, malls, and restaurants run the AC very cold compared to outside)

If you’ll be walking around places like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium area, or the World of Coca-Cola, light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are especially important.

Planning Activities: What Works Best in August Weather

Atlanta’s August weather shapes how locals and visitors plan their days.

Good Times for Outdoor Activities

• Early morning (before 10 a.m.)
  Great for:

  • Walking or jogging the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Visiting Piedmont Park
  • Exploring neighborhood streets and farmers markets

• Later evening (after 7 p.m.)
  Better for:

  • Patio dining in areas like West Midtown or Old Fourth Ward
  • Evening walks in Inman Park, Grant Park, or around Truist Park on game nights

Midday and Afternoon Tips

From roughly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the combination of heat, sun, and humidity can be intense. That’s usually the best time to:

• Spend time in indoor attractions, such as:
  • Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • High Museum of Art (Midtown)
• Plan shopping or dining inside:
  • Ponce City Market
  • Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza in Buckhead
• Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces between short outdoor walks

Driving, Walking, and Getting Around in August

Atlanta’s layout and traffic can interact with August weather in noticeable ways.

For drivers:

• Car interiors can get extremely hot in the sun. Shade, sunshades, or covered parking (where available) can help.
• Heavy afternoon downpours can reduce visibility and cause slick roads.
• Low-lying roads and underpasses may see brief minor flooding during strong storms.

For walkers and transit riders:

• Standing at exposed bus stops or MARTA stations can feel very hot.
• Always good to carry:
  • Water
  • A small umbrella or light rain jacket
  • A hat for shade between stops

MARTA rail stations in central areas like Five Points, Peachtree Center, and North Avenue are air-conditioned, which can offer a break from the heat while getting around the city.

Air Quality and Summer Haze

On some hot and stagnant August days, Atlanta can experience hazy conditions and reduced air quality.

Common experiences:

• A light smog or haze over the skyline
• Air quality alerts urging people, especially sensitive groups, to limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and traffic times

If you’re planning outdoor exercise along Freedom Park Trail, the BeltLine, or at Chastain Park, many residents choose early morning when the air tends to feel fresher and temperatures are lower.

Staying Weather-Aware in Atlanta

To stay on top of August weather in Atlanta, many residents and visitors rely on a mix of local resources:

• Local TV weather forecasts from Atlanta stations
• Smartphone weather apps with real-time radar for storms
• Weather radios or alerts for severe thunderstorm warnings or other advisories

Official weather information for the Atlanta area is commonly coordinated through the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, which covers metro Atlanta and surrounding counties.

Practical Preparation Checklist for August in Atlanta

Here’s a quick, skimmable guide to being ready for August conditions:

• ☀️ Heat & Sun

  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Plan outdoor time for mornings or evenings

• 🌧️ Storms & Rain

  • Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
  • Extra travel time in case of downpours
  • Be ready to pause outdoor activities if you hear thunder

• 💧 Comfort & Hydration

  • Carry water, especially when walking around Downtown, Midtown, or the BeltLine
  • Take indoor breaks in air-conditioned spaces
  • Expect indoor AC to feel cool compared with outside

Understanding the weather in Atlanta, GA in August—hot days, humid nights, and frequent afternoon storms—helps you plan your schedule, dress comfortably, and make the most of everything the city offers during late summer.