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

If you’re asking “What is the weather in Atlanta?”, you’re really asking about a city with humid summers, mild winters, and fast-changing conditions. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are thinking about moving here, understanding the local climate helps you pack, plan, and stay comfortable.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what the weather is usually like, season by season, plus tips for staying prepared.

Atlanta’s Overall Climate at a Glance

Atlanta sits in the humid subtropical climate zone. That means:

• Hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Mild, often damp winters, with only occasional snow or ice
• Pleasant spring and fall, though both can be stormy at times
• Plenty of rain spread throughout the year, not just one “rainy season”

Atlanta’s weather can change quickly. A cool, dry morning can turn into a hot, muggy afternoon with a strong storm rolling through by evening.

Quick Atlanta Weather Snapshot

Here’s a general overview of typical weather patterns in Atlanta by season. Actual conditions vary year to year, but this gives you a realistic sense of what to expect.

Temperatures are approximate typical ranges, not guarantees for any specific day.

Winter Weather in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are usually mild by U.S. standards, but they can still surprise people.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Daytime: Often in the 50s or low 60s, sometimes cooler
• Evenings/Nights: Commonly in the 30s or 40s, with some freezing nights
• Snow/Ice:
  • Snow is uncommon and usually light when it happens
  • Ice and freezing rain can occur and often cause more problems than snow
• Rain: Winter is often cloudy and damp, with several rainy days each month

Winter Tips for Atlanta

• Keep a light to medium jacket, plus a heavier coat for the coldest snaps.
• Be prepared for slippery roads and closures when there is ice, even if amounts are small.
• Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses, especially in the early morning.
• If you’re visiting, don’t assume “the South” means warm all winter—pack layers.

Spring Weather in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta can be beautiful but unpredictable.

What It Usually Feels Like

• March: Cool mornings, highs often in the 60s or 70s
• April–May: Warmer, with many days in the 70s and 80s
• Humidity: Begins to rise, especially by late spring
• Storms:
  • Spring is a prime time for thunderstorms
  • Some storms can be strong, with heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and occasionally hail or isolated tornadoes
• Pollen:
  • Atlanta is well known for high pollen levels in spring
  • Cars, patios, and outdoor furniture often get coated in yellow-green pollen, especially from pine trees

Spring Tips for Atlanta

• Expect temperature swings—you may need a jacket in the morning and short sleeves by afternoon.
• Keep rain gear handy; quick, intense showers and storms are common.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, many people find it helpful to:
  • Limit open windows during peak pollen days
  • Rinse off or change clothes after spending long periods outside
• Outdoor activities in Atlanta’s parks (like Piedmont Park or the BeltLine) are very popular in spring, but plan around possible afternoon storms.

Summer Weather in Atlanta (June–August)

Atlanta summers are hot, humid, and stormy, especially in the afternoon and evening.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Highs: Frequently in the upper 80s to 90s
• Lows: Generally in the upper 60s to 70s, often feeling warm and muggy overnight
• Humidity: Humidity can be high, making it feel hotter than the air temperature
• Thunderstorms:
  • Afternoon and evening storms are very common
  • Storms may be brief but intense, with heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds
• Heat:
  • Periods of very hot conditions can lead to heat advisories
  • Urban areas, especially around downtown and major roads, can feel even hotter due to pavement and buildings absorbing heat

Summer Tips for Atlanta

• ☀️ Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
• Wear light, breathable clothing and use sun protection if outdoors.
• Plan outdoor activities (sports, festivals, walking the BeltLine) for early morning or later in the evening when possible.
• Keep an eye on storm chances, especially if you’re going to outdoor events, parks, or pools.
• Be cautious around rising creeks or low-lying roads during heavy downpours, which can cause brief flash flooding in parts of the metro area.

Fall Weather in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall may be the most comfortable season in Atlanta, especially for outdoor activities.

What It Usually Feels Like

• Early Fall (September): Still quite warm, with highs often in the 80s
• Mid to Late Fall (October–November):
  • Highs usually in the 60s and 70s
  • Cooler mornings and evenings in the 40s to 50s
• Humidity: Gradually drops, making the air feel more pleasant
• Rain/Storms: Some stormy days, but generally less frequent thunderstorm activity than summer

Fall Tips for Atlanta

• Great time for hiking, festivals, and outdoor dining.
• Pack layers—a light sweater or jacket is handy in the morning and evening.
• Fall color can be attractive in and around the city and especially in nearby North Georgia, which is a popular day-trip destination for leaf views.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rain in Atlanta is spread fairly evenly across the year, but late winter through summer can feel wetter because of frequent systems and thunderstorms.

Everyday Rain

• Expect rainy days in every season, sometimes light and steady, other times in fast-moving downpours.
• Summer storms often build quickly and pass through in under an hour, though some linger longer.

Severe Weather

Atlanta can experience:

• Strong thunderstorms with:
  • Intense lightning
  • Heavy rain
  • Gusty or damaging winds
  • Occasional hail
• Isolated tornadoes, usually associated with severe storm systems or remnants of tropical systems moving inland
• Remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes, which can bring prolonged heavy rain and gusty winds

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, it’s useful to:

• Know where the safest interior room is in your home, hotel, or apartment (away from windows, on a lower level).
• Pay attention to local alerts on your phone or from local TV and radio.
• Take warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods seriously, especially if you’re on the road.

How Humid Is Atlanta?

Humidity is a big part of the answer to “What is the weather in Atlanta?”

• Spring: Humidity begins to climb, especially late spring.
• Summer: Often very humid, making the heat feel stronger.
• Fall: Typically less humid, especially mid to late fall.
• Winter: Can be damp, but not usually muggy like summer.

This humidity can make:

• Hot days feel heavier and more uncomfortable, especially if there’s little breeze.
• Evenings feel warm and sticky, particularly in July and August.

Indoor spaces across the metro area generally use air conditioning extensively in warm months.

Air Quality and Pollen Considerations

While the climate is usually good for outdoor living, many people in Atlanta pay attention to pollen and air quality, especially in certain seasons.

Pollen

• Spring (especially March–April) is known for high pollen counts.
• Tree pollen, including pine, is particularly noticeable, with a visible yellow dust on surfaces outdoors.
• Some people find that limiting early morning outdoor time on heavy pollen days, keeping windows closed, and rinsing off after outdoor activities helps with comfort.

Air Quality

• Hot, stagnant summer days can lead to elevated ozone levels and lower air quality.
• Sensitive groups (such as people with certain respiratory conditions) may prefer to limit intense outdoor activity on poor air quality days and seek cooler, indoor environments.

For official information on air quality and weather alerts, residents often look to:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269

• Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
  Atlanta, GA 30334

Local Factors That Shape Atlanta’s Weather Experience

Even within the metro area, weather can feel different depending on where you are.

• Urban heat island effect:
  • Downtown and areas with lots of pavement and buildings (like Midtown or Buckhead) often stay warmer at night than outlying suburbs.
• Elevation differences:
  • Atlanta is sometimes called the “City in a Forest” and sits at a higher elevation than many coastal southern cities.
  • Surrounding hills and tree cover can slightly affect temperature and wind from one neighborhood to another.
• Microclimates:
  • Heavy showers may hit one part of the city while another area stays dry, especially with pop-up summer storms.

Because of these local variations, it’s common for people in Atlanta to check conditions in their specific neighborhood rather than relying only on a single citywide number.

Practical Tips for Dressing and Planning in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, here’s how to think about weather-ready planning:

What to Keep in Your Closet

• Year-round:
  • Light layers
  • Rain jacket or umbrella
• Winter:
  • Medium-to-heavy coat
  • Hat and gloves for occasional colder spells
• Summer:
  • Light, breathable fabrics
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Spring/Fall:
  • Versatile layers (cardigan, light jacket)
  • Clothing that can adjust between cool mornings and warm afternoons

Planning Your Day Around Atlanta Weather

• Check the daily forecast before long commutes, outdoor sports, and events.
• In summer, consider doing outdoor exercise early morning to avoid peak heat and storms.
• In spring and early summer, leave time and backup plans for thunderstorms, especially if you’re planning outdoor gatherings or festivals.
• If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, remember that strong thunderstorms can sometimes delay flights.

Key Takeaways: What Is the Weather in Atlanta?

• Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, often wet winters.
• Spring and fall are typically the most comfortable seasons, but spring brings high pollen and more storms.
• Thunderstorms—some strong—are common, especially from late winter through summer.
• Weather can change quickly, so residents and visitors often check conditions frequently and plan for rain or storms.
• With the right layers, rain gear, and awareness of heat and storms, Atlanta’s weather supports a very active, outdoor-friendly lifestyle for most of the year.

This is the general pattern you can realistically expect when you ask, “What is the weather in Atlanta, Georgia?”