What’s the Weather Like in Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Every Season

If you’re wondering “What’s the weather in Atlanta?”, the real answer is: it depends when you’re here. Atlanta’s weather is known for mild winters, hot and humid summers, and plenty of quick-changing days where you’ll use sunglasses and an umbrella in the same afternoon.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide so you know what to expect, what to wear, and how to plan your day or trip.

Quick Snapshot: Typical Atlanta Weather by Season

Use this as a rough guide, not a live forecast.

For today’s exact weather in Atlanta, including temperatures and radar, check a trusted weather source or app, or local TV stations that cover metro Atlanta.

Atlanta Weather Basics

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which usually means:

• Hot, muggy summers
• Mild to cool winters
• Plenty of humidity and rain spread through the year
• Occasional severe thunderstorms, especially warm months

You’ll often hear locals joke that Atlanta can experience “all four seasons in a week”. While that’s an exaggeration, it’s common to have a chilly morning, warm afternoon, and stormy evening in a single day—especially in spring and fall.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Typical vibe: Mostly mild, with short cold snaps and occasional wintry surprises.

• Temperatures: Usually cool; some days feel almost fall-like, others drop below freezing overnight.
• Snow & ice:
  • Snow is rare and usually light, but it does happen some years.
  • Ice is more common than heavy snow and can make roads tricky even with small amounts.
• Rain: Winter is often damp and cloudy, with regular rain.

What locals do:

• Keep layers handy: a long-sleeve shirt plus a light to medium jacket is enough most days.
• Watch for school and office changes when winter weather is predicted; even a small ice event can impact commutes on Atlanta’s hilly, highway-heavy road network.

Tip: If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during a winter storm threat, allow extra time and keep an eye on weather-related delays.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Typical vibe: One of the best times to be here—mild temperatures, flowering trees, and outdoor events—with lots of pollen.

• Temperatures: Often comfortable, warming quickly from March into May.
• Storms:
  • Spring can bring frequent showers and thunderstorms, some strong.
  • It’s common to have sun, clouds, and rain all in a single afternoon.
• Pollen:
  • Atlanta is well-known for heavy spring pollen, especially from pine and other trees.
  • Cars, decks, and outdoor furniture may get coated in a yellow layer.

What to expect if you’re here:

• Great time for walking the BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring neighborhoods like Midtown and Inman Park.
• If you’re sensitive to allergies, you may want to keep windows closed and limit time outside on days when pollen is visibly heavy.

What to wear:

• Layers: mornings can be cool, afternoons pleasantly warm.
• A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is useful—quick showers pop up often.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Typical vibe:Hot, humid, and stormy, with warm evenings and heavy afternoon downpours.

• Heat:
  • Daytime can feel very hot, especially in direct sun or on concrete and asphalt.
  • Humidity makes it feel warmer than the actual air temperature.
• Thunderstorms:
  • Pop-up storms in the afternoon are very common.
  • Short, heavy rain and lightning are normal summer features.
• Nights: Stay warm and muggy, especially in the city core.

How locals handle Atlanta summer:

• Plan outdoor activity (running, hiking, park time) for early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.
• Use shade, light-colored clothing, hats, and water if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.
• Many people build their day around indoor, air-conditioned activities during the mid-afternoon.

Simple summer checklist:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen and hat
• Backup plan for sudden thunderstorms

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Typical vibe: Often the most comfortable, predictable weather of the year.

• Early fall (September): Can still feel like summer—hot and humid.
• Mid to late fall (October–November):
  • More comfortable days, cooler nights.
  • Lower humidity, clearer skies, and fall color in trees.

Why people love fall in Atlanta:

• Ideal for football games, festivals, and outdoor dining.
• Great walking weather for Atlanta BeltLine, Krog Street area, West Midtown, and city parks.

What to wear:

• Short sleeves during the day, light sweater or jacket in the evening.
• Bring a light layer if you’re out all day and into the night.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta gets regular rain and thunderstorms, particularly in late spring, summer, and early fall.

Everyday Rain & Thunderstorms

• Fast-moving showers can move through, especially in the afternoon.
• You may see heavy rain, thunder, and lightning that lasts 20–60 minutes, then clears.
• Street flooding can occur in low-lying areas during heavy bursts.

Practical tips:

• Keep a small umbrella or rain jacket in your bag or car.
• If lightning is close, stay inside until storms pass—most are relatively short.

Severe Weather & Tornado Potential

While Atlanta isn’t in the core of “Tornado Alley,” severe storms and occasional tornadoes do affect the metro area.

• Severe weather days may include:
  • Strong winds
  • Hail
  • Intense lightning
  • Isolated tornado warnings
• Many people monitor:
  • Local TV stations for Atlanta-area weather alerts
  • Weather apps with alert notifications turned on

If you’re in Atlanta during a tornado watch or warning, follow guidance from local officials and seek shelter in a safe interior space if advised.

Tropical Systems and Remnants

Atlanta is inland, but remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes from the Gulf or Atlantic can still bring:

• Heavy rain over short periods
• Gusty winds
• Fallen limbs, scattered power outages

These events are typically well forecast in advance, so you’ll usually have notice to adjust travel, outdoor plans, or commuting times.

Air Quality, Heat, and Pollen Considerations

Pollen and Allergies

Atlanta’s tree cover and vegetation make it a green city—but also a high-pollen city, especially in:

• Early to mid-spring (tree pollen)
• Late spring to summer (grass and other plants)

Cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture often get covered in a yellow-green dust during peak pollen days.

Heat & Air Quality

On some hot summer days, air quality alerts may be issued, especially for people sensitive to pollution or with breathing issues. These alerts often suggest:

• Limiting strenuous outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day
• Spending more time indoors in air conditioning when alerts are active

Local news and weather apps typically indicate when an air quality alert is in effect for the Atlanta area.

How to Check the Weather in Atlanta Today

While this guide explains typical patterns, Atlanta weather can change quickly. For today’s weather in Atlanta, including hour-by-hour details, you can:

• Use a reliable weather app on your phone
• Watch local Atlanta news stations that provide live Doppler radar and neighborhood forecasts
• Check weather displays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you’re traveling

When you check, pay attention to:

• Current temperature and “feels like” temperature (important with humidity)
• Chance of rain or storms, especially afternoon hours
• Any active warnings or advisories (heat, severe storms, air quality)

Planning Your Activities Around Atlanta Weather

Here’s how locals typically plan their days based on the forecast:

• Sunny, mild day:
  • BeltLine walks, patio dining, parks (Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Centennial Olympic Park)
• Hot, humid day:
  • Indoor attractions midday (Georgia Aquarium, museums), outdoor time early or late
• Rainy afternoon forecast:
  • Keep indoor backup plans (restaurants, shopping, exhibits) and a small umbrella handy
• Cool, crisp fall or spring day:
  • Perfect for festivals, outdoor markets, Ponce City Market rooftop, and neighborhood walks

Who Watches Weather for the Atlanta Area

For official weather information affecting Atlanta, the National Weather Service (NWS) office that covers the region is:

National Weather Service – Peachtree City (serving metro Atlanta)
4 Falcon Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269

This office issues watches, warnings, and advisories for Atlanta and surrounding counties that local media and weather apps relay.

Understanding “What’s the weather in Atlanta?” starts with knowing the season, then checking a current forecast for the exact conditions. With Atlanta’s mix of heat, humidity, storms, and occasional cold snaps, having layers, an umbrella, and a flexible plan will keep you comfortable year-round.