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

March in Atlanta, Georgia is a true transition month. Winter is fading, spring is starting to show up in the dogwoods and cherry blossoms, and the weather can swing from chilly and damp to warm and sunny in a matter of days. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to know what March feels like here, it helps to understand how changeable this month can be.

Typical March Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s March weather is best described as mild but unpredictable.

Temperature overview (typical ranges):

You’ll notice:

• Cool mornings, milder afternoons
• A mix of sunny, clear days and cloudy, rainy spells
• A few days that feel like late winter and others that feel like early summer

How Often Does It Rain in March?

March is one of Atlanta’s wetter months, thanks to the clash between lingering cool air and strengthening warm, moist air from the Gulf.

Typical patterns:

• Several rainy days scattered through the month
• Mix of light showers, steady rain, and occasional thunderstorms
• Some systems bring gray, overcast days, while others pass through quickly with sunshine behind them

For everyday life:

• Expect to need a rain jacket or umbrella several times during the month.
• Outdoor plans—walks on the BeltLine, a day at Piedmont Park, or a visit to Zoo Atlanta—are usually fine but may need a backup indoor option in case a front moves in.

Storms, Thunder, and Severe Weather Risk

Atlanta’s spring severe weather season often begins in March and continues into April and May.

What’s common in March:

• Thunderstorms with lightning and heavy downpours
• Occasional gusty winds and brief, intense rain
• A small but real chance of severe storms (strong winds, hail, or, less commonly, tornadoes)

While most March storms are moderate, it’s smart to:

• Pay attention to watches and warnings from local TV stations and weather apps.
• Know your safe spot indoors at home, work, or your hotel (away from windows, on the lowest level if possible).

For official, up-to-date information, Atlantans often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Office line: (770) 486-1133

This office issues forecasts and severe weather alerts for the metro Atlanta area.

Does It Still Get Cold? Frost and Cold Snaps in March

Although March feels like spring many days, winter isn’t completely gone.

You may still see:

• Chilly mornings in the upper 30s or low 40s
• An occasional cold snap that drops temps close to or slightly below freezing overnight
• Light frost in some parts of the metro, especially outside the urban core

For residents:

• If you’re planting flowers or vegetables, many Atlanta gardeners wait until late March or early April to put tender plants directly in the ground or use covers to protect them on cold nights.
• Keep a medium-weight coat handy for those cooler days, especially early in the month.

For visitors:

• Pack layers: a light sweater or fleece, a midweight jacket, and clothing you can add or remove easily.

Humidity and Air Quality in March

Atlanta’s humidity in March is usually:

• Noticeable but not as intense as in the summer
• Higher on warm, cloudy, or rainy days
• Lower on cool, breezy, sunny days

Most people find March air fairly comfortable overall.

On the air quality side, March is when pollen season really starts to ramp up:

• Tree pollen (like oak, pine, and birch) can become heavy by mid to late March.
• The well-known yellow pollen film on cars and sidewalks may show up late in the month and really build into April.

If you’re sensitive to pollen:

• Check Atlanta’s pollen counts regularly through local weather sources.
• Keep car windows closed on high-pollen days.
• Wash off pollen from clothes and hair after spending long periods outdoors.

What to Wear in Atlanta in March

Because March is changeable, versatility is key. Locals often dress in layers and adjust throughout the day.

Smart clothing choices for March:

• Base layer: T-shirt or light long-sleeve top
• Middle layer: Light sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket or rain jacket
• Bottoms: Jeans, chinos, or casual pants; some warmer afternoons are fine for lighter fabrics or even shorts
• Shoes: Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sneakers that can handle occasional puddles

You’ll see Atlanta residents mixing jackets and short sleeves—a cool morning can turn into a very comfortable afternoon.

Packing Tips for Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in March, plan for both cool and mild conditions:

Essentials to pack:

• Light to medium jacket (water-resistant if possible)
• Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket
• A mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops
• One or two warmer layers for cooler nights
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Midtown, Downtown, the BeltLine, and parks
• Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days

Nice to have:

• A small daypack with space for an extra layer
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, tissues and anything you normally use to feel more comfortable outdoors

Outdoor Plans in March: What Works Well

March is often a great time to be outside in Atlanta—cooler than summer, greener than winter.

Popular March activities that usually work well with the weather:

• Parks and greenspaces

  • Piedmont Park in Midtown
  • Atlanta BeltLine (especially the Eastside Trail)
  • Grant Park and Candler Park
    These can be beautiful on mild, sunny days.

• Gardens and nature spots

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden (spring flowers often start blooming)
  • Neighborhood strolls in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Druid Hills, where flowering trees and early blooms are common

• Sports and runs

  • Outdoor runs and walks are popular in March because temperatures are usually comfortable for exercising outside.

Weather tips for outdoor plans:

• Have a rain backup plan (museum, aquarium, or indoor attraction).
• Check the day’s forecast and radar before planning long outdoor stretches.

Driving and Commuting in March Weather

You will not typically deal with winter-type issues like snow and ice in March, but rain and storms can affect driving in and around the city.

Common impacts:

• Heavy downpours can quickly reduce visibility and create ponding on highways like I‑75/85, I‑20, and I‑285.
• Thunderstorms may bring gusty winds and brief, intense rain.
• Slower traffic on rainy days, especially during morning and evening commutes.

Helpful reminders:

• Give yourself extra time on days with forecasted storms.
• Use headlights in rain and avoid driving through standing water when you can’t see the depth.
• Transit services like MARTA (rail and bus) generally operate as normal but can see delays when storms are strong.

For real-time road and traffic information in the Atlanta area:

• Georgia 511 (Travel Information)
  Dial 511 from most phones within Georgia for highway conditions, incidents, and travel updates.

Getting Reliable Local Weather Information

Because March weather in Atlanta can shift quickly, it’s useful to rely on local forecasts rather than general regional assumptions.

Common local sources Atlantans use:

• Local TV stations based in Atlanta that provide detailed neighborhood-level forecasts
• Weather apps with location-based alerts for severe storms, lightning, and flooding
• NOAA and National Weather Service products for official warnings and watches

For official alerts and forecasts:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City (serving Atlanta)
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486-1133

Key Takeaways: March Weather in Atlanta

• Overall feel: Transition from winter to spring—mild, changeable, sometimes rainy.
• Temperatures: Cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, with more truly warm days as the month goes on.
• Rain and storms: Expect multiple rainy days and occasional thunderstorms, with a small chance of severe weather.
• Cold snaps: Still possible, especially early in the month, but usually brief.
• Pollen: Tree pollen often ramps up, especially late March, and can be noticeable.
• What to wear:Layers + light rain protection give you the most flexibility for daily life or a visit.

Understanding these patterns will help you plan your commute, outdoor time, events, and travel in and around Atlanta throughout the month of March.