Year-Round Weather in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect in Every Season

Atlanta’s weather is one of the biggest factors in how the city feels day to day. If you live in Atlanta, plan to move here, or are visiting for work or fun, understanding the year-round weather in Atlanta, GA helps you pack the right clothes, plan outdoor activities, and even manage your home or car.

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Mild winters
• Long, warm-to-hot summers
• Short, pleasant spring and fall seasons
• Humidity and frequent thunderstorms, especially in warmer months

Below is a practical, season-by-season breakdown of what the weather is really like in Atlanta, along with monthly patterns and local tips.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather by Season

(Temperatures are general ranges and can vary from year to year.)

Atlanta Winter Weather (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is relatively mild compared to many northern cities, but it can still surprise you.

Typical Winter Conditions

• Daytime highs: Often in the 40s to 50s °F
• Overnight lows: Commonly in the 30s °F, occasionally dipping below freezing
• Snow: Infrequent and usually light when it happens
• Ice: A bigger concern than snow; freezing rain can cause slick roads and power outages

Cold snaps can bring a few days where temperatures fall below freezing, but these stretches are usually short-lived. You might experience a chilly, gray week followed by a sunny afternoon in the 60s.

How This Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

• Driving: Atlanta is not as equipped for snow and ice as some colder cities. Even small amounts of frozen precipitation can lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially on interstates like I-285, I-75, and I-85.
• What to wear: A medium-weight winter coat, layers, and a hat/gloves for colder mornings usually suffice. Many days may only require a light jacket.
• Housing: Older homes and apartments around neighborhoods like Grant Park or Virginia-Highland may feel drafty; residents often rely on central heat and space heaters during cold snaps.

🔹 Tip: When winter storms are forecast, check local updates from the National Weather Service Atlanta or Atlanta’s local news stations and avoid non-essential driving during icy conditions.

Atlanta Spring Weather (March–May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant times of year in Atlanta, and also one of the most active weather seasons.

Typical Spring Conditions

• March: Can still feel cool, with some chilly mornings
• April and May: Generally comfortable with highs in the 60s–70s and low 80s by late spring
• Rain: Regular showers and some thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings

Spring temperatures warm gradually, and by late April, outdoor patios in Midtown, Inman Park, and along the BeltLine are usually busy.

Pollen and Air Quality

A major part of spring weather in Atlanta is pollen, especially from pine and other trees. Cars, sidewalks, and patios can get coated in a yellow-green film.

• Windows are often kept closed to keep pollen out.
• Many residents plan outdoor exercise like running or biking on the Atlanta BeltLine at times of day when pollen seems lower or after a rain.

Severe Weather

Spring can bring:

• Strong thunderstorms
• Occasional hail or damaging winds
• Rare but possible tornado activity in the broader metro area

🔹 Tip: For outdoor spring events—like festivals in Piedmont Park or Braves games at Truist Park—it’s wise to check the forecast the morning of and have a light rain jacket or umbrella handy.

Atlanta Summer Weather (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and long, with extended stretches of warm, muggy air and frequent thunderstorms.

Typical Summer Conditions

• Daytime highs: Commonly in the upper 80s to 90s °F
• Humidity: Often high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature
• Heat index: On many days, feels like it’s in the upper 90s or higher
• Rain: Regular afternoon and early evening thunderstorms, often brief but intense

The phrase “Hotlanta” comes into play in summer. The combination of heat, humidity, and urban surfaces like concrete and asphalt can make the city feel quite warm, especially downtown and in areas with less tree cover.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Pop-up storms are a hallmark of Atlanta summer weather:

• Often develop quickly in the afternoon
• Can bring heavy rain, lightning, and localized street flooding
• Usually pass within an hour or so, but can disrupt outdoor plans

Outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, and rooftop venues may temporarily pause activities during storms.

Staying Comfortable in Summer

• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics are essential. Many people carry a hat, sunglasses, and water bottle.
• Timing: Outdoor exercise is often more comfortable early in the morning or closer to sunset.
• Cooling: Public places like shopping centers, museums (such as the Georgia Aquarium or High Museum of Art), and libraries become popular midday escapes from the heat.

🔹 Tip: If you’re visiting Atlanta in summer, plan indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day and keep outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Atlanta Fall Weather (September–November)

Fall is often considered the best season in Atlanta for comfortable weather and outdoor events.

Typical Fall Conditions

• September: Still warm, often feeling like late summer
• October: Usually very pleasant—mild days, cooler nights
• November: Cooler, with more frequent jacket weather

Humidity drops compared to summer, and skies are often clearer, especially in October.

What Fall Feels Like Day to Day

• Highs can be in the 70s and low 80s °F in early fall, easing into the 60s by late fall.
• Nights often cool into the 50s or even 40s later in the season.
• Fall foliage is visible in neighborhoods and parks like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and along Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain just outside the city.

This is a popular time for:

• Outdoor festivals and concerts
• College and professional football games
• Hiking and day trips to North Georgia

🔹 Tip: If you’re visiting in October or November, pack layers: short sleeves for midday and a light sweater or jacket for evenings.

Month-by-Month Feel of Atlanta Weather

While the weather varies year to year, here’s a general sense of Atlanta’s weather by month:

• January: Coldest month; mix of gray and clear days, occasional freezing nights, rare snow or ice
• February: Similar to January, starting to see more milder days
• March: Transition month; can swing between chilly and mild, increasing rain and storms
• April: Mild and often beautiful; noticeable pollen; great for outdoor activities
• May: Warm and comfortable; first hints of summer-like heat on some days
• June: Start of true summer heat and regular afternoon thunderstorms
• July: Hot, humid, frequent storms; evenings can stay warm and muggy
• August: Similar to July; some of the most consistently hot, humid days
• September: Gradual easing from peak heat; still warm, especially early in the month
• October: Generally one of the nicest months—mild, drier, often sunny
• November: Cool and comfortable; jacket weather becomes more common
• December: Mild to cool; holiday season can have anything from crisp days to cold, damp spells

Rain, Storms, and Flooding in Atlanta

Rain Patterns

• Rain is spread throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in late winter and spring and during the summer thunderstorm season.
• Long, all-day rain is less common than intermittent showers and storms, especially in warm months.

Flooding and Drainage

In heavy rain, some low-lying streets and underpasses in the Atlanta area can flood temporarily. This can affect:

• Older neighborhoods with less modern storm drainage
• Areas near creeks or small streams in the metro area

Drivers are generally advised to avoid driving through standing water, as depth can be hard to judge.

Humidity and “Feels Like” Temperature

A major part of year-round weather in Atlanta, GA is humidity:

• Spring and summer: Humidity is typically high, making warm days feel hotter.
• Fall: Humidity often drops, especially in October.
• Winter: Can vary; some days feel damp and chilly, others are crisp and dry.

This “feels like” effect matters when planning:

• Outdoor exercise
• Outdoor seating at restaurants
• Construction or physical work outdoors

Even if the temperature reads in the 80s, the humidity can make it feel closer to the 90s, particularly in the afternoon.

Air Quality and Seasonal Considerations

Pollen Seasons

• Spring: Major tree pollen season
• Late spring to summer: Grass and other plants contribute
• Late summer to fall: Ragweed and other weeds can be active

Many Atlanta residents notice that cars, decks, and porch furniture accumulate pollen during peak periods.

Heat Considerations

Extended hot spells in summer can add stress for:

• Outdoor workers
• Older adults
• Those without reliable air conditioning

Public agencies may share information about cooling options during extreme heat. Checking local media or the City of Atlanta communications channels can help people find indoor, air-conditioned public spaces if needed.

How Atlanta’s Weather Impacts Daily Planning

Understanding Atlanta’s year-round weather helps you make better decisions about:

Clothing

• Year-round: Layers are useful; temperatures can shift from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
• Winter: Light to medium coats, sweaters, and a few heavier options for cold snaps.
• Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing; sandals or light shoes; sun protection.

Home and Car

• Air conditioning is standard and heavily used from late spring through early fall.
• Rain gear (umbrella, raincoat) is helpful year-round.
• In winter, it’s wise to:
  • Protect exposed pipes during rare, very cold nights
  • Keep some basic supplies on hand in case of an ice-related power outage

Outdoor Activities

Popular spots like:

• Piedmont Park
• The Atlanta BeltLine
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (just outside the city core)

are busiest in spring and fall due to comfortable temperatures. In summer, many people shift to:

• Early morning walks or runs
• Evenings on patios and rooftops after the peak heat

Where to Get Local Weather Information in Atlanta

For up-to-date local forecasts and alerts in Atlanta, residents and visitors often rely on:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta office
  Typically issues official watches, warnings, and advisories for the metro area.

• Local TV and radio stations in Atlanta
  Provide neighborhood-level forecasts, radar, and severe weather updates tailored to the city and nearby suburbs.

These sources are especially helpful during:

• Winter weather events (ice, snow)
• Spring and summer thunderstorms
• Periods of extreme heat

By understanding how Atlanta’s weather behaves throughout the year, you can better plan daily life, travel, events, and outdoor time in and around the city. From mild winters and vibrant springs to hot, stormy summers and crisp falls, Atlanta’s climate offers distinct seasons—with plenty of days suitable for enjoying everything the city has to offer.