Atlanta, Georgia Weather in November: What to Expect and How to Prepare

November in Atlanta, Georgia is a true transition month. The long, humid summer is firmly over, but winter’s chill hasn’t fully arrived. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to decide what to pack, understanding Atlanta’s November weather will help you dress smart, plan outdoor time, and navigate changing conditions.

Typical Atlanta Weather in November

Atlanta’s November weather is generally cool, mild, and changeable. You’ll often get crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and evenings that can feel chilly once the sun goes down.

Temperature Overview

While exact conditions vary year to year, November in Atlanta usually feels like this:

Key points:

• Sharp temperature swings are common from morning to afternoon.
• Brief warm spells can still bring days in the upper 60s or even low 70s °F, especially early in the month.
• Colder snaps with mornings near freezing are possible, particularly later in November.

Rain, Clouds, and Sunshine

How Rainy Is November in Atlanta?

November is typically a moderately wet month, but not usually a washout.

• Expect scattered rainy days, often with light to moderate rain rather than all-day heavy downpours.
• Thunderstorms are less frequent than in spring and summer, but they can still occur, especially early in the month.
• Some weeks can be mostly dry, while others may feel unsettled with multiple gray days in a row.

You’ll want a light rain jacket or umbrella handy, particularly if you walk around Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead for work or sightseeing.

Cloud Cover and Sunlight

Days get noticeably shorter in November compared to October.

• Earlier sunsets: Standard time returns, so it gets dark earlier in the evening.
• Expect a mix of sunny, partly cloudy, and overcast days.
• On sunny afternoons, it can feel warmer than the thermometer suggests, especially if you’re walking along the BeltLine or in Piedmont Park.

Humidity and Air Feel

One of the biggest changes compared to summer is the drop in humidity.

• Air feels drier and more comfortable, especially in the afternoons.
• You’re far less likely to experience the sticky, muggy feeling common in July and August.
• Some people notice dry skin and lips beginning this time of year—especially in heated indoor spaces.

If you’re visiting from a colder climate, Atlanta in November may feel pleasantly mild. If you’re used to Atlanta’s summer humidity, November can feel refreshingly crisp.

Wind and Storms

Atlanta isn’t especially windy in November, but you may notice:

• Light to moderate breezes that can make early mornings and evenings feel cooler.
• Occasional gusty days when cold fronts pass through, especially from the northwest.

While significant severe weather is less common than in peak spring severe season:

• Strong thunderstorms are still possible with passing fronts.
• Tornadoes are rare but not impossible in November; that’s why staying aware of forecasts is still wise.

First Frost and Colder Snaps

November is often when Atlanta begins to see its first frosts in many neighborhoods, especially late in the month or in slightly higher or outlying areas.

• Gardens and plants: Tender plants and flowers may be damaged by overnight frost. If you garden in Atlanta, this is when you might start covering or bringing sensitive plants indoors.
• Commute and outdoor plans: Morning temperatures close to or just above 32°F can make outdoor activities feel winter-like, even if afternoons rebound into the 50s or 60s.

Ice and snow are uncommon in Atlanta in November, but in unusual years, a brief cold wave could bring flurries—though they typically do not stick or accumulate.

What to Wear in Atlanta in November

Because Atlanta’s November weather swings between chilly and mild, layering is essential.

Clothing Basics

Consider planning outfits around:

• Base layer: Light long-sleeve shirt or tee.
• Mid layer: Sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt.
• Outer layer: Medium-weight jacket or coat you can remove as the day warms.
• Bottoms: Jeans, chinos, or other medium-weight pants; shorts are less common but might still be comfortable on warmer days early in the month.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots; sneakers are usually fine for most days.

Accessories Worth Having

• Light scarf and gloves for early mornings or late evenings, especially if you’re waiting for MARTA or walking to events.
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket for passing showers.
• Sunglasses: The sun can still be strong on clear days, especially driving around the Perimeter or into the city.

For visitors, it’s smart to pack a mix of cool- and mild-weather clothes and plan to adjust based on the forecast each morning.

Outdoor Activities in Atlanta in November

November is one of the more comfortable months for being outside in Atlanta compared to the peak heat and humidity of summer.

Enjoying Parks and Trails

You’ll often find good weather for:

• Walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Visiting Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park.
• Exploring Stone Mountain Park or nearby hiking spots on cooler, crisp days.

Leaf color can linger into November, especially early in the month, making it a nice time for photos and leisurely walks.

Sports, Festivals, and Events

Atlanta typically hosts various fall festivals, football games, and outdoor markets in November. While specific events change from year to year, the typical weather pattern means:

• Outdoor events often go forward with light jackets and sweaters.
• Night games or concerts can feel significantly colder than the daytime forecast suggests—plan for an extra layer.

If you’re attending events in areas like Downtown, Midtown, or at stadiums near the Vine City or Summerhill neighborhoods, factor in walking and waiting time outdoors.

Driving and Commuting Considerations

Even though winter hazards like snow and ice are usually not a problem yet, Atlanta’s November weather still affects daily life.

Morning and Evening Commutes

• Cool to cold mornings mean you may need to warm up your car briefly, especially if it’s parked outside.
• Frost on windshields can become more common late in the month.
• Earlier sunsets mean rush-hour traffic in the dark, so visibility and driving comfort matter more.

Rain and Traffic

Rainy November days can still lead to:

• Slower traffic on I-285, I-75, I-85, GA-400, and surface streets.
• Reduced visibility, especially during darker, early-evening commutes.

Keeping a small umbrella and a weather-appropriate jacket in your car or work bag is often useful in Atlanta this time of year.

Air Quality and Seasonal Allergies

Air Quality

Compared to the hot, stagnant days of summer, air quality in November is often better in Atlanta:

• Cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight generally reduce ozone formation.
• Mild breezes can help disperse pollution.

Air quality concerns can still arise on certain days, but day-to-day conditions are often more comfortable for walking or exercising outdoors.

Allergies

Atlanta is known for seasonal allergies, and November can be a transition month:

• Ragweed and fall pollen tend to diminish as temperatures drop.
• Some people experience issues related to mold from damp leaves and lingering plant material.
• Indoor heating can also dry the air, which some people find irritating to sinuses or skin.

If you’re sensitive, following the daily pollen or air quality updates from local weather outlets can be helpful.

How to Check and Interpret Local Forecasts

Because November weather in Atlanta can shift quickly, especially with passing cold fronts, checking the local forecast daily is more useful than relying only on averages.

For locally specific information, Atlantans often monitor:

• Television and radio weather from Metro Atlanta stations.
• Local forecast offices of national weather agencies.

When looking at forecasts for neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or College Park, remember:

• Many parts of Metro Atlanta share similar patterns, but microclimates can cause slight differences, especially between urban and more suburban or wooded areas.
• Conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) may be used as an official reference point, but it can feel a little different in your specific neighborhood.

Safety Tips for November Weather in Atlanta

Even with generally mild conditions, a few simple habits go a long way:

• Dress in layers so you can adapt easily between cool mornings and milder afternoons.
• Keep a rain jacket or umbrella nearby; November showers can come with little warning.
• Pay attention to cold fronts in the forecast—these can bring some of the month’s biggest temperature swings.
• If you spend time outside early or late in the day, especially with kids or older adults, plan for extra warmth even if the afternoon is comfortable.

Quick Takeaways: Atlanta’s November Weather at a Glance

• Overall feel: Cool, often comfortable, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons.
• Typical highs: Mainly in the 50s and 60s °F.
• Typical lows: Upper 30s to 40s °F, occasionally near freezing by late month.
• Rain: Scattered showers and a few rainy days; heavy storms less frequent but still possible.
• Clothing: Layers, closed-toe shoes, light-to-medium jacket, and an umbrella recommended.
• Outdoor plans: Generally good month for parks, trails, and events, but evenings can feel quite chilly.

Understanding these patterns will help you plan what to wear, how to pack, and what kind of activities make the most sense in Atlanta, Georgia in November—whether you call the city home or you’re just here to visit.