Atlanta Winter Weather: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Atlanta, Georgia winters are known for being milder than much of the country, but they still bring chilly days, cold rain, and the occasional ice or snow event that can disrupt life around the city. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are moving here, it helps to know what Atlanta winter weather is really like—and how to prepare for it.

Atlanta’s Winter Weather at a Glance

Winter in Atlanta typically runs from December through February, with some wintry conditions spilling into late November and early March.

Typical winter feel in Atlanta:

• Cool to cold mornings, often around freezing or just above
• Mild afternoons many days, comfortable with a light jacket
• Rainy spells more common than snow
• Occasional cold snaps, sometimes bringing ice or light snow

Typical Winter Temperatures in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of what temperatures often look like in the core winter months:

Winters can vary from year to year. Some years are almost spring-like, while others bring multiple cold snaps with freezing temperatures.

Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Yes, but not very often—and not usually very much.

Most Atlanta winters include:

• Little to no snow accumulation, or
• One or two light snow events that melt quickly

However, some winters bring notable storms with several inches of snow or, more commonly, freezing rain and sleet. Ice is often a bigger problem than heavy snow.

Snow vs. Ice: Why Ice Is a Bigger Deal in Atlanta

In Atlanta, winter trouble usually comes from ice, not deep snow.

Why ice is such a challenge here:

• Temperatures often hover right around freezing, making freezing rain or black ice likely.
• Many local roads, especially bridges and overpasses, can quickly glaze over.
• The region has limited snow and ice equipment compared with colder cities, so even small ice events can cause major delays and closures.

If a winter storm is in the forecast, you may hear about:

• School and government closures
• Caution on I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285, and GA-400, especially at interchanges and flyovers
• Reduced transit or flight delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

What Winter Feels Like Day-to-Day in Atlanta

Even without snow, Atlanta winters can feel colder than the numbers suggest—especially on damp, windy days.

Sunshine, Rain, and Gray Skies

Expect a mix of:

• Sunny, crisp days that feel pleasant with a jacket
• Cool, gray, and rainy days, sometimes lasting several days in a row
• Occasional storms, including heavy rain and thunderstorms, even in winter

Winter is often quite rainy, so waterproof layers and good footwear are helpful.

Morning vs. Afternoon

During a typical winter day in Atlanta:

• Mornings can start near or below freezing, especially in clear, calm conditions.
• Afternoons often climb into the 50s, sometimes low 60s on milder days.
• Evenings cool quickly after sunset, especially on clear nights.

This daily swing makes layering important; you may start your day in a coat and hat and end it in a light jacket or sweater.

What to Wear in Atlanta in Winter

You don’t usually need heavy, arctic-level gear in Atlanta, but you do need to be ready for chilly, damp conditions and quick temperature changes.

Everyday Clothing Tips

Consider building a winter outfit around layers:

• Base layer: T-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt
• Middle layer: Sweater, fleece, or light sweatshirt
• Outer layer: Medium-weight coat or insulated jacket, ideally water-resistant
• Accessories (as needed):
  • Gloves or mittens on colder days
  • Hat or beanie for early mornings and nights
  • Scarf when it’s windy or damp

Footwear:

• Waterproof or water-resistant shoes/boots are useful for rainy days.
• For most city outings, comfortable sneakers or casual boots are fine.

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in winter:

• Pack layered outfits, not just one thick coat.
• Include a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet sidewalks.
• If a cold snap is in the forecast, bring warmer accessories (hat, gloves, thicker socks).

Getting Around Atlanta in Winter Weather

On most winter days, getting around Atlanta is straightforward. But when winter storms or freezing temperatures hit, transportation can be heavily affected.

Driving in Winter Conditions

Key things Atlanta drivers should know:

• Black ice is a real hazard, especially:
  • Overnight and early morning
  • On bridges, overpasses, and shady stretches of road
• Even a small amount of snow or ice can cause major slowdowns and accidents.
• Local agencies may pretreat main interstates and major roads, but neighborhood streets may stay slick longer.

👀 Safe driving tips during winter weather:

• Check conditions before driving, especially in early morning.
• Drive slowly and leave extra space between vehicles.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering on potentially icy roads.
• If roads are bad, many Atlanta residents simply stay home until temperatures rise and ice melts.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and local news outlets provide frequent winter road updates. GDOT’s main public contact line is commonly listed as (404) 631-1990 for general information.

Public Transit and the Airport

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) may adjust bus routes or frequencies during ice or snow. Rail service typically runs, but delays are possible.

• MARTA Customer Service: Commonly listed as (404) 848-5000 for schedule and service updates.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major hub and usually stays open during winter weather, but delays and cancellations can occur during storms or when other cities are affected by snow and ice. It’s wise to:

• Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
• Allow extra time for security and traffic if weather is poor.

Preparing Your Home for Winter in Atlanta

Because many Atlanta homes are designed for a mild climate, it’s smart to take a few steps to get your home ready for cold snaps.

Basic Home Readiness

Consider these common winter prep tasks:

• Check your heating system before the first cold wave.
• Replace or clean air filters regularly.
• Seal obvious drafts around windows and doors if possible.
• Know where your main water shutoff is in case of a pipe issue.

Protecting Pipes During Freezes

Short periods of hard freeze (below 32°F) sometimes occur, especially overnight. To reduce the chance of pipe problems during extreme cold:

• Let faucets with vulnerable pipes drip slowly during very cold nights.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warmer air around pipes.
• Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.

If you rent, your landlord or property manager is typically responsible for many of these building-level issues, but you can still take simple steps inside your unit.

How Atlanta Handles Winter Weather Emergencies

Even though major winter storms are not frequent, local agencies have plans for when they do happen.

Key Local Agencies and Contacts

• City of Atlanta Government

  • Handles local emergency response, road priorities within city limits, and public information.
  • Main City Hall address is commonly listed as 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)

  • Coordinates statewide emergency response, including winter storms.
  • Public phone lines are typically listed as (404) 635-7000 (main office), with additional numbers for specific services.

• DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett county governments

  • Each county runs its own emergency management office, road maintenance, and public information channels.
  • County websites and main switchboard numbers are common reference points for local updates.

For life-threatening emergencies during winter weather (such as accidents, fires, or serious injuries), contact 911. For non-emergency questions (like road closures or shelter information), use local non-emergency lines instead of 911.

Staying Informed About Winter Weather in Atlanta

Because Atlanta’s winter weather can change quickly, staying updated is important.

Ways Atlanta Residents Commonly Stay Updated

• Local TV and radio stations for real-time forecasts and school/road updates
• Weather apps on your phone for hour-by-hour rain and temperature changes
• City and county alerts, where available, for closures and emergency notices
• Official channels from:
  • City of Atlanta
  • GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation)
  • GEMA/HS (Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency)

If you’re planning outdoor activities—like walking the Atlanta BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead—check the forecast so you can dress appropriately and avoid surprise rain or cold wind.

Winter Activities and Tips for Enjoying the Season

Even with its occasional chilly and wet days, winter in Atlanta can be very enjoyable.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Atlanta in Winter

• Walking or jogging on the Atlanta BeltLine on sunny, crisp days
• Visiting Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or neighborhood green spaces when the weather is dry
• Exploring museums and indoor attractions, such as those around Downtown and Midtown, on colder or rainy days
• Attending winter markets, festivals, or indoor performances when scheduled

Practical Everyday Tips for Atlanta Winters

• Keep a light to medium jacket handy in your car or bag.
• Store a small umbrella and rain-friendly shoes by your door.
• Allow yourself extra commute time on very cold or rainy mornings.
• If there’s a winter storm advisory, consider working from home if possible and avoid unnecessary driving.

Atlanta’s winter weather is generally manageable and often mild, but it can still bring chilly rain, freezing mornings, and the occasional icy surprise. With a few simple preparations—dressing in layers, watching the forecast, and knowing how the city responds to winter storms—you can navigate an Atlanta winter comfortably, whether you’re a longtime resident or just in town for a visit.