Average Temperature in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather is one of the first things visitors and new residents ask about. The average temperature in Atlanta, GA is generally mild compared with many parts of the country, but you’ll still feel hot, humid summers and cool, sometimes chilly winters.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip, or are thinking about moving here, understanding the month‑by‑month temperatures can help you plan clothing, activities, and even your commute.

At a Glance: Atlanta’s Average Temperatures by Month

The table below shows typical average high and low temperatures in Atlanta, rounded to easy-to-remember numbers:

These values are typical climate averages in the Atlanta metro area. Day-to-day weather can run warmer or colder, but this gives a solid baseline of what to expect.

Atlanta’s Climate in Simple Terms

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

• Winters are generally short and mild, with only occasional very cold snaps.
• Springs and falls are comfortable, often the best times to be outdoors.
• Summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

This pattern is influenced by Atlanta’s position in the southeastern United States and its elevation (around 1,000 feet above sea level at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport), which keeps temperatures somewhat cooler than many lower-lying Southern cities.

Season-by-Season: What the Average Temperatures Really Mean

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Typical average highs: low–mid 50s °F
Typical average lows: mid 30s °F

For a Southern city, winters in Atlanta can feel surprisingly brisk, especially in the mornings and evenings.

What you’ll notice:

• Most days are cool but not bitterly cold.
• Overnight lows can dip into the upper 20s and low 30s °F during cold spells.
• Snow is possible but not common. When it does occur, even light accumulation can disrupt driving around the Perimeter (I‑285) and surface streets.

Practical tips if you live in or visit Atlanta in winter:

• Have a medium-weight coat, hat, and gloves ready for colder mornings.
• Black ice can occasionally form on bridges and overpasses, especially on interstates like I‑75/85 through Downtown.
• If you commute by MARTA, temperatures on station platforms (such as Peachtree Center or Five Points) can feel colder than the reported air temperature due to wind.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Typical average highs: mid 60s to around 80 °F
Typical average lows: mid 40s to low 60s °F

Spring in Atlanta is known for comfortable temperatures and rapid warm-ups.

What you’ll notice:

• March often swings between cool mornings and mild afternoons.
• By April and May, many days feel warm and pleasant, ideal for walking the BeltLine or visiting Piedmont Park.
• Pollen levels rise sharply as trees and plants bloom, even though temperatures themselves are generally comfortable.

How to prepare:

• Plan for layers—a light jacket in the morning that you can remove by midday.
• If you’re planning outdoor events (like festivals around Centennial Olympic Park or Grant Park), March and April are often more comfortable than mid-summer.
• Thunderstorms become more frequent as you move into late spring.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Typical average highs: upper 80s °F
Typical average lows: around 70–72 °F

This is when the average temperature in Atlanta climbs, and the humidity becomes a major factor.

What you’ll notice:

• Many days are hot and muggy, especially in the afternoon.
• Heat index values (how hot it feels when humidity is added to the air temperature) can push conditions to feel well into the 90s °F or higher.
• Short, intense afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in July and August, often popping up quickly.

Practical Atlanta-specific notes:

• Downtown streets, interstates, and parking lots can feel significantly hotter than reported temperatures due to heat radiating from pavement and buildings.
• Outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, and Stone Mountain Park are more comfortable earlier in the day or toward evening.
• Many Atlanta apartments and homes rely heavily on air conditioning. It’s common for residents to schedule HVAC maintenance before or early in the summer.

Helpful habits for summer in Atlanta:

• ☀️ Plan outdoor exercise (runs on the BeltLine or in Freedom Park) for early morning or evening.
• 💧 Keep water on hand, especially if walking or riding MARTA between stations in the heat.
• Check local forecasts for heat advisories or strong thunderstorms, especially if driving on I‑20, I‑85, or I‑75 during the evening rush.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Typical average highs: low 80s down to low 60s °F
Typical average lows: upper 60s down to mid 40s °F

Fall is often considered Atlanta’s most pleasant season.

What you’ll notice:

• September can still feel summer-like, especially early in the month.
• By October, highs in the 70s °F and cooler evenings make it ideal for outdoor events.
• November brings cooler, crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons.

Why fall feels so good:

• Humidity tends to drop, so even warm days feel more manageable.
• Parks around the region, such as Chastain Park, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and Sweetwater Creek, become popular for hikes and picnics.
• Many Atlantans schedule home projects (roof repairs, painting, yard work) in fall because temperatures and rainfall are more favorable than in midsummer.

How Atlanta’s Average Temperatures Affect Daily Life

Clothing and Wardrobe Planning

If you live in Atlanta year-round, you’ll likely need:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for late spring through early fall
• A light to medium jacket for fall and spring
• A warmer coat and cold-weather accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) for occasional winter cold snaps
• Rain gear (umbrella or rain jacket) since showers and storms are fairly common from late spring to early fall

Visitors can often get by with layers and one coat in winter, plus cooler, breathable clothing and a light rain jacket in summer.

Driving and Commuting in Atlanta Weather

Even with relatively mild average temperatures, weather still affects Atlanta traffic:

• Heat and sun can make long waits in traffic on the Downtown Connector feel exhausting in summer; many locals keep water and sunshades in their cars.
• During winter cold snaps, temperatures around freezing can cause icy patches, especially early in the morning.
• Thunderstorms associated with hot, humid conditions can reduce visibility and slow traffic on major roads like I‑285, GA‑400, and I‑20.

If you use MARTA (buses and rail), actual platform and bus stop conditions may feel warmer or colder than the official temperature reported at the airport or weather stations, especially with wind and sun exposure.

Where Temperatures Are Measured Around Atlanta

Most commonly cited average temperatures in Atlanta come from instruments near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located south of downtown. This is an official measuring site used for regional climate data.

Because the Atlanta metro area covers a large region, you might notice slight differences:

• Higher-elevation suburbs (such as parts of Cobb or North Fulton counties) can run a bit cooler, especially at night.
• More urbanized parts of the city, including Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, can experience a “heat island” effect, running slightly warmer than surrounding rural or wooded areas.

For more precise current temperature readings and forecasts specifically around Atlanta, residents commonly check:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Main phone (office): (770) 486-1133

This office provides detailed forecasts and advisories that apply directly to Atlanta and the surrounding metro counties.

Planning Activities Around Atlanta’s Average Temperatures

If you’re trying to decide when to visit or when to plan certain activities, the city’s temperature patterns can help:

• Best months for outdoor comfort:
  Typically April, May, October, and early November, when average temperatures are mild and humidity is lower than in midsummer.
• Best months for pool and water activities:
  June through early September, when temperatures are consistently warm to hot.
• More comfortable months for walking and sightseeing downtown:
  Spring and fall, when walking between attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is less taxing than during peak summer heat.

Key Takeaways About Average Temperature in Atlanta, GA

• Atlanta’s average high temperatures range from the low 50s °F in winter to the upper 80s °F in summer.
• Average lows typically range from the mid 30s °F in winter to the low 70s °F in summer.
• Summer heat and humidity are the most noticeable weather challenges, while winters are generally mild with occasional colder periods.
• Spring and fall offer the most comfortable average temperatures for outdoor activities and travel.

Understanding these typical temperatures can help you make better decisions about what to wear, when to schedule outdoor plans, and how to prepare your home or trip for Atlanta’s changing seasons.