Weather in February in Atlanta: What to Expect and How to Plan

February in Atlanta sits right between winter and spring, and the weather reflects that mix. If you live in the city, are visiting, or are planning an event, understanding Atlanta’s February weather helps you decide what to wear, how to get around, and what to do outdoors.

Big-Picture Overview: Atlanta’s February Weather

February in Atlanta is usually cool and changeable, not bitterly cold, but not truly spring yet. You can experience:

• Chilly mornings, often near freezing on the coldest days
• Mild afternoons, especially during warm spells
• Frequent clouds and occasional rain
• A small chance of wintry weather, usually brief

Atlanta’s climate is humid subtropical, so even in February, you’ll see a mix of cool, damp days and surprisingly pleasant afternoons.

Typical Temperatures in Atlanta in February

While every year is different, temperatures tend to follow some common patterns.

Average Temperature Range

On a typical February day in Atlanta:

• Morning low: around the mid-30s to low 40s (°F)
• Afternoon high: around the low to mid-50s (°F)
• Milder days can reach the 60s (°F)
• Cold snaps can bring highs only in the 30s or 40s (°F)

Here’s a simple snapshot:

Key takeaway:Layers are essential. It can feel like late winter at sunrise and early spring by mid-afternoon.

Rain, Clouds, and Storms in February

February is usually one of Atlanta’s wetter months, but not usually a washout.

Rainfall Patterns

• Light to moderate rain is common, often from passing fronts
• Drizzly, gray days can show up a few times during the month
• Downpours can occur with stronger systems, but they’re usually short-lived

Many Atlanta residents keep:

• A compact umbrella or light rain jacket in the car
• Water-resistant shoes for commuting or walking around downtown or Midtown

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are less frequent than in late spring or summer, but you can occasionally see:

• Isolated thunderstorms on warmer days
• Gusty winds with cold fronts
• Rare, stronger storms associated with powerful weather systems

When severe weather is possible, local alerts are often issued through the National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta office, which serves the metro area.

Snow and Ice: How Likely in February?

Many people ask whether February brings snow to Atlanta. The short answer: it can, but it’s not guaranteed, and it’s usually light.

Snow Chances

• Light snow flurries sometimes occur in February
• Accumulating snow is less common and usually limited to 1–2 inches or less when it does happen
• Snow events are typically short-lived, and melting begins quickly once temperatures rise

Ice and Freezing Rain

In Atlanta, ice is often more disruptive than snow:

• Freezing rain or sleet can coat roads, bridges, and overpasses
• Even a thin layer of ice can cause major travel issues on I-75/85, I-20, I-285, and neighborhood hills
• Schools and offices sometimes delay opening or close on icy days

Because wintry events are relatively rare, the city and residents may not always be as prepared as in colder regions, so even small storms can have a sizable impact.

Daylight and Sun in February

As February moves along, days in Atlanta get noticeably longer, which is welcome after the dark days of midwinter.

• Early February sunrise: roughly around 7:30 a.m.
• Late February sunrise: closer to 7:00 a.m.
• Early February sunset: a bit before 6:00 p.m.
• Late February sunset: trending toward 6:30 p.m.

Expect a mix of:

• Sunny, crisp days perfect for walking the BeltLine or Piedmont Park
• Overcast days that feel colder than the thermometer suggests

More daylight also means drier outdoor areas by late afternoon, even when mornings start off damp.

What to Wear in Atlanta in February

Packing or dressing for February in Atlanta is all about flexibility.

Everyday Clothing Tips

For residents and visitors, this general setup works well:

• Base layer:
  • Long-sleeve T-shirt, light sweater, or thermal top on colder days
• Mid-layer:
  • Fleece, cardigan, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer:
  • Medium-weight jacket or coat; a water-resistant option is helpful
• Bottoms:
  • Jeans, heavier chinos, or lined leggings
• Shoes:
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots; sneakers are fine on dry days

Accessories to Consider

• Light scarf and gloves for early mornings or windy days
• Umbrella or hooded jacket for rainy spells
• Sunglasses — the sun can be surprisingly bright after a front moves through
• Hat or beanie on cold snaps, especially for early MARTA commutes or time outside

If you’re visiting and want to pack light, plan for layering pieces that you can add or remove as the day warms up.

Outdoor Activities in Atlanta in February

Even with cool weather, February can be a great month to be outside in Atlanta, especially compared to harsher winters elsewhere.

Good Activities for Typical February Weather

• Walks and runs:
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Piedmont Park in Midtown
  • Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, or Inman Park
• Outdoor attractions (weather permitting):
  • Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden (cooler but less crowded)
• Hikes near the city:
  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trails (e.g., Cochran Shoals)

On windy or damp days, many people opt for indoor options such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or museums around Downtown and Midtown.

Planning for Weather Changes

Atlanta’s February weather can flip from sunny and 60°F to cloudy and 40°F in a day or two. To stay comfortable:

• Check the daily forecast before committing to a long outdoor activity
• Keep a backup indoor plan in case of rain or cold, especially with kids
• If hiking or going to outdoor events, bring an extra layer and a small umbrella or poncho

Driving, Commuting, and Travel Considerations

Road Conditions

For most of February:

• Roads around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter are just wet or dry, not icy
• Rain can increase traffic delays on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-285

During the occasional winter weather event:

• Elevated roads, bridges, and ramps around Spaghetti Junction (I-85/I-285) and other interchanges can become slippery
• Black ice can be a hazard overnight and early in the morning, especially in shaded neighborhoods and secondary roads

Air Travel

If you’re flying into or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Rainy days may mean minor delays, but operations usually continue normally
• Snow or ice can lead to de-icing and schedule adjustments, though major disruptions are relatively rare

Allow extra time for security and check-in on rainy or stormy days, as crowds and slower traffic can add delays.

How February Weather Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

For Atlanta Residents

• Heating use remains common, but some sunny afternoons may let you turn it down
• Yard work and gardening prep often begin in late February as early blooms appear
• Outdoor sports leagues and school activities start to ramp up, with practices occasionally moved indoors on wet or cold days

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in February, you’ll likely find:

• Hotel rates and crowds may be lighter than in peak spring and fall
• Weather that’s cool but manageable for walking tours, sightseeing, and dining out
• The need for jackets and layers rather than heavy winter gear

Many visitors appreciate the fact that you can comfortably explore Downtown, Midtown, and popular intown neighborhoods without the oppressive heat and humidity of summer.

Local Resources for Weather Information and Alerts

To stay informed about February weather changes in Atlanta, you can rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  • Provides area forecasts, advisories, and severe weather alerts for the Atlanta metro
• City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County offices
  • Share information on road conditions, closures, and emergency responses during winter weather
• Local broadcast and radio stations
  • Offer real-time traffic and weather updates, especially useful during commuting hours

If you live in the area, many people sign up for local emergency alert systems offered by counties in the Atlanta metro to receive notifications about severe storms or winter weather.

Quick February Weather Planning Checklist for Atlanta

Use this as a simple guide whether you’re in-town or visiting:

• 🧥 Clothing: Pack layers, including a medium-weight jacket
• ☔ Rain gear: Carry a small umbrella or water-resistant jacket
• 🧣 Cold snaps: Have a scarf, gloves, and hat available for the colder mornings
• 🚗 Driving: Be cautious on high-speed roads and bridges if freezing weather is in the forecast
• 📅 Activities: Plan flexible itineraries that can switch between outdoor and indoor options
• 🔔 Alerts: Check local weather forecasts and consider signing up for alerts if you’ll be here during a stormy period

Overall, February weather in Atlanta is cool, occasionally wet, and sometimes unpredictable—but often mild enough to enjoy much of what the city offers, as long as you’re prepared for quick changes.