Weather in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect Through the Year

Atlanta’s weather can feel like a little bit of everything: warm Southern sunshine, sudden thunderstorms, humid summer afternoons, and the occasional winter chill. Understanding weather in Atlanta, GA helps you plan your day, your wardrobe, and even your travel schedule more confidently.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta’s climate, season by season, along with tips on what locals know, what visitors should expect, and how to stay prepared.

Atlanta’s Overall Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which generally means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often short winters
• Comfortable, changeable spring and fall
• Frequent rain and thunderstorms, especially in warm months
• Rare but possible wintry mix (snow, sleet, or freezing rain) in some winters

Atlanta sits at a higher elevation than many Southern cities (around 1,000 feet above sea level), which often makes it slightly cooler than coastal areas in the region, but still very warm in summer.

Typical Atlanta Weather by Season

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant times in Atlanta.

• Temperatures: Often mild to warm, commonly in the 60s–70s°F during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings.
• Rain: Spring showers and thunderstorms are common, especially in late spring.
• Pollen: Tree and grass pollen can be very noticeable; many residents pay attention to local pollen counts.
• What it feels like: Flowers, trees, and neighborhoods across Atlanta (including areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur) come alive, but weather can swing quickly from cool and breezy to warm and humid.

Spring tips for Atlanta:

• Keep a light jacket or sweater handy for mornings and late evenings.
• Expect sudden showers; an umbrella or light rain jacket is useful.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, check local forecasts before planning long outdoor activities.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is known for heat and humidity.

• Temperatures: Hot afternoons are common, often in the upper 80s to 90s°F, sometimes higher.
• Humidity: High humidity can make it feel hotter (“heat index”).
• Thunderstorms: Afternoon and evening storms are frequent, especially on hot days. These can bring heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
• What it feels like: Stepping outside from air conditioning can feel like walking into a sauna, especially downtown and in built-up neighborhoods where pavement holds heat.

Summer tips for Atlanta:

• Plan outdoor activities (walking the BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring neighborhoods) for morning or early evening when it’s cooler.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks in air‑conditioned spaces.
• Be prepared for pop‑up thunderstorms—they often pass quickly but can be intense.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another favorite season for many residents and visitors.

• Temperatures: Often comfortable, with warm days and cooler nights. Early fall can still feel like summer; late fall brings more jacket weather.
• Humidity: Usually drops, making it more comfortable outdoors.
• Rain: Showers are still possible, but humidity and storm frequency often decrease compared to peak summer.
• What it feels like: A gradual shift from hot and sticky to crisp and pleasant, with changing leaves in neighborhoods, parks, and nearby North Georgia.

Fall tips for Atlanta:

• Layer clothing; mornings can be cool and afternoons warm.
• It’s an ideal season for outdoor activities—festivals, hikes near the city, or walking around downtown and Midtown.
• Keep an eye on cold fronts, which can bring sudden, short‑lived temperature drops.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are usually short and relatively mild, but they can be unpredictable.

• Temperatures: Many days are in the 40s–50s°F, with some colder snaps dipping below freezing.
• Snow and ice:
  • Snow is infrequent and usually light when it occurs.
  • Freezing rain or ice can be more disruptive than snow, especially on roads and bridges.
• What it feels like: You’ll often see people wearing coats in the morning and lighter layers by afternoon, especially on sunny days.

Winter tips for Atlanta:

• Have a warm coat, hat, and gloves ready for colder periods, especially if you’re outdoors early or late.
• When winter weather advisories mention ice, driving conditions can change quickly, particularly on hilly or shaded roads.
• Many locals watch local TV or radio weather reports closely when a winter system is expected, since even minor ice can cause delays and closures.

Quick Seasonal Weather Snapshot for Atlanta, GA

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta gets regular rainfall throughout the year, with no true “dry season.” You’ll notice:

• Thunderstorms:
  • Most common in late spring and summer, often in the afternoon or early evening.
  • Can bring heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds, and occasionally small hail.
• Severe weather risks:
  • Strong storms are possible, including damaging winds and isolated tornadoes in the broader region.
  • Tornadoes are not an everyday occurrence in the city, but alerts are taken seriously.

How people in Atlanta stay informed:

• Many residents rely on local TV stations, weather apps, and NOAA Weather Radio for alerts.
• The National Weather Service (NWS) office serving Atlanta (Peachtree City office) issues local watches and warnings.

If you are new to the area, it’s useful to learn the difference between:

• Watch: Conditions are favorable; stay aware.
• Warning: A threat is happening or imminent in your area; act immediately as advised.

Heat, Humidity, and Air Quality

Heat and Humidity

In peak summer, heat and humidity are among the biggest weather factors in Atlanta:

• High humidity reduces how quickly sweat evaporates, making days feel hotter.
• Heat advisories may be issued on the hottest days, especially for areas with a lot of pavement and buildings.

Practical strategies locals use:

• Plan outdoor exercise (like running on the Atlanta BeltLine or at Piedmont Park) for early morning or after sunset.
• Wear light, breathable clothing and use sunscreen.
• Take breaks in shade or air‑conditioned spaces, especially downtown, Midtown, and other urban centers.

Air Quality

On some hot, stagnant summer days, air quality can worsen, particularly for people with respiratory sensitivities. Local forecasts often include:

• Ozone alerts or air quality alerts on certain days.
• Guidance to limit intense outdoor activity during the worst periods (usually afternoon).

Many Atlanta residents check daily air quality info through local outlets when planning exercise or outdoor events in summer.

Winter Weather and Ice in Atlanta

While snow in Atlanta often melts quickly, ice is a more serious concern when it occurs:

• Bridges, overpasses, and hilly roads can become slick even with small amounts of freezing rain.
• Schools, offices, and services may close or delay opening during ice events to reduce travel risks.
• Side streets and shaded areas can stay icy longer than main roads.

If you are visiting Atlanta during a cold spell:

• Check local forecasts and advisories before driving.
• Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips during icy conditions.
• Many residents choose to stay off the roads until conditions improve.

How Local Geography Affects Atlanta Weather

A few local factors shape weather in the Atlanta area:

• Elevation: Atlanta’s higher elevation compared to coastal cities means it can be slightly cooler, especially at night.
• Urban heat: Dense, built‑up areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead can feel warmer than outlying suburbs due to buildings and pavement storing heat.
• Nearby terrain: To the north, higher elevations in North Georgia can see different (often cooler and snowier) winter conditions than central Atlanta.

If you’re traveling around the metro—say from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the south side to northern suburbs like Sandy Springs or Roswell—you might notice small but noticeable temperature differences, especially in winter mornings or at night.

Where Atlantans Turn for Weather Information

While real‑time forecasts change day by day, a few official resources are commonly used by people in the Atlanta area:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City / Atlanta Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone (public line): 770‑486‑0028

• DeKalb and Fulton County Emergency Management Offices
  These local agencies coordinate alerts and preparedness information for severe weather and emergencies in much of the Atlanta city area.

Residents often combine:

• Official alerts (NWS, emergency management)
• Local TV weather casts
• Weather apps

to get a clear picture of what’s coming and how to plan their day.

Practical Weather Planning Tips for Atlanta

Whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting, these general habits help you stay comfortable:

• Keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy year‑round.
• Use layers in spring and fall; morning and afternoon temperatures can be very different.
• In summer, prioritize hydration, shade, and sun protection.
• For winter visits, pack at least one warm coat and closed‑toe shoes, even if the forecast looks mild.
• Pay attention to watches, warnings, and advisories, especially for strong storms, extreme heat, and winter weather.

Understanding typical weather in Atlanta, GA makes it easier to enjoy everything the city offers—from parks and festivals to neighborhoods and events—without being caught off guard by a sudden storm, a humid afternoon, or a chilly morning.