Atlanta, GA Temperatures: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are considering a move, understanding the Atlanta, GA temperature patterns will make your life much easier. From humid summers to mild winters and surprise cold snaps, Atlanta’s weather can swing more than many newcomers expect.

Below is a clear guide to typical Atlanta temperatures by season, what it feels like day-to-day, and how locals adapt.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practical terms, that means:

• Hot, humid summers with warm nights
• Mild, relatively short winters, but with occasional freezing temperatures
• Pleasant spring and fall, though both can change quickly
• Rain spread through the year, with thunderstorms more common in warm months

Atlanta’s elevation (about 1,000 feet above sea level) keeps it a bit cooler than many other cities in the Deep South, but humidity and heat index still matter a lot in how the temperature feels.

Typical Atlanta Temperatures by Season

Below is a simplified overview of average temperature ranges in Atlanta, GA. Actual conditions vary day to day, but this gives you a realistic baseline for planning.

Key takeaway:
You’ll experience all four seasons in Atlanta, but the dominant sensations are summer heat and humidity plus short, cold spells in winter.

Winter Temperatures in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are usually mild compared with much of the U.S., but locals know the weather can turn sharp for a few days at a time.

What temperatures are typical?

• Daytime highs: upper 40s to mid 50s°F
• Overnight lows: low 30s to upper 30s°F
• Freezing temperatures: Common overnight, especially in January
• Arctic blasts: Occasionally drive temperatures into the 20s or below for short stretches

Snow is infrequent and usually light, but freezing rain and black ice can be an issue, especially on bridges and overpasses around interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.

How locals prepare for winter temperatures

• Keep layers handy: light sweater + jacket is often enough during the day.
• For rare but intense cold snaps, Atlantans pull out heavy coats, gloves, and hats.
• Be cautious during early morning drives after a freeze, especially in areas like the Downtown Connector, I‑20, and elevated ramps near Midtown and Downtown.

Spring Temperatures in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta is often one of the best times to be outside, but it can fluctuate between chilly and almost summerlike.

Typical spring temperatures

• Early spring highs: upper 60s°F; nights in the upper 40s°F
• Late spring highs: upper 70s to low 80s°F; nights in the upper 50s°F
• Sudden warm days in April and May can jump into the mid 80s°F.

Many Atlantans notice cool mornings and warm afternoons, especially in March and April.

What it feels like around the city

• Ideal for walks on the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Grant Park.
• Light jacket or sweater in the morning; t‑shirt or light clothing by midday.
• Thunderstorms become more common as you move into May, sometimes with quick temperature drops as storms pass.

Summer Temperatures in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer is when Atlanta, GA temperatures really stand out. The combination of heat and humidity makes it feel hotter than the air temperature suggests.

Typical summer temperatures

• Daytime highs: upper 80s to low/mid 90s°F
• Heat index: Often makes it feel like mid to upper 90s°F, occasionally hotter
• Overnight lows: upper 60s to mid 70s°F — nights stay warm and muggy

On particularly hot days, especially during heat waves, the thermometer can reach the upper 90s°F, and some days may touch or slightly exceed 100°F, though that’s less common.

How Atlantans handle the heat

• Air conditioning is considered essential across the metro area.
• Most people limit strenuous outdoor activities to early mornings or evenings.
• Public spaces like Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park Pool, and neighborhood splash pads become popular spots for cooling off.
• On high heat index days, the combination of temperature and humidity can feel heavy, especially in dense areas like Downtown, Midtown, and near major roads.

Fall Temperatures in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another local favorite season thanks to cooler, more comfortable temperatures.

Typical fall temperatures

• Early fall (September):
  • Highs often still in the upper 70s to low 80s°F
  • Lows in the low 60s°F
• Mid to late fall (October–November):
  • Daytime highs drifting from the 70s into the 60s°F
  • Nighttime lows dropping into the 40s°F by November

You’ll often see a gradual shift from “extended summer” in September to crisp mornings and mild afternoons by late October.

What fall feels like around Atlanta

• Great for outdoor events like festivals in Candler Park, Grant Park, and Atlantic Station.
• Light layers (long-sleeve shirt, light jacket) usually cover most days.
• Some days in late fall can feel almost winter‑like in the mornings, especially in shaded or higher areas around neighborhoods like Buckhead and Druid Hills.

Humidity and Heat Index: Why It Feels Hotter

When people ask about Atlanta, GA temperature, they often mean, “How does it actually feel outside?”

Humidity’s role

• In late spring, summer, and early fall, Atlanta typically has high humidity, especially in the mornings.
• High humidity reduces your body’s ability to cool itself through sweat, so 80–90°F can feel significantly hotter.
• The heat index (what it feels like to your body) may be 5–10°F higher than the actual air temperature on muggy days.

Practical tips for coping with humid heat

• Plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. when possible.
• Wear light, breathable clothing and seek shade when out at spots like the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or Old Fourth Ward Park.
• Use fans and air conditioning indoors to improve comfort.
• Check local weather forecasts or apps for the “feels like” temperature, not just the actual reading.

Microclimates Around Atlanta

While official temperature readings often come from areas like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you might notice variations across the city.

Typical small differences you might feel

• Urban core (Downtown, Midtown):

  • Can feel slightly warmer due to buildings, pavement, and traffic (urban heat island effect).
  • Nights may cool down less than in more suburban or wooded areas.

• Shaded, tree-heavy neighborhoods (Decatur, Inman Park, certain parts of Buckhead):

  • Slightly cooler in the shade during the day.
  • Often more comfortable for walking and outdoor dining on hot days.

• Low-lying or open areas:

  • Sometimes feel colder during winter mornings, especially if wind is more exposed.

These shifts are usually just a few degrees, but they can make certain parts of the city feel distinctly more or less comfortable at the same recorded temperature.

Extreme Temperature Events in Atlanta

While most days follow the patterns above, Atlanta does get occasional extremes:

Heat waves

• Multiple days in a row with mid to upper 90s°F or above.
• Often accompanied by high humidity, driving the heat index into dangerous territory, especially in the afternoon.

Cold snaps

• Sudden bursts of very cold air in winter, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, especially at night.
• Can lead to icy roads, especially on elevated freeways and residential hills.

Where residents can monitor or respond to extremes

If you’re concerned about extreme temperatures and related services:

• City of Atlanta Government

  • City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Provides public updates on city operations and, during some extremes, may share information on warming or cooling locations.

• Fulton County Government (for much of Atlanta proper)

  • Fulton County Government Center: 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Local television, radio, and weather apps frequently issue heat advisories, freeze warnings, and storm alerts that are useful to follow if you spend a lot of time outdoors or on the roads.

Practical Tips: Dressing and Planning Around Atlanta Temperatures

To live comfortably with typical Atlanta, GA temperatures, most residents adjust their habits by season.

What to wear by season

• Winter (Dec–Feb)

  • Light to medium coat for everyday use
  • Heavier coat, gloves, and hat on colder mornings or during predicted freezes
  • Layered clothing if you commute on MARTA or walk through Downtown and Midtown

• Spring (Mar–May)

  • Light jacket or sweater in March and early April
  • Short sleeves or light long sleeves by late spring
  • An umbrella or light rain jacket on days with storms in the forecast

• Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • A hat and sunglasses for sun exposure, especially at midday
  • A light outer layer for heavily air‑conditioned interiors (offices, malls, movie theaters)

• Fall (Sep–Nov)

  • Short sleeves in early fall; add a light layer for evenings
  • By late October and November, long sleeves and a medium jacket are common, especially at night

Planning your activities around temperature

• Outdoor runs, dog walks, or BeltLine trips are most comfortable in early morning or evening in summer.
• Major outdoor attractions in Atlanta—like Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Piedmont Park—are especially pleasant in spring and fall when temperatures are milder.
• For winter, consider earlier errands on clear, sunny days when afternoon temperatures often rise well above chilly morning lows.

How to Check Today’s Temperature in Atlanta

To know the current temperature in Atlanta, GA:

• Use a trusted weather app or website and search for “Atlanta, GA”.
• Many Atlantans also check local TV or radio weather segments, which often highlight neighborhood-level details and traffic impacts.

When you look at the forecast, pay attention to:

• High and low temperatures
• Feels-like (heat index or wind chill)
• Chance of rain or storms, which can quickly change how the air feels

Understanding Atlanta, GA temperatures means planning for hot, sticky summers, comfortable shoulder seasons, and brief but notable winter chills. With a sense of how temperatures shift month to month, you can better choose what to wear, when to be outside, and how to stay comfortable in every part of the city.