Atlanta, Georgia Weather Averages: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather can feel like it changes by the hour, but there are clear patterns across the year. Understanding Atlanta, Georgia weather averages helps whether you’re planning a visit, moving to the city, or simply trying to time outdoor plans around Piedmont Park, Truist Park, or Hartsfield-Jackson travel.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal trends, plus what locals typically plan for in each season.

Quick Overview: Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate:

• Winters: Mild, short, with occasional freezing nights and rare snow
• Springs: Warm, often wet, with blooming trees (and high pollen)
• Summers: Long, hot, and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Falls: Comfortable, drier, and a favorite season for many residents

Typical Year-Round Averages (Approximate)

These are rounded, easy-to-use numbers that reflect normal patterns in Atlanta:

Rain is spread through the year, with more frequent showers and storms in spring and summer, and somewhat drier stretches in fall.

Average Atlanta Weather by Season

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are usually short and relatively mild compared with many U.S. cities, but they can still bring sharp cold snaps.

Typical winter averages:

• Average highs: Low to mid-50s °F
• Average lows: Mid-30s °F
• Freezing nights: Occur periodically, especially in late December and January
• Snow: Infrequent and usually light; some winters see none at all

What locals expect:

• Light to medium coats are usually enough for daytime.
• A few mornings each year may see ice on bridges and overpasses, especially around the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), I-285, and higher-elevation suburbs.
• When wintry precipitation is forecast, schools and businesses sometimes adjust schedules due to past experiences with icy roads.

Tips for winter in Atlanta:

• Keep a warm layer and rain jacket handy; cold fronts often come with rain.
• If you’re driving in from out of town, be cautious on elevated roadways and ramps when temperatures drop near or below freezing.
• Check local updates from the National Weather Service Atlanta office (Peachtree City) and the City of Atlanta during any winter storm alerts.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring arrives early and can feel like a hard reset after winter, but it also brings fast-changing weather and some of the highest pollen levels of the year.

Typical spring averages:

• March: Highs in the mid-60s to low 70s; lows in the mid-40s
• April: Highs in the low to mid-70s; lows in the low 50s
• May: Highs often in the upper 70s to low 80s; lows in the upper 50s

Rain & storms:

• Regular rain showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons.
• Occasional strong storms, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
• Rainfall can lead to ponding on roads in lower-lying areas and near some underpasses.

Pollen and air quality:

• Trees and grasses around Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and neighborhoods with heavy tree cover release significant pollen.
• Cars, porches, and sidewalks often get covered in a yellow-green layer of pollen, especially late March through April.
• Those sensitive to pollen often plan outdoor activity for times when counts are lower, like after rain or later in the day.

Spring planning tips:

• Pack layers: cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasionally chilly evenings.
• Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket in your car or bag.
• If you’re visiting for outdoor events (festivals in Midtown, BeltLine walks, or Braves games), be prepared for sudden showers or thunderstorms.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot, long, and humid. Many locals plan their days around early-morning or evening outdoor activities.

Typical summer averages:

• Average highs: Upper 80s to low 90s °F
• Average lows: Around 70–73 °F
• Heat index: Often feels hotter than the actual air temperature due to humidity

Humidity & heat:

• High humidity makes it feel warmer, especially in the afternoon.
• Heat tends to be more intense in downtown and Midtown due to buildings and pavement (urban heat island effect).
• Nights stay warm, which means limited cooling after sunset.

Thunderstorms:

• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, often brief but heavy.
• Storms can form quickly on hot days, especially between late afternoon and early evening.
• Heavy downpours can cause localized flooding on city streets and low spots along I-75, I-85, and I-20.

Summer planning tips:

• For outdoor spots like the Atlanta BeltLine, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or Zoo Atlanta, mornings are usually more comfortable than mid-afternoons.
• Wear light, breathable clothing, drink water regularly, and seek shade when possible.
• Expect pop-up storms and consider flexible plans if you’re visiting outdoor attractions or attending concerts and festivals.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Many Atlantans consider fall the most comfortable and enjoyable season for outdoor activities.

Typical fall averages:

• September: Highs in the low to mid-80s; lows in the mid-60s
• October: Highs in the low to mid-70s; lows in the low to mid-50s
• November: Highs in the low to mid-60s; lows in the low to mid-40s

Weather character:

• Gradually less humid and more comfortable.
• Often drier than spring and summer, though rain still occurs.
• Clear, pleasant days are common, making it prime season for festivals, tailgates, and hiking.

Fall foliage:

• Color changes show up in city parks, along the Chattahoochee River, and in tree-lined neighborhoods.
• Leaf color usually peaks late October into November, depending on temperature swings and rainfall patterns.

Fall planning tips:

• Perfect weather for walks on the BeltLine, Stone Mountain trips, or outdoor dining.
• Light jacket or sweater in the morning and evening is often enough.
• Watch for cooler nights by late October and into November, especially if you’re staying outside the urban core where temperatures can run slightly cooler.

Monthly Weather Averages in Atlanta (Approximate)

To make planning easier, here’s a month-by-month snapshot using simple, rounded values:

These values can vary from year to year, but they reflect what residents typically experience.

Rainfall and Storm Patterns in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t have a true dry season, but rain tends to follow certain patterns.

Rainfall characteristics:

• Year-round rain: Showers can happen any month.
• Spring and summer: More frequent rain overall, with thunderstorms playing a major role.
• Fall: Often features more dry, sunny stretches, though fronts can still bring rain.

Thunderstorms:

• Most common in late spring and summer afternoons.
• Can bring heavy downpours, lightning, and brief gusty winds.
• Storms may cause temporary power outages in some neighborhoods and slow traffic on major interstates and surface streets.

Tropical influences:

• During late summer and fall, remnants of Gulf or Atlantic tropical systems can reach the Atlanta area.
• These usually arrive as extended periods of rain and wind, rather than hurricane-force conditions, but can still affect travel and outdoor plans.

Humidity, Heat Index, and Comfort Levels

Humidity is a key part of Atlanta weather averages, particularly from late spring through early fall.

What to expect:

• Humidity is highest from roughly May through September.
• When temperatures reach the upper 80s or low 90s, the heat index can make it feel several degrees hotter.
• In winter and early spring, humidity is more moderate, and cooler temperatures make it feel more comfortable.

Comfort strategies in Atlanta’s humidity:

• Plan outdoor exercise or walks earlier in the morning or nearer to sunset in the hottest months.
• Take advantage of shade and indoor breaks when exploring the city, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Keep drinking water with you, particularly if using public transit or walking between MARTA stations and destinations.

How Elevation and Location Affect Atlanta Weather

Atlanta sits on rolling hills at a relatively high elevation for the Southeast. Neighborhoods and nearby suburbs can experience slightly different conditions.

Subtle local differences:

• Areas inside the Perimeter (I-285), especially dense parts of Downtown and Midtown, may stay a bit warmer at night than outlying suburbs, due to buildings and pavement.
• Higher-elevation areas and locations with more tree cover may feel a touch cooler and shadier, particularly on summer afternoons.
• During cold snaps, north and west suburbs can sometimes be slightly cooler than central Atlanta.

These differences are generally small day-to-day but can matter during marginal winter weather events (freezing rain vs. cold rain, for example).

Severe Weather Awareness in Atlanta

While severe weather isn’t a daily occurrence, it’s useful to know the patterns in and around Atlanta.

Most relevant concerns:

• Strong thunderstorms: Lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds.
• Occasional severe storms: Can include damaging winds and hail.
• Rare tornadoes: Less common than in some nearby regions, but possible.
• Winter mix: Ice and snow are infrequent, but when they occur, roadway impacts can be significant.

Local resources and alerts:

• National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office – Peachtree City (serves Atlanta area)

  • Many local meteorologists and news outlets rely on their forecasts and alerts.

• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency management services

  • Provide updates when significant storms, flooding, or other hazards are expected.

For everyday planning, most residents keep weather apps and local news handy, especially during spring and summer thunderstorm seasons and during any winter weather outlook.

Planning Travel and Daily Life Around Atlanta Weather Averages

Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, it helps to match your activities with typical weather patterns.

When is the “best” weather in Atlanta?

Many people find late March through April and October through early November to be the most comfortable periods:

• Spring: Mild temperatures but higher rain and pollen.
• Fall: Pleasant, often drier, and lower humidity.

Clothing and packing suggestions by season

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Light to medium coat, layers, closed-toe shoes, umbrella.
• Spring (Mar–May): Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Light, breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): Short sleeves for daytime early in the season, adding a light jacket or sweater by October and November.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta, Georgia Weather Averages

• Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
• Average highs range from the low 50s °F in winter to near or above 90 °F in summer.
• Rain is spread through the year, with frequent thunderstorms in late spring and summer.
• Humidity is a central feature of warm-season weather, making it feel hotter than the thermometer reading.
• Fall and late spring are often considered the most comfortable times to enjoy outdoor life in Atlanta.

Understanding these Atlanta weather averages makes it easier to plan daily commutes, weekend outings on the BeltLine, game days, or trips through Hartsfield-Jackson—so you can match your plans to what the city’s climate typically delivers.