Month-by-Month Weather in Atlanta: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather changes a lot from season to season. If you live in the city, plan to visit, or are deciding when to book a trip, understanding the monthly weather in Atlanta helps you pack, plan activities, and prepare for heat, storms, or cold snaps.

Below is a month-by-month guide to Atlanta’s climate, with typical temperatures, rain patterns, and practical tips tailored to what people actually experience in the city.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather by Month

Typical conditions in the city of Atlanta (rounded, approximate averages):

Atlanta weather can swing above or below these numbers, but this gives a realistic baseline for planning.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta’s Climate

• Humid subtropical: Winters are usually mild; summers are hot and humid.
• Rain spread through the year: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warm months; winter brings more gray, drizzly days.
• Ice and snow are rare but disruptive: Even a light winter mix can impact roads and transit.
• Pollen seasons are intense: Especially in late March and April, when many locals notice heavy tree pollen.

If you’re making detailed plans (events, outdoor weddings, big trips), always check a reliable local forecast a few days before your date. The National Weather Service (Atlanta forecast office in Peachtree City) and local TV stations typically provide region-specific updates.

January: Cool, Damp, and Occasionally Icy

Typical high/low: ~50° / 34°F
Vibe: Winter is at its coolest, but extreme cold is uncommon inside the city.

What to expect:

• Many days are chilly but not frigid, with clouds and light rain.
• Mornings can drop near or below freezing.
• Snow is rare, but light snow or ice is possible some years.
• Short days and early sunsets give the month a darker feel.

What to wear/pack in Atlanta in January:

• Medium-weight coat or insulated jacket
• Layers: long sleeves, sweaters, light thermal tops
• Waterproof shoes or boots for rainy spells
• Gloves and hat for colder mornings or evenings

Local tip: If freezing rain or a “wintry mix” is in the forecast, road conditions can deteriorate quickly. MARTA and local news outlets give frequent updates on delays or closures.

February: Late Winter with Early Hints of Spring

Typical high/low: ~55° / 37°F
Vibe: Still winter, but with more mild days sprinkled in.

What to expect:

• Mix of cool, sunny days and cloudy, wet days.
• Occasional overnight freezes are still normal.
• Early-blooming trees and plants may start budding late in the month.
• Some years feel almost spring-like; others are more wintery.

What to wear:

• Similar to January, but you can often swap heavy coats for lighter jackets midday.
• Layering is important; mornings and afternoons can feel very different.

Local tip: Big temperature swings from one day to the next are common. Keep both a heavier jacket and a light one handy.

March: True Transition into Spring

Typical high/low: ~63° / 44°F
Vibe: Variable—some days feel like winter, others like early summer.

What to expect:

• More pleasant afternoons, especially later in the month.
• Increased chance of thunderstorms, sometimes strong.
• Allergy season starts as trees and flowers bloom.
• Rain gear becomes more useful than winter gear.

What to wear:

• Light jacket or sweater in the mornings and evenings.
• Short-sleeve shirts often work by afternoon.
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket for passing showers.

Local tip: This is a popular month for outdoor events, but weather can swing. If you’re planning something outside—like a picnic in Piedmont Park or a BeltLine walk—have a backup indoor option on days with storms in the forecast.

April: Mild, Pleasant, and Pollen-Heavy

Typical high/low: ~72° / 52°F
Vibe: One of the most pleasant months in Atlanta, but also peak pollen.

What to expect:

• Many days are sunny, warm, and comfortable.
• Nights are cool but not cold.
• Thunderstorms become more common, especially late month.
• Tree pollen is often very noticeable; many surfaces get a yellow dusting.

What to wear:

• Light layers: t-shirts, light long sleeves, and a light jacket.
• Comfortable shoes for festivals, park days, and walking.
• Sunglasses and a hat for brighter, longer days.

Local tip: This is prime time for outdoor festivals, Braves games, and patio dining. Check the day’s storm risk if you’re driving or using MARTA to open-air venues or parks.

May: Warm, Humid, and Almost Summer

Typical high/low: ~80° / 61°F
Vibe: Feels like early summer, with rising humidity and heat.

What to expect:

• Warm afternoons, often upper 70s to low 80s.
• Humidity starts increasing, especially later in the month.
• More afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
• Pollen begins to ease by late May, but grass pollen can still be present.

What to wear:

• Short sleeves, light pants or shorts.
• Light, breathable fabrics are more comfortable.
• Keep a light rain jacket or umbrella nearby.

Local tip: Outdoor pools in and around Atlanta often begin opening or expanding hours around Memorial Day. For hiking in nearby areas like Stone Mountain or the Chattahoochee River trails, heat and humidity can catch you off-guard—bring water.

June: Hot, Humid, and Stormy Afternoons

Typical high/low: ~87° / 69°F
Vibe: Summer has fully arrived in Atlanta.

What to expect:

• Many days feel hot and muggy.
• Afternoon pop-up thunderstorms are common—brief but intense.
• Evenings can stay warm and humid; nights don’t always cool down much.
• Green, lush vegetation and thick tree canopy help with shade, but not with humidity.

What to wear:

• Very light, breathable clothing during the day.
• Comfortable sandals or sneakers; rain can make some sidewalks slick.
• If you work downtown or commute on MARTA, consider a compact umbrella for sudden showers.

Local tip: When thunderstorms roll through, lightning can be frequent. Outdoor activities—like at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or open-air venues—may pause temporarily. Check radar or local apps if you’ll be out for a while.

July: Peak Heat and Humidity

Typical high/low: ~89° / 72°F
Vibe: Often the hottest and most consistently humid month.

What to expect:

• Many days reach the upper 80s to low 90s, and humidity can make it feel hotter.
• Heat index (how it feels with humidity) can run higher than the air temperature.
• Afternoon thunderstorms remain frequent; some can be strong with heavy rain and gusty winds.
• Nights in the city often stay warm, especially in dense neighborhoods with more concrete.

What to wear:

• Light, moisture-wicking summer clothing.
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
• If you’re walking or using transit, consider light colors and breathable shoes.

Local tip: For mid-afternoon activities, many locals choose indoor, air-conditioned spots—museums, shopping centers, or indoor attractions—then switch to outdoor plans in the morning or later evening.

August: Still Hot, Sometimes Stormier

Typical high/low: ~88° / 71°F
Vibe: Very similar to July, but with a subtle shift toward late summer.

What to expect:

• Continued heat and humidity, with conditions similar to July.
• Frequent thunderstorms; some can be strong and briefly disruptive.
• Toward late August, a few days may start to feel slightly less extreme.

What to wear:

• Same approach as July: light, breathable outfits.
• Pack an umbrella or rain jacket for afternoon storms.

Local tip: If you’re visiting for major late-summer events or starting school in Atlanta, plan for hot bus stops, warm commutes, and humid walks to and from MARTA stations.

September: Gradual Relief from the Heat

Typical high/low: ~82° / 66°F
Vibe: Early fall feel by the end of the month, especially in the mornings.

What to expect:

• Early in the month, it still feels like summer.
• As the month progresses, mornings grow more comfortable and humidity slowly eases.
• Thunderstorms become somewhat less frequent but can still occur.
• Green foliage begins transitioning, with subtle changes by late month.

What to wear:

• Short sleeves and lighter clothing most days.
• A light layer (like a thin hoodie or long-sleeve tee) is handy for later evenings.
• Good for outdoor events where you move between sun and shade.

Local tip: September is often a great month for outdoor sightseeing in the city, sports events, and urban walking tours before cooler weather arrives.

October: Mild, Comfortable, and Popular for Events

Typical high/low: ~72° / 55°F
Vibe: Many locals consider October the best weather month in Atlanta.

What to expect:

• Lots of pleasant, sunny days with low to moderate humidity.
• Cool mornings and evenings; very comfortable afternoons.
• Lower risk of severe storms compared with spring and summer, though some rain still occurs.
• Fall colors begin to emerge, more noticeably later in the month and into November.

What to wear:

• Layers: t-shirts or light tops with a light jacket or sweater.
• Comfortable walking shoes—ideal for festivals and walking the BeltLine.
• Evening events may call for a slightly warmer layer.

Local tip: This is peak time for fall festivals, outdoor concerts, and sporting events across the metro—plan ahead for busier roads and larger crowds when the forecast looks particularly nice.

November: Cool, Variable Fall Weather

Typical high/low: ~63° / 45°F
Vibe: Real fall, with some days leaning toward winter.

What to expect:

• Cooler, shorter days; more of a jacket weather feel.
• Many pleasant, crisp days for walking, hiking, and city exploring.
• Rain is possible, with some fronts bringing a noticeable temperature drop.
• Fall color is often near its best in early to mid-November around the city and nearby parks.

What to wear:

• Light to medium-weight jacket.
• Long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sweaters.
• Layers remain helpful for days that start cold and warm up in the afternoon.

Local tip: Outdoor seating at restaurants can still be enjoyable, especially midday. Heaters or blankets may show up at some patios as temperatures drop later in the month.

December: Mild Winter with Occasional Cold Spells

Typical high/low: ~54° / 38°F
Vibe: Cool, sometimes damp, with a few colder snaps.

What to expect:

• Generally cool days and chilly nights, with some rain.
• Short daylight hours mean it gets dark early for evening commutes and outings.
• Light frost is common on colder mornings; occasional colder stretches are possible.
• Snow is still uncommon but not impossible later in the month.

What to wear:

• Medium-weight winter jacket or heavier coat for colder nights.
• Sweaters and long-sleeve layers.
• Closed-toe shoes or boots, especially on wet or chilly days.

Local tip: Holiday events around the city—light displays, outdoor markets, and ice rinks—often take place regardless of temperature. Dressing in layers and checking the evening forecast helps you stay comfortable outdoors longer.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Throughout the year, Atlanta experiences regular rainfall and, especially in warmer months, thunderstorms.

General patterns:

• Spring and summer: More frequent thunderstorms, often in the afternoon or evening.
• Fall and winter: More steady, lighter rain at times; strong storms possible when fronts move through.

Severe weather considerations:

• Strong storms can bring heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and occasionally hail.
• Tornadoes are uncommon but possible in the broader region.
• Low-lying streets can see temporary localized flooding during intense downpours.

For current watches and warnings, residents and visitors typically turn to:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Recorded info and office line numbers are available through the main National Weather Service contact directories.

Local TV and radio stations also broadcast warnings quickly when conditions escalate.

Heat, Humidity, and Staying Comfortable

From late May through September, Atlanta’s humidity is often as noticeable as the heat itself.

What that means in practice:

• It can feel several degrees hotter than the thermometer reading.
• Shade (from trees, buildings, or covered walkways) helps, but the air remains humid.
• Outdoor activities may feel more taxing in the mid-afternoon.

Practical tips:

• Plan outdoor exercise early in the morning or closer to sunset.
• Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces, especially downtown and Midtown.
• Keep water handy if you’re walking, biking, or standing outside for long periods.

Pollen and Seasonal Allergies

Atlanta is known for strong pollen seasons, especially in spring.

Typical timing:

• Late February–March: Tree pollen starts to rise.
• Late March–April: Heavy tree pollen; visible yellow dust on cars and sidewalks is common.
• Late spring–summer: Grass pollen can be noticeable.

Residents and visitors who are sensitive often:

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
• Use air conditioning in homes and cars instead of opening windows.
• Check daily pollen counts posted by many local media outlets.

Using Monthly Weather to Plan Life in Atlanta

Whether you’re moving to Atlanta, planning travel, or scheduling events, here’s how the monthly weather can guide you:

• Best months for outdoor comfort:
  April, May, late September, and October—mild temperatures and more manageable humidity.
• Hottest months:
  June, July, and August—plan around midday heat for outdoor work or recreation.
• Most variable “shoulder” months:
  March and November—pack layers and expect bigger swings in temperature.
• Coolest months:
  December, January, February—still generally milder than many northern cities, but cold snaps and wintry mix are possible.

Keeping Atlanta’s month-by-month weather pattern in mind makes it much easier to choose the right clothing, plan outings, and schedule big events locally with fewer surprises.