Weather in December in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect and How to Prepare

December in Atlanta, Georgia marks the start of true winter, but it’s usually milder than many people expect. If you live here, are visiting for the holidays, or are planning an event, understanding Atlanta’s December weather helps you dress right, plan activities, and stay safe on the roads.

Typical December Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s December weather is best described as cool, sometimes chilly, but rarely brutal.

General temperature pattern:

• Average daytime highs: mid‑50s °F to low‑60s °F
• Average overnight lows: mid‑30s °F to low‑40s °F
• Cold snaps: Can occasionally drop into the 20s °F at night
• Warm spells: Some afternoons can still reach the upper‑60s °F

You’re unlikely to see long stretches of freezing temperatures, but you can get a quick change from a mild afternoon to a cold, damp night. Layering is key.

Does It Snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow in Atlanta in December is possible but not common.

• Light snow flurries or a dusting sometimes appear late in the month.
• Significant accumulation is unusual in December and tends to be more likely in January or February.
• When wintry weather does occur (snow, sleet, or freezing rain), road conditions can deteriorate quickly, especially on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector.

Because major winter storms are relatively rare, even minor ice or snow can cause school closures, flight delays, and traffic issues around Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and key city corridors.

Rain, Clouds, and Humidity

December in Atlanta is often cloudy and damp, but not a nonstop washout.

• Rain: Light to moderate rain is fairly frequent, often on and off during a day.
• Storms: Strong thunderstorms are less common than in spring or summer, but they can still happen.
• Humidity: The air tends to feel cool and a bit damp, not as sticky as summer, but not bone‑dry either.

You’ll want a water‑resistant jacket or umbrella handy if you’re out at:

• Downtown holiday attractions
• Atlantic Station markets
• Outdoor shopping or dining areas like the BeltLine or Ponce City Market

Daylight and Sunset Times in December

December brings the shortest days of the year in Atlanta.

• Sunrise: Roughly around 7:30 a.m. (give or take)
• Sunset: Around 5:30 p.m. early in the month, shifting closer to 5:30 p.m. or slightly earlier near the solstice

This means:

• Evening commutes are mostly in the dark.
• Outdoor activities—parks, hikes, or BeltLine walks—are easier to fit in late morning to mid‑afternoon.
• Holiday light displays around town feel festive earlier in the evening, but temps can drop quickly after sunset.

Quick December Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Planning a December wardrobe for Atlanta is all about layers.

Everyday clothing

• Base layer: T‑shirt or light long‑sleeve top
• Mid layer: Sweater, hoodie, or light fleece
• Outer layer: Medium‑weight jacket; a heavier coat for colder days or nights
• Bottoms: Jeans or casual pants; thicker leggings or lined pants on colder days
• Footwear: Closed‑toe shoes or boots; waterproof options on rainy days

For outdoor events and walking around town

If you’ll be exploring:

• Piedmont Park
• The Atlanta BeltLine
• Outdoor holiday displays like those at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

consider adding:

• A scarf, hat, and light gloves for evenings
• A water‑resistant jacket or small umbrella for off‑and‑on showers
• Warm socks if you’ll be outside for several hours

December Weather and Driving in Atlanta

Most December days are easy for driving, but cold rain and occasional ice can cause issues.

Road and traffic considerations

• Morning frost: Bridges and overpasses (like those along I‑285 and I‑20) can become slick on cold mornings.
• Black ice: Rare but important to watch for, especially after overnight rain followed by freezing temperatures.
• Traffic delays: Even minor winter events can lead to major slowdowns on interstates and surface streets.

If wintry weather is mentioned in the forecast:

• Allow extra travel time.
• Drive slower than usual, especially in shaded or elevated areas.
• Avoid sudden braking, especially on bridges and ramps.

For real‑time updates, many Atlanta residents monitor local TV forecasts and official advisories from agencies like:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – often shares information about road conditions and closures
• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) – monitors city streets and key corridors

How December Weather Affects Flights and Transit

Air travel: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

At Hartsfield‑Jackson (ATL), December is a busy holiday travel month. Weather‑related impacts can include:

• Rain and low clouds: May cause delays in takeoffs and landings.
• Rare snow or ice: Can temporarily affect runway operations and ground handling.

Even if Atlanta’s weather is fine, storms or snow elsewhere in the country can impact connecting flights. It’s smart to:

• Check your airline’s app or text alerts frequently.
• Arrive a bit earlier than usual during peak holiday periods.

MARTA and local transit

Atlanta’s MARTA trains and buses generally continue running in December weather. In more serious winter conditions, schedules can be adjusted, but this is not common.

If conditions look wintry:

• Consider using MARTA to avoid driving in slick conditions, especially for trips to Downtown, Midtown, or the airport.
• Check for any service updates through official MARTA channels before you go.

Planning Outdoor Activities in December

You can still enjoy plenty of outdoor time in Atlanta in December, especially on milder days.

Good bets for mild, dry days

• Walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Strolling through Piedmont Park or Grant Park
• Visiting Zoo Atlanta
• Exploring open‑air areas at Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market (outdoor sections), or Atlantic Station

Tips:

• Plan outdoor activities between late morning and mid‑afternoon, when temperatures are usually more comfortable.
• Keep a light jacket handy even on sunny days; temps can drop quickly in the shade or as the sun sets.

Outdoor events and holiday festivities

Many of Atlanta’s seasonal events are outdoors or partly outdoors, such as:

• Holiday light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Outdoor markets and skating rinks at places like Atlantic Station
• Neighborhood decor and walking tours around Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, or Decatur

For evening events:

• Dress warmer than you think you’ll need—standing around feels colder than walking.
• Check the forecast the same day, as conditions can swing from mild to chilly in 24 hours.

Indoor Plans for Rainy or Colder December Days

When a December day turns cold, rainy, or dreary, Atlanta has many indoor options:

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown) – Large indoor space, great for families.
• World of Coca‑Cola (Downtown) – Indoor exhibits near Centennial Olympic Park.
• High Museum of Art (Midtown) – Good choice for a quieter day inside.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown) – Primarily indoors and near other attractions.
• Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square (Buckhead) – Indoor shopping and dining.

Having a mix of indoor and outdoor possibilities makes it easier to pivot based on the day’s weather.

Health and Comfort Considerations (Non‑Medical)

December’s cooler, drier indoor air and constantly changing temperatures can affect comfort:

• Heating systems can make indoor air feel dry, which may irritate skin or sinuses for some people.
• Going in and out of heated buildings into cool, damp air can feel more intense than the actual temperature numbers suggest.

Practical comfort tips:

• Keep lip balm and hand moisturizer handy.
• Wear layers instead of one heavy piece so you can adjust easily indoors and outdoors.
• Keep a compact umbrella in your bag or car to deal with unplanned showers.

Staying Informed About Atlanta’s December Weather

Because conditions can shift quickly from mild to chilly or from dry to damp, it helps to:

• Check a trusted weather source in the morning and again before evening plans.
• Pay attention to local TV stations and official alerts if there is any mention of snow, ice, or strong storms.
• Note that areas north and west of the city (like higher elevations outside the I‑285 perimeter) can be slightly colder and may see winter impacts earlier than central Atlanta.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Weather in December

• Expect cool, often mild days and chilly nights, with highs mostly in the 50s–60s °F and lows in the 30s–40s °F.
• Snow and ice are rare but possible; even small amounts can disrupt roads and schedules.
• Rain and cloudy skies are common, but there are still plenty of dry, comfortable days for outdoor activities.
• Layers, a light to medium jacket, and a small umbrella will keep most people comfortable.
• Shorter days and early sunsets mean planning outdoor time for midday and early afternoon works best.

Understanding Atlanta’s December weather in this way lets you plan clothing, travel, and activities realistically—whether you’re a long‑time resident, a new arrival, or visiting for the holidays.