Weather in Atlanta, Georgia: What to Expect Through the Year

If you’re living in, visiting, or moving to Atlanta, Georgia, understanding the local weather helps you plan everything—from commuting and outdoor plans to what you keep in your car or closet. Atlanta’s climate is often described as humid subtropical, which basically means hot, humid summers and mild, relatively short winters, with rain spread throughout the year.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to temperatures, seasons, storms, and practical tips, so you know what the weather is really like here day to day.

Big-Picture Overview: Atlanta’s Climate

Atlanta’s weather is shaped by its location in the Southeast and its slightly higher elevation compared with many nearby cities. That elevation (around 1,000 feet above sea level) helps keep Atlanta a bit cooler than some other Southern cities, but you’ll still feel the full force of summer heat and humidity.

Key takeaways:

• Summers: Hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Winters: Generally mild, occasional short cold snaps and rare ice/snow
• Spring & Fall: Comfortable, often the most pleasant seasons
• Rain: Fairly evenly distributed, with more frequent storms in late spring and summer
• Severe weather: Thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional tornado risk; winter weather is less common but can be disruptive

Typical Year-Round Weather in Atlanta

Here’s a simple snapshot of what weather conditions are usually like across the year.

These ranges are typical; actual daily conditions can swing above or below these values, especially during heat waves or cold snaps.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

What it’s like:
Winter in Atlanta is short and usually mild compared with much of the U.S., but it can be unpredictable. You might see a week of cool, sunny days in the 50s and then a surprise cold front with freezing nights.

Common winter patterns:

• Temperature:
  • Daytime highs often in the 50s or low 60s°F
  • Overnight lows frequently in the 30s or 40s°F
• Precipitation: Mostly rain, with occasional freezing rain, sleet, or light snow
• Snow & ice:
  • Snow events are rare and usually light, but
  • Ice storms do happen some years and can cause road closures, power outages, and school/business disruptions

Practical tips for winter in Atlanta:

• Keep a light to medium coat, plus layers like sweaters and hoodies; a heavy winter coat is useful for the coldest mornings but not needed daily.
• Be prepared for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads after overnight freezing temperatures.
• If you rely on driving for commuting, keep extra time in your schedule when a winter weather advisory or warning is issued.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

What it’s like:
Spring is one of the most pleasant times in Atlanta, but it’s also a period of changeable weather and increasing thunderstorm activity.

Common spring patterns:

• Temperature:
  • March: Cool to mild, often 60s°F by day
  • April–May: Warmer, with 70s and 80s°F becoming common
• Rain & storms:
  • More frequent showers and thunderstorms, including some stronger storms
  • Occasional periods of gusty winds and heavy rain
• Allergies & pollen:
  • Spring is famous in Atlanta for heavy pollen, often visible as a yellow film on cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture.

Practical tips for spring in Atlanta:

• Keep a compact umbrella or light rain jacket handy—showers can be sudden.
• Outdoor plans (festivals, BeltLine walks, Braves games) are usually comfortable but can be interrupted by afternoon or evening storms.
• Monitor weather alerts on days when strong storms are predicted, especially if you’ll be on the road.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

What it’s like:
Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and storm-prone, especially in the afternoons. If you’re not used to Southern humidity, it can feel more intense than the temperature alone suggests.

Common summer patterns:

• Temperature:
  • Daytime highs typically in the upper 80s to mid-90s°F
  • Overnight lows often in the upper 60s to 70s°F
• Humidity:
  • High humidity makes it feel warmer than the actual air temperature.
• Thunderstorms:
  • Frequent afternoon and early evening storms, often brief but intense
  • Heavy downpours, lightning, and occasional strong winds
• Heat index:
  • On the hottest days, the “feels like” temperature can push into the upper 90s or above.

Practical tips for summer in Atlanta:

• Plan outdoor activities (Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain hikes, BeltLine biking) for early morning or later evening when it’s cooler.
• Always have water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a plan for shade or indoor breaks.
• Expect rapid pop-up thunderstorms—plan for alternate indoor options, especially in the late afternoon.
• If you park outdoors, your car interior will heat quickly; crack windows slightly when safe to do so and use sunshades where possible.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

What it’s like:
Fall is another favorite season in Atlanta. After the heat of summer, temperatures move back toward comfortable, and humidity often eases.

Common fall patterns:

• Temperature:
  • Early fall (September): Still warm, often 70s–80s°F
  • Late fall (October–November): Cooling into the 60s and 50s°F, with cooler nights
• Humidity & rain:
  • Generally less humid than summer
  • Rainfall continues but violent storms are often less frequent than in late spring/early summer
• Skies & visibility:
  • Many clear, crisp days, good for skyline views, hiking, and events.

Practical tips for fall in Atlanta:

• Plan outdoor events, tailgates, and festivals in this period—conditions are often ideal.
• Keep layers handy: mornings can be cool, midday warm, and evenings cooler again.
• Late fall can start to feel winter-like in the mornings, so a light jacket is useful.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta experiences rain throughout the year, with some months wetter on average than others. Late spring and summer tend to feature more thunderstorms, often in the late afternoon or evening.

What to know about storms:

• Routine storms:
  • Short-lived but often intense downpours
  • Cloud-to-ground lightning is common
  • Can briefly reduce visibility and flood low-lying roads
• Severe storms:
  • Some systems bring strong winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.
  • These events are less frequent but get attention through local alerts.
• Tropical influences:
  • While Atlanta is inland, remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes can bring heavy rain and gusty winds, especially late summer into fall.

Practical safety steps:

• When thunder is audible, move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle to reduce risk from lightning.
• Avoid driving through flooded streets; depth and road conditions under the water can be hard to judge.
• Follow local alerts for severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings through TV, radio, or smartphone apps.

Winter Weather, Ice, and Rare Snow

Even though snow is uncommon in Atlanta, when it does occur—especially combined with ice—it can have a big impact.

What typically happens when winter weather hits:

• Road conditions:
  • Light snow can melt and refreeze into ice, especially overnight.
  • Limited road treatment equipment compared with colder regions can lead to travel delays and closures.
• School and work:
  • Schools and some employers may delay or close when significant ice or snow is expected.
• Power outages:
  • Ice accumulation on trees and power lines can cause isolated outages in certain areas.

How to prepare in Atlanta:

• Keep basic supplies at home (flashlight, batteries, bottled water, some non-perishable food) in case of short disruptions.
• If you must drive, allow extra time, slow down, and use caution on bridges and ramps.
• Pay close attention to phrases like “winter weather advisory”, “freezing rain”, and “black ice” in local forecasts.

Air Quality, Heat, and Urban Considerations

Atlanta’s urban layout and traffic can influence how the weather feels in the city compared with surrounding rural areas.

Urban heat and air quality:

• Urban heat island effect:
  • Paved surfaces and buildings absorb heat, so downtown and dense neighborhoods can stay warmer, especially at night, compared to outlying suburbs.
• Air quality:
  • On hot, still summer days, air quality can worsen, especially near major highways and in central areas.
  • Sensitive individuals may want to check air quality readings before extended outdoor activity.

Practical steps:

• In summer, consider early morning exercise in parks like Piedmont Park or along the Atlanta BeltLine to avoid the hottest and worst air-quality periods.
• If you’re sensitive to pollution or heat, plan essential errands for cooler, less congested times.

Where Atlantans Can Get Local Weather Information

For reliable, localized weather details, Atlantans typically use a combination of national and local resources:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City Office
  • Responsible for official forecasts and warnings for the Atlanta area.
  • Location: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
• Local TV Weather Teams (Atlanta Stations):
  • Common sources for neighborhood-level radar, forecast breakdowns, and live severe weather coverage.
• City of Atlanta & Fulton County Emergency Management:
  • Provide alerts and preparedness guidance when severe weather threatens.
  • Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency
    • Address: 130 Peachtree Street SW, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Main phone (general information is typically available through Fulton County government listings)

You can also enable wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone so that tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and other urgent notices automatically appear.

How to Plan Your Activities Around Atlanta Weather

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the weather in Atlanta influences what’s comfortable and realistic to plan.

For visitors:

• Spring & fall are often the easiest seasons to enjoy outdoor attractions comfortably—think BeltLine, botanical gardens, walking tours, and sports events.
• In summer, build in midday breaks in air-conditioned spaces (museums, restaurants, shopping) and save extended outdoor time for morning or evening.
• Check the 7–10 day forecast before travel to pack versatile layers rather than relying solely on seasonal averages.

For residents:

• Keep a small umbrella or light rain jacket accessible most of the year.
• Rotate your wardrobe:
  • Light, breathable fabrics and sun gear for summer
  • Layers and a medium coat for the handful of cold winter spells
• Stay familiar with local weather alert terminology (watch vs. warning) and have a simple plan for where you’ll go in a severe storm.

Understanding the weather in Atlanta, Georgia means expecting heat and humidity in summer, mild but occasionally sharp cold in winter, and frequent thunderstorms, especially in the warmer months. With a basic sense of the seasonal patterns and a habit of checking local forecasts, it’s straightforward to plan daily life, travel, and outdoor activities around Atlanta’s changing skies.