Snowfall in Atlanta, GA: What Residents and Visitors Should Know

Atlanta is known for hot summers, spring pollen, and mild winters — not snowstorms. But snowfall in Atlanta, GA does happen, and when it does, it can affect roads, schools, flights, and daily routines in a big way.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a winter trip, this guide explains how often it snows, what winter weather typically looks like, and how to prepare when flurries show up in the forecast.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s climate is described as humid subtropical, which means:

• Winters are usually mild
• Snow is infrequent, but not impossible
• Most winter weather is cold rain or a brief mix of sleet and flurries

In a typical year, Atlanta might see:

• A trace to a couple of inches of snow total, often spread over one or two minor events
• Some winters with no measurable snow at all
• Occasional winters with a single disruptive storm

Snow events in Atlanta are usually short-lived. Many melt the same day, especially on roads and sidewalks, unless temperatures stay below freezing.

When Is It Most Likely to Snow in Atlanta?

Snow in Atlanta is most likely between:

• Late December and early March
• With the highest chances in January and February

Even then, snow is far from guaranteed. Many years bring nothing more than:

• A few flurries that melt on contact
• A rain-to-snow mix at the end of a cold front

If you’re traveling to or from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in winter, keep an eye on forecasts particularly during:

• Early morning hours (when temperatures are coldest)
• Overnight after a cold rain, when a quick changeover to sleet or wet snow is most likely

What Does a Snow Day in Atlanta Really Look Like?

Because snow is relatively rare, even a small amount can have a big local impact.

Typical Atlanta Snowfall Characteristics

When Atlanta does get snow, it’s often:

• Wet and heavy, sticking to trees, lawns, and sometimes power lines
• Mixed with sleet or freezing rain, which can create icy roads and sidewalks
• Short-lived, with rapid melting once the sun is out or temperatures rise

A “snow day” in Atlanta might mean:

• A dusting to an inch on grassy surfaces
• Slushy or icy bridges and overpasses
• Schools or offices delaying opening or shifting to remote operations

Snow vs. Ice: Why Ice Storms Are a Bigger Issue

For Atlanta, ice is usually more dangerous than snow. A typical winter “storm” here might include:

• Freezing rain (rain that freezes on contact with cold surfaces)
• Black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded neighborhood streets
• Power outages from ice accumulating on tree limbs and power lines

Even if the forecast says “wintry mix,” plan for:

• Hazardous driving conditions
• Slow or suspended MARTA bus service
• Possible delays to MARTA rail, especially above-ground sections

Because the city is hilly and not designed for frequent winter storms, a light glaze of ice can shut things down far more than in snowier cities.

How Atlanta Prepares for Snow and Winter Weather

Atlanta and surrounding counties have improved winter planning in recent years, especially after disruptive events in the past.

Road Treatment and Snow Removal

You’ll often see:

• Brine trucks (saltwater solution) pretreating major roads before a cold event
• Salt and sand trucks on interstates and primary roads when ice or snow is expected
• Plows operating mainly on interstates and major arterials

Priority routes typically include:

• Interstates: I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, GA‑400
• Major city streets such as Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Cascade Road, Moreland Avenue

Neighborhood streets, side streets, and steep residential hills are not always treated right away, especially during a larger storm. Plan for these areas to stay slippery longer.

Who Manages Winter Road Response?

Key agencies involved in Atlanta winter weather response include:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

  • Main office: One Georgia Center, 600 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Customer service: 511 (from most Georgia phones) for road condition info

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)

  • Focuses on city streets, bridges, and traffic operations within city limits

• Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Clayton County public works departments

  • Handle county-maintained roads outside the core city

How Snow Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Even a relatively small snowfall can change your day in Atlanta.

Schools and Universities

Local school systems may cancel or delay classes for snow, ice, or even a strong “wintry mix” forecast. This is common because of:

• School buses operating on hilly, neighborhood routes
• Early-morning start times, when roads are coldest

Districts that often announce weather-related changes include:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  Offices: 130 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Schools, DeKalb County School District, Cobb County School District, Clayton County Public Schools

Colleges and universities such as Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta also issue winter weather updates on their official channels, which can include:

• Campus closure
• Remote/online instruction
• Delayed opening

Work and Commuting

Snow or ice can lead to:

• More people working from home
• Heavier use of MARTA rail if roads are slick
• Reduced or rerouted MARTA bus and Atlanta Streetcar service

MARTA’s Headquarters:

• 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer information: (404) 848‑5000

If you commute by car:

• Plan extra time
• Watch bridges such as the Downtown Connector overpasses, 17th Street Bridge, Northside Drive bridges, and ramps around I‑285
• Be cautious on steep neighborhood streets (for example, parts of Grant Park, Inman Park, and West Midtown)

What Visitors Should Expect From Winter in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta in winter, you’re more likely to experience chilly rain than deep snow. But when snow does show up, here’s what to keep in mind.

Flying In or Out of Atlanta

At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):

• Light snow often leads to de-icing of aircraft but not necessarily major shutdowns
• Ice, especially after a long cold rain, can cause delays or cancellations

ATL general information:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main information line: (800) 897‑1910

Plan to:

• Arrive earlier than usual for flights during winter storms
• Monitor airline and airport alerts for schedule changes

Getting Around the City

Rideshare and taxis usually keep operating but may be slower and more expensive during active winter weather. If you rent a car:

• Ask for a front-wheel drive vehicle if possible
• Drive carefully on curvy or hilly streets like those in Buckhead, Midtown, and some intown neighborhoods

Walking can also be tricky:

• Some sidewalks may not be salted or cleared
• Shaded areas can stay icy longer than sunny spots

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents During Snow and Ice

You don’t need a full winter survival kit like in snowy states, but a few basics go a long way.

At Home

Consider keeping:

• Flashlights and batteries in case of ice-related outages
• A small supply of bottled water and nonperishable food in winter
• Blankets and warm layers if your home gets cold quickly
• A basic ice melt product and a snow brush/ice scraper for your steps and car

For single-family homes, especially in hilly or shaded areas:

• Treat front steps, porches, and driveways if ice is expected
• Be careful with aging trees that may drop ice‑laden branches

In Your Car

Even if snow is rare, Atlanta drivers benefit from:

• A small scraper or brush
• Windshield washer fluid suitable for below-freezing temperatures
• Phone charger and warm layer (jacket, hat, gloves) in the car
• A little extra fuel in case of unexpected delays

If you drive infrequently in winter, practice gentle braking and allow more distance on:

• I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, GA‑400
• Bridges like 10th Street Bridge, 14th Street Bridge, and Courtland Street Bridge

Where to Check Winter Weather and Road Conditions in Atlanta

When snow or ice is in the forecast, Atlantans rely on a few key information sources.

Weather and Emergency Alerts

• City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Management

  • 72 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Coordinates citywide emergency response and public alerts

• Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)

  • Works on broader regional emergency planning, including winter weather

Many residents sign up for local alert systems or pay close attention to:

• Broadcast weather forecasts focused on the Atlanta metro
• Push notifications from weather apps tuned to addresses in Atlanta

Road and Traffic Information

For real-time traffic and road conditions:

• 511 Georgia
  • Dial 511 from most phones in Georgia for road closures, incidents, and travel conditions

Local law enforcement non-emergency lines can sometimes provide information on hazardous conditions:

• Atlanta Police Department (Non-Emergency): (404) 658‑6666
• City of Atlanta main line: (404) 330‑6000

Atlanta Neighborhood Differences During Snow

Not all parts of Atlanta respond to snow in the same way.

Areas that may stay icy longer:

• Shaded, tree-lined neighborhoods such as parts of Druid Hills, Morningside, and East Lake
• Hilly areas in Buckhead and parts of Southwest Atlanta
• Streets near creeks or low-lying areas where cold air pools overnight

Areas likely to be cleared first:

• Roadways around Downtown, Midtown, and major business districts
• Routes serving hospitals such as Grady Memorial, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center areas
• Major freight and commuter corridors along the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), I‑20, and I‑285

If you must drive, plan your route around:

• Main, well-traveled roads
• Avoiding steep shortcuts through neighborhoods

Key Takeaways About Snowfall in Atlanta, GA

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from winter and snow in Atlanta:

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, snow is usually a brief, memorable event, not a season-long reality. The main thing to prepare for is not deep drifts, but short periods of slick roads and possible ice, especially on bridges, hills, and less-traveled streets. If you stay aware of local forecasts and give yourself extra time when wintry weather is in the air, you’ll be well prepared for snowfall in Atlanta, GA.