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

December in Atlanta, Georgia brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the start of the city’s true winter feel—without the deep freeze you’d find farther north. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for the holidays, or planning a year-end trip, understanding Atlanta weather in December helps you pack right, plan activities, and stay comfortable.

Typical December Weather in Atlanta

December in Atlanta is generally cool and occasionally wet, with a noticeable difference between daytime and nighttime conditions.

Average Temperatures

Here’s a simple overview of typical December temperatures in Atlanta:

You can expect:

• Cool to mild afternoons on many days
• Chilly mornings and evenings, often requiring a coat or layers
• Occasional brief warm spells, where it feels like fall instead of winter

Is Atlanta Cold in December?

“Cold” is relative. Compared with much of the U.S., Atlanta’s December is relatively mild, but locals still experience:

• Regular jacket weather
• Some frosty mornings
• A few nights close to or below freezing

You’re unlikely to deal with long stretches of harsh cold, but you should be prepared for crisp, sometimes damp winter conditions.

Rain, Clouds, and the Chance of Snow

Rainfall and Damp Days

December is usually one of Atlanta’s wetter months:

• Expect periodic rain showers, not constant all-day storms
• Some days are overcast and cool, with a steady light rain
• Other days are clear, sunny, and chilly

Carrying a compact umbrella, light water-resistant jacket, or hooded coat is helpful, especially if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Does It Snow in Atlanta in December?

Snow in Atlanta during December is possible, but not common:

• Light snow flurries may occur some years
• Significant accumulation is unusual in December
• If it does snow, it often melts quickly, especially on roads and sidewalks

When wintry weather is expected, you’ll see local alerts from:

• City of Atlanta Government
• Fulton County Emergency Management
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

These agencies share updates on road conditions, closures, and safety tips whenever winter weather could impact travel.

What to Wear in Atlanta in December

Packing and dressing in layers is the smartest approach.

Everyday Clothing Tips

For most December days in Atlanta, this works well:

• Base layer: Long-sleeve shirt or lightweight sweater
• Top layer: Medium-weight jacket, fleece, or casual coat
• Bottoms: Jeans, thicker leggings, or lined pants
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots with socks

You’ll want to be able to add layers in the morning and remove one in the afternoon if the sun comes out and temperatures climb slightly.

For Locals: Commuting and Daily Errands

If you live in Atlanta and are commuting to jobs in areas like Midtown, Downtown, or Perimeter, consider:

• A warm but not heavy coat you can carry indoors
• A small umbrella for sudden showers
• Scarf and gloves on mornings forecast near or below freezing

Public transit riders using MARTA often appreciate gloves, since waiting on outdoor platforms can feel colder than the actual temperature when there’s wind.

For Visitors: Packing Checklist

If you’re visiting Atlanta in December, a simple packing list might include:

• 1–2 sweaters or hoodies
• 1 medium-weight coat
• 1 rain-ready layer (water-resistant jacket or coat with hood)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Hat, scarf, and light gloves for colder evenings and early mornings

This will keep you comfortable sightseeing around Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and the Georgia Aquarium, even on chilly days.

Daylight and Seasonal Feel

December in Atlanta has short days and long nights, typical of early winter.

• Sunrise: Usually after 7:20 a.m.
• Sunset: Often around 5:30 p.m. (earlier at the start of the month)

That means:

• Outdoor plans, like walking the BeltLine or exploring Piedmont Park, are best in the late morning or early afternoon
• Evening activities (holiday lights, shows, dining) will be in full darkness, so it can feel colder than the thermometer suggests

A warm coat and possibly a hat are helpful if you’re out at night for events like holiday lights or outdoor markets.

Holidays, Events, and Weather Considerations

December is a busy month for events in and around Atlanta. Typical seasonal activities include:

• Holiday light displays at attractions around the metro area
• Outdoor markets and pop-up events
• New Year’s celebrations

Weather impacts these in a few key ways:

• Many events are outdoor or partially outdoor, so dress for cold and damp conditions
• Tickets are often nonrefundable; checking the short-term forecast before heading out can help you decide what to wear or whether to adjust timing
• Parking lots and walking paths may be wet or slick after rain, so comfortable, stable shoes are useful

Air Travel and Road Conditions in December

Flying In or Out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Weather-related disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are less common in December than in snowier regions, but they can still happen due to:

• Heavy rain and storms
• Occasional icy conditions

Before traveling, it’s helpful to:

• Check your airline’s flight status
• Allow extra time for security and weather delays
• Be prepared for chilly conditions if you’re waiting at pickup or drop-off areas

Driving Around Metro Atlanta

On most December days, roads are clear, but you should be aware of:

• Wet roads from rain, especially during rush hours on I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400
• Black ice risk on rare freezing mornings, often in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses

For winter weather updates that may affect driving, Georgia residents commonly monitor:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • General information line: 511 (from most phones in Georgia)

This service provides information about road conditions, accidents, and closures.

Health and Comfort Considerations (Non-Medical)

December in Atlanta can feel drier indoors due to heating systems and damp outdoors when it rains. Many people notice:

• Dry skin or lips from indoor heat
• Chill from wind and rain, even when temperatures aren’t extremely low

Simple, non-medical comfort strategies:

• Use layers to adjust quickly when going from indoors to outdoors
• Keep lip balm and a light moisturizer handy if you tend to get dry skin
• Use a hood or umbrella during rain to avoid getting chilled

For weather-related emergency alerts in Atlanta and the surrounding Fulton County area, residents can look into services provided by:

• Fulton County Emergency Management Agency
  • Office address: 130 Peachtree Street SW, Suite 1100, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone (Fulton County government switchboard): (404) 612‑4000

This office coordinates severe weather preparedness and communication for the county.

How to Check Reliable Local Forecasts and Alerts

Because December weather in Atlanta can vary from mild and sunny to cold and rainy within a few days, checking current conditions is important, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities or travel.

Locals and visitors commonly rely on:

• Daily forecasts for Atlanta neighborhoods (such as Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, East Atlanta, and the airport area)
• Hourly forecasts on days with potential storms or freezing temperatures
• Weather alerts for winter storms, freezing rain, or flooding

Official weather forecasts for the Atlanta area are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Peachtree City, which serves metro Atlanta and north/central Georgia:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Forecast Office
  • Address: 4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269
  • Office phone (public line): (770) 486‑0028

For emergencies, residents should always contact 911 rather than a forecast office.

Key Takeaways: Atlanta Weather in December

• Temperature: Cool, with daytime highs often in the upper 40s to upper 50s °F, colder at night
• Precipitation:Rain is common; keep a jacket or umbrella handy
• Snow:Possible but uncommon; major winter storms are rare in December but can occur
• Clothing:Layer up—sweaters, medium coat, closed-toe shoes, and optional hat/gloves
• Planning: Check local forecasts before outdoor events, holiday activities, or travel days
• Comfort: Short days, cool air, and occasional damp conditions give Atlanta a true winter feel without extreme cold

If you’re in or heading to Atlanta in December, expect a mild but genuine Southern winter—cool enough for coats and holiday lights, but usually warm enough to still enjoy walking the city, exploring parks, and experiencing seasonal events with the right layers.