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

October in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most comfortable times of year to be outside. The intense summer heat is gone, the humidity drops, and fall colors start to show up around neighborhoods, parks, and along the BeltLine.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to time an event, understanding Atlanta’s October weather will help you dress right, plan outdoor activities, and be ready for the occasional surprise cold front or rain.

Typical Temperatures in Atlanta in October

By October, Atlanta has shifted firmly into fall, but it usually isn’t “cold” yet.

Typical daily temperatures:

Key points:

• Early October often feels more like late summer, with some days still reaching the low 80s°F.
• Late October can bring noticeably cooler days, with some afternoons staying in the 60s°F.
• Short “cold snaps” are possible, especially at night, with temperatures dipping into the 40s°F on some mornings.

For people used to Atlanta’s summer heat and humidity, October often feels refreshingly mild and is a favorite month for festivals, outdoor dining, and walking around neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Midtown.

Humidity, Rain, and Storms

Humidity Levels

Compared to the sticky summer months, October humidity in Atlanta is usually moderate:

• Daytime often feels drier and more comfortable.
• Mornings can feel slightly damp, especially near wooded areas and parks.
• You may still get a few warm, slightly humid days, especially in early October.

This lower humidity makes it a popular month for:

• Outdoor weddings
• Fall festivals (like in Candler Park or Little Five Points)
• Long walks on the Atlanta BeltLine or in Piedmont Park

Rain in October

October isn’t usually Atlanta’s rainiest month, but showers do happen, and occasionally a day can be washed out by a frontal system or remnant moisture from tropical systems moving inland.

General patterns:

• Expect scattered showers here and there rather than constant rain.
• Some weeks can be dry and sunny; others may see a couple of gray, rainy days in a row.
• Short thunderstorms are less frequent than in summer but are still possible.

Storms and Tropical Influences

Atlanta is far inland, but remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes in the Southeast can occasionally reach the city in October, bringing:

• Steadier rain
• Gusty winds
• Cooler temperatures after the system passes

If you’re planning an outdoor event, especially in early to mid-October, it’s smart to:

• Watch forecasts from Atlanta’s local TV stations or
• Check updates from the National Weather Service – Peachtree City office, which covers the Atlanta metro area.

Daylight and Sunrise/Sunset Times

October days in Atlanta get noticeably shorter compared to summer.

Approximate patterns:

• Early October:
  • Sunrise around 7:30 a.m.
  • Sunset close to 7:10–7:15 p.m.
• Late October:
  • Sunrise closer to 7:50 a.m.
  • Sunset around 6:45–7:00 p.m.

Practical takeaways:

• Evening outdoor plans need to account for earlier darkness.
• If you commute or exercise after work, you may be finishing up in the dark by late October.
• Morning school drop-offs and early shifts can start in dim light or dawn.

If you’re using MARTA or walking from stations like Midtown, Five Points, or Buckhead, it’s helpful to think about visibility, crossings, and reflective gear as days shorten.

What to Wear in Atlanta in October

October is a classic “layers month” in Atlanta. Temperatures swing enough between morning and afternoon that a single outfit often isn’t comfortable all day.

Clothing Basics

Consider:

• Morning/Evening:

  • Light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie
  • Long-sleeve shirt or light sweater
  • Closed-toe shoes or sneakers

• Afternoon:

  • T-shirts or light tops
  • Jeans, light pants, or casual dresses/skirts
  • Optional light layer you can remove

Layering Tips for Locals and Visitors

• ✅ Plan for a 20–25°F swing between cool mornings and mild afternoons.
• ✅ Keep a light jacket or sweater handy in your car, bag, or office.
• ✅ If you’re attending outdoor events (like at Atlantic Station or The Battery Atlanta), bring a layer you don’t mind carrying once the sun is out.
• ✅ For evening games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or outdoor concerts at places like Chastain Park Amphitheatre, plan for it to feel cooler than the official temperature, especially if there’s a breeze.

Outdoor Activities and Events in October Weather

October’s weather is part of what makes it one of the busiest event months in Atlanta.

Festivals and Neighborhood Events

Mild temperatures support:

• Art and food festivals in areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Grant Park
• Halloween events and neighborhood gatherings
• Outdoor markets and local pop-ups

The comfortable daytime highs in the 70s°F mean you can walk, bike, or stand in lines without the intense heat of summer.

Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces

Atlanta’s parks and trails are especially enjoyable in October:

• Piedmont Park: Great for picnics, sports, and long walks with views of the Midtown skyline.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails: Comfortable for biking, jogging, or strolling between restaurants and breweries.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (just north of the city): Cooler mornings make hiking and walking the riverside trails more comfortable than in summer.

Because rain is possible but not constant:

• Check the forecast before heading to grassy areas or unpaved trails, which can stay damp or muddy after showers.
• Expect mornings to feel cooler, especially in shaded or wooded spots.

Air Quality and Allergies in October

Air Quality

Compared to summer, October air quality in Atlanta is often better, especially on cooler, breezy days. Ozone levels that build up in hot, stagnant air are less common, though not impossible in early October warm spells.

Windier days after a front passes can feel especially clear and crisp, particularly in hillier neighborhoods and open areas.

Fall Allergies

While medical advice is outside scope here, many Atlanta residents notice that:

• Ragweed and other fall pollens can be active in October.
• Mold spores can increase after rainy periods, especially around piles of fallen leaves or in shaded, damp yards.

Around neighborhoods lined with trees—like Morningside, Druid Hills, and Decatur—you may notice more shedding leaves and yard work, which can stir up dust and pollen.

For concerns about seasonal conditions, some people consult:

• Local health providers
• Area clinics or medical centers around Midtown, Buckhead, or Emory
  for personalized guidance.

Driving, Transit, and Commuting in October Weather

Morning and Evening Commutes

Because October brings:

• Cooler mornings
• Earlier sunsets
• Occasional rain

commuters around I-285, I-75/85, GA-400, and I-20 may notice:

• Fog or low clouds on some early mornings.
• Glare from the lower sun angle during both morning and evening rush hours.
• Heavier-than-normal traffic during rainy conditions.

If you use MARTA buses or trains:

• Allow a bit of extra time on rainy mornings, as traffic can affect bus schedules.
• Expect more people to opt for transit instead of walking or biking on wet or chilly days.

Event Traffic

October events—home games, festivals, concerts—are popular because of the good weather, so:

• Plan extra time for parking around Downtown, Midtown, and around Georgia Tech.
• Consider using MARTA stations like North Avenue, Arts Center, GWCC/CNN Center, or Five Points to avoid parking congestion.

Planning Travel and Visits to Atlanta in October

If you’re traveling to Atlanta in October for work, a conference, or a getaway, the month is generally low-risk for weather disruptions, but it’s still smart to prepare.

Packing Checklist for October in Atlanta

• Light to medium jacket (for evenings and cooler days)
• Short-sleeve shirts and a couple of long-sleeve options
• Jeans or light pants, plus possibly a pair of shorts for early October
• Comfortable walking shoes (good for the BeltLine, Downtown, and Midtown)
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket, especially if you’ll be downtown or on foot
• One slightly warmer layer (like a fleece or light sweater) for cooler snaps

Airport and Arrival Considerations

At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in October:

• Major weather-related delays from thunderstorms are less frequent than in peak summer, though not impossible.
• If a tropical system’s remnants are moving through the Southeast, you may encounter:
  • Periods of steady rain
  • Some flight schedule adjustments

It’s wise to check your airline’s app or customer service before heading to the airport, especially if storms are in the regional forecast.

Where to Check Reliable Local Weather Information

For Atlanta-specific October forecasts and alerts, many residents rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  • Provides forecasts, watches, and warnings for metro Atlanta.
• Local Atlanta TV stations and radio
  • Offer neighborhood-level updates and real-time radar during rain or storms.
• Weather apps
  • Useful for hourly forecasts if you’re planning outdoor time in areas like Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, or the BeltLine.

In severe or uncertain conditions, checking multiple trusted sources can help you decide whether to move events indoors, adjust travel times, or change outdoor plans.

Key Takeaways: Atlanta Weather in October

• Temperature: Generally mild and comfortable, with mornings in the 50s–60s°F and afternoons in the low to upper 70s°F.
• Humidity: Noticeably lower than summer, making it one of the most pleasant months to be outside.
• Rain: Occasional showers or storm systems, with some influence possible from tropical remnants, but rarely weeks of steady rain.
• Daylight: Shorter days; earlier sunsets affect evening activities and commuting.
• Best Use of the Weather: Ideal for festivals, walking the BeltLine, park days, and outdoor dining across the city.
• What to Wear:Layered clothing—a mix of short sleeves for afternoons and light jackets or sweaters for mornings and evenings.

If you’re in Atlanta in October—whether you call the city home or you’re just visiting—you can usually expect comfortable fall weather with only occasional interruptions from rain or brief cool snaps, making it one of the best times of year to explore the city.