Atlanta, Georgia Weather by Month: What to Expect All Year

Atlanta’s weather changes a lot from month to month—humid summers, mild winters, and everything in between. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are deciding when to move here, understanding the monthly weather patterns helps you pack, plan, and enjoy the city comfortably.

Below is a clear month‑by‑month guide to Atlanta, Georgia weather, with practical tips for clothing, outdoor plans, and local conditions like humidity, storms, and pollen.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Weather by Month

Use this table as a fast reference. Temperatures are approximate typical ranges, not exact forecasts.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta’s Climate

• Overall climate: Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate – long, hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters.
• Humidity: High from late spring through early fall. Even moderate temperatures can feel hotter.
• Storms: Thunderstorms are common from late spring through summer, often in the afternoon.
• Snow & ice:Snow is rare, but freezing rain and black ice do happen some winters.
• Pollen: Spring (especially March–April) is known for heavy pollen, especially around trees and greenery.

For real-time conditions, locals commonly rely on regional forecasts from outlets serving Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and central Atlanta.

January: Cool, Sometimes Frosty

Typical Atlanta January weather:

• Highs: mid‑50s °F
• Lows: mid‑30s °F
• Feel: Cool to cold, occasionally freezing, often cloudy or damp

What to expect

• Cold mornings and nights with some frost.
• Mostly rain; light snow or ice is possible but not guaranteed each year.
• Short daylight hours, with the sun setting early.

What to wear & plan

• Layers: medium coat, sweater, long pants, and closed shoes.
• Keep a warm jacket, hat, and gloves handy for cold snaps.
• If you’re driving, be cautious on bridges and overpasses when temperatures dip near freezing; black ice can develop even when the rest of the road looks fine.

February: Still Cool, Hint of Spring

Typical Atlanta February weather:

• Highs: upper‑50s °F
• Lows: upper‑30s °F
• Feel: Cool, but occasional milder afternoons

What to expect

• Weather can flip quickly: chilly days mixed with surprisingly mild, sunny ones.
• Rain is common; significant snow is still unusual, but brief winter weather is possible.

What to wear & plan

• Light to medium jacket most days.
• Layering is useful because afternoons can feel much warmer than mornings.
• Outdoor events can be comfortable on milder days, but always have a rain plan.

March: Spring Starts, Weather Swings

Typical Atlanta March weather:

• Highs: mid‑60s °F
• Lows: mid‑40s °F
• Feel: Mild, but variable—can feel like winter or early summer on different days

What to expect

• Spring begins; trees and flowers start blooming.
• More daylight and more breezy, pleasant afternoons.
• Rain showers and some thunderstorms start to appear more often.
• Pollen season begins for many residents, especially later in the month.

What to wear & plan

• Light jacket or sweatshirt in the morning, short sleeves or light layers mid‑day.
• Have an umbrella or rain jacket available.
• Outdoor activities around Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or Grant Park are usually comfortable, though paths may be muddy after rain.

April: Warm, Breezy, and Pollen-Heavy

Typical Atlanta April weather:

• Highs: mid‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Feel: Warm, comfortable, often ideal for being outside

What to expect

• Many residents consider April one of the best weather months in Atlanta.
• Plenty of sunny days with comfortable humidity levels early in the month.
• Pollen is often at its peak—cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture may be coated yellow-green.
• Increasing risk of thunderstorms, sometimes strong.

What to wear & plan

• Light clothing: t‑shirts, light pants/shorts, dresses, and a light jacket at night.
• Good month for festivals, sports, and walking neighborhoods like Midtown or Inman Park.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, many locals keep windows closed and rely on indoor climate control this time of year.

May: Warm Days, More Humidity

Typical Atlanta May weather:

• Highs: low‑80s °F
• Lows: low‑60s °F
• Feel: Warm, turning sticky, “early summer” vibes

What to expect

• Days become consistently warm; evenings stay mild.
• Humidity increases, especially late in the month.
• Thunderstorms are more frequent, often in the afternoon or evening.

What to wear & plan

• Short sleeves, shorts, breathable fabrics are comfortable.
• Carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket when you’ll be out for hours.
• Great time for outdoor attractions like Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Atlanta BeltLine, and rooftop patios, but be ready to duck inside during quick downpours.

June: Summer Heat Kicks In

Typical Atlanta June weather:

• Highs: upper‑80s °F
• Lows: upper‑60s °F
• Feel: Hot and humid, especially in the afternoon

What to expect

• Full-on summer conditions arrive.
• Humidity makes it feel hotter than the thermometer might suggest.
• Regular pop‑up thunderstorms and heavy rain showers, usually short-lived.

What to wear & plan

• Lightweight, moisture‑wicking clothing is helpful.
• Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of hydration are important for extended time outdoors.
• Outdoor activities at places like Stone Mountain or Chattahoochee River trails are best early morning or later evening when it’s cooler.

July: Hot, Humid, and Stormy

Typical Atlanta July weather:

• Highs: low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Feel: Very hot and muggy, especially in the city core

What to expect

• Often the hottest month of the year.
• High humidity can make the “feels like” temperature several degrees warmer.
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, sometimes with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
• Heat builds in dense areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead due to the “urban heat island” effect.

What to wear & plan

• Light, breathable clothing; avoid dark, heavy fabrics.
• Plan intense outdoor activities for early morning if possible.
• When storms roll in, lightning can be intense; many locals follow weather alerts and avoid open fields, pools, and exposed areas during storms.

August: Still Hot, Slightly Shifting

Typical Atlanta August weather:

• Highs: low‑90s °F
• Lows: low‑70s °F
• Feel: Similar to July – hot, sticky, and storm-prone

What to expect

• Persistently hot and humid, though some evenings start to feel just slightly less oppressive late in the month.
• Afternoon storms remain common and can be heavy, with brief periods of localized flooding in low-lying areas.
• Late August also falls within Atlantic hurricane season; while Atlanta is far inland, remnants of tropical systems can bring heavy rain and gusty winds.

What to wear & plan

• Same as July: light clothing, sun protection, and water.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta, expect to spend more time in air‑conditioned attractions like museums, aquariums, and indoor venues during the midday heat.
• Be mindful of weather advisories if a tropical system is moving through the region.

September: Gradual Relief from the Heat

Typical Atlanta September weather:

• Highs: mid‑80s °F
• Lows: mid‑60s °F
• Feel: Still warm, but more comfortable by the end of the month

What to expect

• Early September often feels like an extension of summer.
• By mid to late month, lower humidity and cooler evenings become more common.
• Rain and storms are still possible, especially tied to lingering tropical moisture.

What to wear & plan

• Short sleeves during the day; a light layer for evenings, especially later in the month.
• Excellent time for outdoor festivals and events around neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Westside, or Virginia‑Highland.
• Early football season tailgates and outdoor dining are usually comfortable by late September.

October: One of Atlanta’s Best Weather Months

Typical Atlanta October weather:

• Highs: mid‑70s °F
• Lows: low‑50s °F
• Feel: Mild, drier, very comfortable

What to expect

• Many Atlantans consider October prime outdoor season.
• Lower humidity, pleasantly warm days, and cool, refreshing nights.
• Fall colors start to show more strongly late in the month, especially in tree‑lined neighborhoods and nearby North Georgia.

What to wear & plan

• Daytime: short sleeves, light long sleeves, or a thin sweater.
• Evenings: a light jacket is usually enough.
• Ideal for visiting outdoor sites like Zoo Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery, Krog Street Market’s outdoor areas, or walking the BeltLine without extreme heat.

November: Cool, Variable Fall Weather

Typical Atlanta November weather:

• Highs: low‑60s °F
• Lows: low‑40s °F
• Feel: Cool, with real “fall” conditions

What to expect

• Noticeable transition to cooler weather, especially mornings and nights.
• Trees reach peak fall color in many parts of the metro area early to mid‑month.
• Rain continues periodically, but severe storms are less frequent than in spring.

What to wear & plan

• Light to medium jackets, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are usually comfortable.
• Outdoor walking tours and neighborhood strolls remain very popular, especially in historic areas and parks.
• If you’re visiting for late‑fall events or holidays, plan for cool evenings and potential chilly, damp days.

December: Mild Winter, Occasional Cold Snaps

Typical Atlanta December weather:

• Highs: mid‑50s °F
• Lows: mid‑30s °F
• Feel: Cool to chilly, sometimes raw and damp

What to expect

• Winter feelings without the deep cold of more northern cities.
• Mostly rain, but brief cold snaps can push temperatures below freezing at night.
• Occasional light winter weather is possible, though significant snow remains rare.

What to wear & plan

• Coats, sweaters, scarves, and warm shoes are useful, especially at night.
• Holiday events and light displays around Downtown, Midtown, and surrounding suburbs usually proceed in cool but manageable conditions.
• If temperatures drop suddenly, local residents pay extra attention to forecasts due to the potential for icy spots on roads and sidewalks.

Seasonal Patterns in Atlanta Weather

Winter (December–February)

• Overall feel: Mild to cool, with some cold stretches
• Key features:
  • Mostly rain, occasional snow or ice
  • Short days and early sunsets
  • Some mornings below freezing, especially outside the urban core

Tips:

• Keep winter layers handy, but expect plenty of days that just need a medium jacket.
• Watch for weather advisories when temperatures near freezing; even light ice can disrupt travel.

Spring (March–May)

• Overall feel: Mild to warm, increasingly humid
• Key features:
  • Rapid weather swings from cool to summery
  • High pollen levels, especially March–April
  • Increasing thunderstorm activity

Tips:

• Plan for layers and sudden showers.
• Outdoor dining, parks, and festivals are popular, but keep in mind allergy season and changing conditions.

Summer (June–August)

• Overall feel: Hot, humid, and often stormy
• Key features:
  • High heat index (feels hotter than actual temperature)
  • Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
  • Warm evenings that stay muggy

Tips:

• Schedule strenuous activities for early morning.
• Use shade, air conditioning, and hydration to stay comfortable.
• Be prepared to pause activities during lightning and heavy downpours.

Fall (September–November)

• Overall feel: Gradually cooling, comfortable, drier
• Key features:
  • Warm September, pleasant October, cool November
  • Lower humidity compared to summer
  • Colorful foliage and many outdoor events

Tips:

• October and early November are often ideal for travel and outdoor plans.
• Layer lightly, as temperatures can swing between crisp mornings and mild afternoons.

Local Weather Resources & Alerts in Atlanta

For day‑to‑day planning, Atlantans often rely on local forecasts and weather alerts:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta Forecast Office

  • Location: near Peachtree City, serving the Atlanta metro area
  • Provides official watches, warnings, and advisories for severe weather, storms, and winter events.

• Local TV and radio stations in Atlanta typically provide:

  • Hour‑by‑hour forecasts
  • Radar for storms and heavy rainfall
  • School and event disruption information during major weather events

If you live in Atlanta, it’s helpful to:

• Enable emergency alerts on your phone for severe weather.
• Check the forecast before major events, travel, or outdoor plans, especially in storm-prone spring and summer months.

Understanding Atlanta, Georgia weather by month helps you decide when to visit, what to wear, and how to plan your days—from winter mornings in Midtown to hot summer afternoons on the BeltLine and crisp fall evenings across the city.