Weather in March in Atlanta, Georgia: What to Expect and How to Plan

March in Atlanta, Georgia is a true transition month. Winter is fading, spring is waking up, and the weather can swing from chilly mornings to warm, sunny afternoons—sometimes in the same week.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to know what March really feels like here, this guide walks through typical temperatures, rain, storms, pollen, what to wear, and how to plan outdoor activities.

Overview: Atlanta Weather in March at a Glance

March usually feels like early spring in Atlanta: mild overall, but changeable.

Typical March Weather in Atlanta

For everyday life, that means you’ll often need layers, a light jacket, and a rain-ready plan for at least a few days.

Temperatures in March in Atlanta

Daytime Temperatures

By March, Atlanta starts to shake off winter:

• Many afternoons reach the low to mid-60s°F
• Warmer days can climb into the 70s°F, especially later in the month
• On cooler, cloudy days, highs may stay in the 50s°F

This makes March a comfortable month for walking, running, and outdoor errands, as long as you’re prepared for fluctuations.

Nighttime and Early Morning Temperatures

You’ll still feel a touch of winter at night:

• Typical lows land in the 40s°F
• Chilly nights can drop into the upper 30s°F
• Frost is possible early in the month, especially in outlying or higher-elevation suburbs

If you’re heading out early to MARTA stations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or downtown offices, a medium-weight jacket or sweater is usually enough.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather Risk

How Rainy Is March in Atlanta?

March is often a moderately wet month. You can expect:

• Several rainy days spread through the month
• A mix of:
  • Light, steady rain
  • Passing showers
  • The occasional heavier downpour

It’s smart to keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy if you’re commuting to Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter business areas.

Thunderstorms and Severe Weather

March is part of the early severe weather season in Georgia. While most days are calm, you may occasionally see:

• Strong thunderstorms
• Gusty winds
• Brief periods of heavy rain
• In some cases, hail or isolated tornado risk in the broader region

For official alerts, Atlanta residents typically rely on:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486-1133

Local TV, radio, and weather apps commonly mirror these alerts. If you’re spending time outdoors in Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or at local sports events, it’s wise to check the forecast that morning.

Snow and Ice: Is It Still Possible in March?

Snow and ice are not typical in March in Atlanta, but they are not completely out of the question, especially in the first part of the month.

• Light flurries or very brief wintry mix can occur in colder years.
• Accumulating snow or major ice in March is unusual, but historically has happened on rare occasions.

If a late-season wintry event shows up in the forecast, the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) typically provide updates on road conditions and any treatment plans for major routes like I-75, I-85, and I-20 through the city.

Humidity and “Feel” of the Air

Atlanta’s infamous summer humidity hasn’t fully arrived in March, but you may notice:

• A slight humidity on milder, cloudy days
• Crisper, drier air on cooler mornings and after cold fronts
• The overall feel is usually comfortable, especially compared to late spring and summer

This makes March an appealing month for:

• Outdoor workouts on the Atlanta BeltLine
• Walking tours around Downtown, Grant Park, and Old Fourth Ward
• Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, and other attractions where some time is spent outside

Pollen and Allergies in March in Atlanta

While this isn’t medical advice, many Atlanta residents are very aware that March is often the start of pollen season, especially late in the month.

Common experiences around Atlanta in March include:

• A visible yellow-green dusting (often pine pollen) on cars, patios, and sidewalks
• Pollen beginning to affect sinuses and eyes for many people, particularly on dry, breezy days
• Pollen levels that tend to rise through March and into April

Areas with lots of trees—such as Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Druid Hills, and neighborhoods around Emory—can feel especially pollen-heavy once the season ramps up.

Practical steps many Atlanta residents take:

• Keeping car windows closed on high-pollen days
• Using car washes more often to remove pollen buildup
• Changing clothes after extended time outdoors during peak days

For up-to-date pollen readings, residents often look to local Atlanta media outlets and weather services, which track daily counts in the metro area.

What to Wear in Atlanta in March

Because March is so changeable, layering is the best strategy.

Essentials for Everyday Use

Consider keeping the following pieces ready:

• Light to medium-weight jacket (denim, light puffer, or trench)
• Sweater or sweatshirt you can remove midday
• Short-sleeve shirts or light long sleeves for variable afternoons
• Comfortable jeans or lightweight pants
• Closed-toe shoes or sneakers; waterproof options are helpful on rainy days
• A compact umbrella or light raincoat

For Commuters and Students

If you’re heading to:

• Downtown offices
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Emory University

Plan for:

• Cool mornings at bus stops, MARTA stations, or walking across campus
• Warmer afternoons walking between buildings or across plazas

A layered outfit with a removable jacket usually covers the full day.

Planning Outdoor Activities in March in Atlanta

March is one of the better months for outdoor activities—comfortable temperatures, more daylight, and plenty of events starting up.

Great March Activities Around Atlanta

Some popular ways Atlantans enjoy March weather:

• Parks and Trails

  • Walking or running on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Picnics or frisbee at Piedmont Park
  • Hikes at Stone Mountain Park or Kennesaw Mountain (both short drives from the city)

• Sports and Recreation

  • Early-season baseball and soccer activities
  • Outdoor fitness classes and group runs organized around Midtown and the BeltLine

• Attractions with Indoor/Outdoor Options

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden (plants and blooms start to pick up)
  • Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park
  • Neighborhood festivals that often begin popping up as the month goes on

Because showers are common, it’s wise to:

• Check the daily forecast before committing to all-day outdoor plans
• Have a backup indoor option like a museum, aquarium, or indoor market
• Bring a rain layer if you’re going to be far from shelter

Driving and Commuting in March Weather

Most March days are straightforward for driving, but a few factors are useful to keep in mind:

• Rainy Commutes

  • Showers and storms can slow traffic on Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and I-285
  • Extra travel time during rush hour is often necessary after heavy rain begins

• Stormy Days

  • Strong storms can briefly reduce visibility
  • Isolated downed branches or temporary flooding in low-lying spots occasionally affect side streets

• Parking Considerations

  • If storms are likely, some drivers prefer covered parking decks in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead to avoid hail risk or heavy downpours.

For real-time road conditions, many Atlantans rely on tools and alerts from:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  One Georgia Center
  600 W. Peachtree Street NW
  Atlanta, GA 30308
  Main Phone: (404) 631-1990

Travel Tips: Visiting Atlanta in March

If you’re flying into Atlanta or visiting from another region, March is generally a pleasant and popular time to come.

Packing Tips for Visitors

Pack for range, not just one temperature:

• 1–2 light jackets or a mid-weight layer
• A mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops
• Comfortable walking shoes (parks, BeltLine, downtown city blocks)
• Compact umbrella and/or light raincoat
• Optional: hat and sunglasses, since sunny days can feel bright and warm

Airport and Local Transportation

For those arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information: (800) 897-1910

Weather-related things to keep in mind:

• Rain and storms can occasionally cause flight delays, especially on busy travel days.
• Transportation options (MARTA rail, rideshare, taxis, and rental cars) run in most weather, but heavy rain can slow traffic traveling into Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter area.

Gardening and Yardwork in March in Atlanta

Many Atlanta homeowners and renters with yards use March as the kickoff for spring yardwork.

Common local patterns:

• Early March
  • Clean up winter debris
  • Plan garden beds and landscaping
• Mid to Late March
  • Begin planting cool-season flowers or vegetables
  • Prepare soil and beds for more planting in April

Because frost is still possible early in the month, many gardeners wait until late March or early April to plant more delicate, warm-season plants. Atlanta-area garden centers often provide locally tuned planting suggestions based on current conditions.

Key Takeaways: Weather in March in Atlanta, Georgia

• Temperature: Often 60s°F by day, 40s°F by night; can swing cooler or warmer.
• Rain: Expect several rainy days, with some thunderstorms possible.
• Severe Weather: Early part of the spring storm season; stay aware of forecasts.
• Snow/Ice:Unlikely but not impossible early in the month.
• Pollen:Frequently begins ramping up, especially later in March.
• Comfort Level: Generally mild and pleasant, ideal for many outdoor activities.
• Clothing:Layers plus a light jacket and rain option work best.

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta in March, you can usually count on comfortable, changeable spring weather, with a few wet days and the first signs of the city’s long, warm season ahead.