Atlanta, GA Weather by Month: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather is famously changeable, but it does follow clear patterns month by month. Whether you live in the city, are planning a visit, or are deciding when to move here, understanding Atlanta, GA weather monthly will help you pack, plan, and enjoy the city comfortably.

Quick Monthly Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

Use this as a fast reference before you dive into the details:

Temperatures are approximate, but these ranges reflect what most Atlanta residents experience year to year.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta’s Climate

Before looking month by month, it helps to understand the overall pattern:

• Humid subtropical climate
  Summers are hot and humid; winters are generally mild with short cold spells.

• Rain spread through the year
  No true “dry season.” Showers and thunderstorms can pop up any month, especially late spring and summer.

• Snow is rare, ice is the bigger concern
  Light snow can happen in some winters, but icy roads and freezing rain cause more problems than deep snow.

• Pollen seasons matter
  Spring (especially March–April) is infamous for tree pollen; fall brings a second, lighter wave.

• Microclimates inside the city
  Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead tend to be slightly warmer than outer suburbs due to buildings and pavement.

January: Cool, Occasionally Cold Winter

In January, Atlanta is in full winter mode, but it’s usually cool, not frigid.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low–mid 50s, lows in the mid 30s.
• Rain: Cold rain is common; gray days are frequent.
• Wintry weather: Light snow or ice is possible a few times a decade, with some winters seeing none at all.

Local tips:

• Keep a medium-weight coat, hat, and gloves ready for early mornings and late nights.
• Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses, especially along I-75/85 and I-285 after overnight rain and cold.
• MARTA buses and trains typically keep running, but service can slow during icy periods.

February: Late Winter With Hints of Spring

By February, Atlanta is still in winter but with more mild, sunny days mixed in.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid–upper 50s, lows in the upper 30s.
• Weather pattern: Periods of cold rain, followed by short warm-ups.

Local tips:

• Prepare for swings: a light sweater one day, a heavier jacket the next.
• Early-blooming trees may start showing buds, signaling that pollen season is coming soon.
• If you’re visiting for events downtown or near the Georgia World Congress Center, plan for layers; indoor spaces can feel warm compared with outside.

March: Transition to Spring (and Severe Storm Season)

March is one of Atlanta’s most changeable months.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid 60s, lows in the mid 40s.
• Rain & storms: More frequent thunderstorms. Some storms can be strong, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and occasional hail.

What to expect:

• More sunny, mild afternoons, with cool mornings.
• Increasing tree pollen; cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture can be coated in a yellow-green film.

Local tips:

• 📱 Sign up for weather alerts on your phone, especially if you live in areas where trees are close to homes or power lines.
• For outdoor plans at Piedmont Park or the BeltLine, check the forecast the same day; storms can form quickly.
• Allergies? Many locals start preparing for pollen in late March.

April: Pleasant, Green, and Pollen-Heavy

Many Atlanta residents consider April one of the best weather months, despite pollen.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low–mid 70s, lows in the low 50s.
• Rain: Regular showers and thunderstorms, but also a lot of clear, beautiful days.
• Pollen: Often the peak for tree pollen across metro Atlanta.

Local tips:

• If you spend time outdoors—Atlanta Botanical Garden, Oakland Cemetery, or neighborhood festivals—expect peak bloom and peak pollen.
• Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket handy for pop-up afternoon showers.
• Open windows can be nice on mild days, but many locals keep them closed to limit pollen buildup indoors.

May: Warm, More Humid, Early Summer Feel

In May, Atlanta shifts into an early summer pattern.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.
• Humidity: Starts to climb, especially in the afternoons.
• Storms: Thunderstorms become more common, often later in the day.

What to expect:

• Great weather for outdoor dining, baseball games at Truist Park, and festivals.
• Pollen from grasses and other plants can still affect some people, but tree pollen usually drops off.

Local tips:

• Dress in light layers: short sleeves for daytime, light jacket or long sleeves for evenings.
• Afternoon storms may briefly disrupt plans but often pass quickly.
• Outdoor venues like Chastain Park and rooftop bars become popular; it can feel warm in direct sun even when the air temperature looks moderate.

June: Hotter Days and Regular Afternoon Storms

June brings true summer to Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid–upper 80s, lows in the upper 60s.
• Humidity: Noticeably higher, especially by late month.
• Rain: Afternoon and evening thunderstorms become a regular feature.

Local pattern:

• Mornings are often the most comfortable time of day.
• By mid-afternoon, it can feel hotter than the temperature suggests due to humidity.

Local tips:

• ☀️ For outdoor exercise around the BeltLine or at Stone Mountain, go early in the morning.
• Keep rain gear or a spare umbrella in your car; storms can form quickly on hot days.
• If you’re visiting and staying downtown, short walks between hotels, MARTA stations, and attractions can feel steamy during peak afternoon heat.

July: Peak Heat and Humidity

July is typically one of the hottest months in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, lows around the low 70s.
• Humidity: High, making “feels like” temperatures even warmer.
• Thunderstorms: Frequent; often short but intense, with downpours and lightning.

What living in Atlanta feels like in July:

• Air conditioning is essential almost everywhere—homes, businesses, MARTA trains, and buses.
• Outdoor activities midday can feel draining, especially in full sun.

Local tips:

• Plan indoor attractions (Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, museums) in the middle of the day when it’s hottest.
• Carry water if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or the Atlanta University Center area.
• Storms can briefly cause localized flooding, especially in low-lying underpasses and along some in-town roads.

August: Hot, Muggy, and Stormy

August is similar to July, with ongoing heat and humidity.

• Temperatures: Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, lows in the low 70s.
• Humidity & storms: Muggy days and regular thunderstorms, especially late afternoon and evening.

Local pattern:

• Heat can feel most uncomfortable when combined with stagnant air and high dew points.
• Some late-August days may start to feel slightly less intense, but it’s still very much summer.

Local tips:

• 🕶️ Wear light-colored, breathable clothing for activities at places like Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Have a plan for indoor breaks if you’re spending the day at outdoor attractions or parks.
• Thunderstorms can bring frequent lightning; locals often head inside or pause outdoor events during storms.

September: Warm Start, More Comfortable Finish

September starts off warm and gradually becomes more comfortable.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid 80s early in the month, easing into the upper 70s; lows in the mid 60s.
• Humidity: Still present early, often dropping later in the month.
• Rain: Showers and storms continue, but the pattern slowly quiets down.

What to expect:

• College and pro football season starts with warm tailgating weather.
• By late September, evenings can feel noticeably cooler, especially in suburban and higher-elevation areas around metro Atlanta.

Local tips:

• Great month for outdoor events—festivals, concerts, walks along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
• Still plan for heat if you’re attending day games or outdoor festivals early in the month.
• Keep an eye on tropical remnants; systems from the Gulf or Atlantic can occasionally bring heavy rain to north Georgia.

October: One of the Best Months to Be Outside

Many Atlantans view October as the sweet spot of the year.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low–mid 70s, lows in the low–mid 50s.
• Humidity: Lower, with more crisp mornings.
• Rain: Generally fewer storms, though cold fronts can bring breezy, cooler days.

What it’s like:

• Comfortable days and cooler nights—ideal for patios, parks, and festivals.
• Fall color begins late in the month, especially on trees across neighborhoods and nearby North Georgia.

Local tips:

• Perfect weather for trips to Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market rooftop, or outdoor venues.
• Pack a light jacket for evenings, especially if you’re walking around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park after dark.
• Pollen can rise again in the fall, but it’s usually less intense than in spring.

November: Mild Fall With Increasing Fronts

November brings a more established fall feel.

• Temperatures: Highs in the low–mid 60s, lows in the low–mid 40s.
• Rain & fronts: More frequent cold fronts, bringing breezy, cooler days and some periods of rain.

Local pattern:

• Early November often still has pleasant, mild afternoons.
• By late month, mornings can feel close to winter, especially in areas away from the city center.

Local tips:

• Have both sweaters and light coats available; you may use both within the same week.
• Thanksgiving week can be cool and sometimes rainy, so travel around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport may coincide with unsettled weather.
• Fall foliage often peaks in early-to-mid November in and near the city.

December: Variable, Cool, and Occasionally Cold

December in Atlanta is generally cool and variable.

• Temperatures: Highs in the mid–upper 50s, lows in the upper 30s.
• Rain: Cold rain is common, especially with passing systems.
• Wintry weather: Light snow or flurries are possible some years, more often in late month or into January.

What to expect:

• Holiday events (Garden Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, outdoor markets, etc.) usually require a coat in the evening.
• Some days can feel surprisingly mild, especially early in the month, while others can be quite chilly, particularly with wind.

Local tips:

• Dress in layers for evening events and walking between parking, MARTA, and venues.
• If a strong cold front moves through, wind chills can make temperatures feel significantly colder, especially in open areas around downtown.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta does not have a true dry season, but the form of rain changes through the year:

• Winter–early spring (Dec–Mar):
  More steady, lighter rain with passing fronts; storms are possible, but not daily.
• Late spring–summer (Apr–Aug):
  Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, usually short-lived but intense.
• Fall (Sep–Nov):
  Mix of dry, pleasant stretches and rain with cold fronts; occasional heavy rain from remnants of tropical systems.

While Atlanta is not in the core of “Tornado Alley,” strong storms can still produce damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes, mainly in spring and sometimes late fall.

Humidity, Heat Index, and Air Quality

Humidity and “Feels Like” Temperatures

From about May through September, humidity can push the heat index several degrees above the actual temperature.

• A 90°F day can feel closer to mid to upper 90s in full sun.
• Nights can stay warm and muggy, especially inside the Perimeter (I-285).

If you’re sensitive to heat:

• Schedule outdoor chores or workouts early.
• Wear loose, breathable fabrics.
• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces.

Air Quality Considerations

Atlanta can experience air quality issues, especially in:

• Summer: Higher ozone levels on very hot, stagnant days.
• Spring: Heavy pollen, mainly from trees and grasses.

Local air quality is typically monitored and reported daily across the metro area. On days flagged as less healthy for sensitive groups, some residents limit prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.

Winter Weather: Snow, Ice, and Preparedness

Snow in Atlanta is unpredictable and usually light, but even a small amount can affect travel due to limited snow-removal infrastructure compared with colder regions.

• Snow: Some winters see trace amounts; others see a few inches spread across one or two events.
• Ice: Freezing rain and sleet are more common issues, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.

If a winter event is in the forecast:

• Many residents stock up on essentials and may work from home where possible.
• Schools and some offices close or shift schedules based on projected road conditions.
• Driving can become hazardous quickly, so many locals prefer to avoid non-essential travel during peak impacts.

How to Plan Around Atlanta’s Monthly Weather

Here’s how to use this monthly breakdown in everyday life:

• Moving to Atlanta?
  Expect to use air conditioning heavily from late spring through early fall, and heat for shorter spells in winter.

• Visiting Atlanta?

  • Best months for comfortable weather: April, May, late September, October, early November.
  • Pack layers in shoulder seasons (March–May, October–November).
  • In summer, plan afternoon indoor time and morning outdoor activities.

• Living here and planning events?

  • Outdoor weddings and big events often target April–May or October.
  • For large outdoor festivals, have a rain plan nearly any month.

Understanding Atlanta, GA weather monthly makes it easier to choose when to visit, how to dress, and how to plan daily life in the city. With mostly mild winters, hot summers, and fantastic shoulder seasons, Atlanta’s climate offers something workable year-round—as long as you’re ready for the humidity, the occasional storm, and that famous layer of spring pollen.