Climate in Atlanta, Georgia, USA: What to Expect Through the Year

Atlanta’s climate shapes daily life in the city—from what you wear and drive, to how you cool your home, to when it’s most comfortable to explore neighborhoods and parks. Understanding the climate in Atlanta, Georgia helps whether you’re a resident, a new arrival, or planning a visit.

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers, generally mild winters, and rainfall spread fairly evenly through the year.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Below is a simple overview of typical conditions in Atlanta over a year. Exact numbers vary by year, but this gives a realistic, easy-to-use reference.

Atlanta sits at a higher elevation than many Southern cities (around 1,000 feet), which takes a bit of the edge off the heat compared with lower-lying areas in Georgia, but summers still feel very warm and humid.

Seasons in Atlanta: What Each One Is Really Like

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Overall feel: Mostly mild, with a few cold snaps and occasional wintry surprises.

• Temperatures: Many winter days reach the 50s°F, with nights often in the 30s°F. Short stretches of colder weather into the 20s°F do occur.
• Snow and ice:
  • Snow is infrequent and usually light.
  • Ice storms and freezing rain are more common than heavy snow and can cause slick roads, downed branches, and power outages.
• What locals watch for:
  • Black ice during early morning commutes.
  • School and business delays when winter weather advisories are issued.

Tips if you live in Atlanta:

• Keep a light to medium winter coat, gloves, and a hat for cold spells.
• If you drive, consider all-season tires in good condition and allow extra time for commutes during winter weather alerts.
• Sign up for Fulton County or City of Atlanta emergency alerts so you know about road closures and severe conditions.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Overall feel: Comfortable temperatures, increasing humidity, and very high pollen.

• Temperatures: Frequently in the 60s–70s°F with cool mornings. Late spring days can feel almost summer-like.
• Rain: Regular showers and occasional thunderstorms help green up the city.
• Pollen season:
  • Atlanta is well known for its intense spring pollen, especially from trees.
  • Cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture often get coated in yellow pollen dust.
• Storms: Thunderstorms can bring heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds.

Practical spring tips:

• Plan outdoor activities for times when storms are less likely—often earlier in the day.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, consider keeping windows closed at home and in the car during peak days.
• Expect visibility and air quality to feel different when pollen counts are high.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Overall feel: Hot, humid, and stormy, with frequent air-conditioning use.

• Temperatures: Afternoon highs commonly reach the upper 80s to low 90s°F. Humidity can make it feel hotter.
• Humidity: High humidity is a key part of an Atlanta summer climate. Evenings often remain warm and sticky.
• Thunderstorms:
  • Pop-up thunderstorms are common in the afternoon and evening, especially on hot days.
  • These storms may bring heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and brief strong winds.
• Heat advisories: On some days, the heat index (what it feels like combining heat and humidity) rises enough for heat advisories.

Summer survival tips:

• Schedule outdoor activities, runs, or walks early in the morning or near sunset.
• Keep your home cooling system serviced before summer starts; many Atlanta residents rely on central air.
• When visiting attractions like the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Zoo Atlanta, bring water and light clothing, and plan for shade breaks.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Overall feel: One of the most pleasant seasons—less humidity, comfortable temperatures, and colorful trees.

• Temperatures: Early fall days can still be warm, with highs in the 70s–80s°F, gradually cooling to more comfortable 60s–70s°F by October and November.
• Humidity: Drops noticeably compared with summer, so it feels more comfortable outdoors.
• Foliage:
  • Atlanta’s tree canopy gives impressive fall color, especially in areas like Grant Park, Inman Park, and around Stone Mountain.
• Weather patterns: Generally stable, with a mix of sunny days and occasional rain systems.

Why fall is popular in Atlanta:

• It’s a favored season for outdoor festivals, football games, and hiking at nearby spots like Kennesaw Mountain.
• Visitors often choose fall for milder weather and lower humidity compared with peak summer.

Rainfall, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

How Rain Typically Works in Atlanta

• Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year rather than being limited to one short rainy season.
• Showers can be brief and heavy, especially in warmer months.
• Drains and low-lying streets may pond water during strong storms, so drivers often watch for standing water.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Warm-season thunderstorms are a regular part of life in Atlanta.

• Most storms are short-lived but can bring intense rainfall and frequent lightning.
• Power flickers, brief outages, and tree limb damage do occur in some neighborhoods.
• Outdoor activities—like concerts, sports, or festivals—may have weather delays for lightning safety.

Tornado and Severe Storm Risk

Atlanta is not in the core of “Tornado Alley,” but:

• Severe thunderstorms, including occasional tornado warnings, do impact the metro area.
• Most residents stay informed through:
  • Local TV and radio stations
  • Smartphone weather apps with severe weather alerts
  • County emergency notification systems

If you live in or visit Atlanta, it helps to know the safest interior areas of your home, hotel, or office in case of a severe weather warning.

Hurricanes and Tropical Systems in Atlanta

Atlanta is well inland from the Georgia coast, so direct hurricane landfalls do not hit the city. However:

• Remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes can track inland and bring:
  • Heavy rain
  • Gusty winds
  • Isolated flooding
• This usually happens during late summer and early fall.

Residents and visitors pay attention to these systems because they can affect:

• Travel plans (flight delays, road conditions)
• Outdoor events
• Short-term power and tree damage risks, especially in heavily wooded neighborhoods.

Air Quality, Heat, and Urban Factors

Heat Islands and the City Environment

Atlanta’s dense development and highways contribute to an urban heat island effect:

• Built-up areas can stay warmer at night than nearby rural or suburban spots.
• Concrete, asphalt, and limited shade in some districts amplify heat during summer.

Shaded neighborhoods and areas with abundant trees—common in much of residential Atlanta—often feel noticeably cooler during hot days.

Air Quality Considerations

• Summer can bring days with elevated ozone levels, which may affect outdoor comfort.
• Pollen in spring and, to a lesser extent, in fall, affects how the air feels and how people plan outdoor time.

If you are sensitive to air quality:

• Check daily air quality forecasts for the Atlanta area.
• Plan intense outdoor exercise for times when levels are more favorable, often early mornings on milder days.

Climate and Daily Life in Atlanta

Clothing and Wardrobe Planning

Living in Atlanta usually means planning for four seasons, but not all are extreme.

• Winter:
  • Light to medium coat, sweaters, long pants.
  • A heavier jacket, gloves, and a hat help for the occasional cold snap.
• Spring:
  • Layers work best—light jackets or cardigans that you can remove as the day warms up.
• Summer:
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and comfortable sandals or breathable shoes are common.
• Fall:
  • Layers again—mornings can be cool, afternoons pleasantly warm.

Housing and Home Comfort

Most Atlanta homes and apartments rely heavily on air conditioning in summer and moderate heating in winter.

Residents often focus on:

• Good insulation and sealed windows to manage energy use.
• Ceiling fans to improve comfort during warm months.
• Gutter maintenance and drainage to handle frequent rain and protect basements or ground-level spaces.

Getting Local Weather and Climate Support

For day-to-day and emergency information related to Atlanta’s climate and weather:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
  Serves the Atlanta metro area with forecasts and alerts.
  4 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269

• City of Atlanta – Office of Emergency Preparedness
  Provides guidance on severe weather readiness for residents.
  Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Fulton County Emergency Services (covering much of the central metro area)
  141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612-4000

These agencies share information on issues like severe storms, flooding risks, heat advisories, and winter weather that can affect daily life.

Visiting Atlanta: Best Times for Comfortable Weather

If you’re planning a trip and care most about pleasant temperatures and manageable humidity, many visitors find:

• Late March to early May and
• Late September to early November

to be the most comfortable stretches. During these periods, you’re likely to enjoy:

• Moderate temperatures suitable for walking neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland
• Better conditions for exploring the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and local festivals
• Less reliance on air conditioning compared with peak summer

Understanding the climate in Atlanta, Georgia, USA means expecting mild winters, hot and humid summers, plenty of rain and thunderstorms, and two especially pleasant shoulder seasons in spring and fall. With a bit of planning for heat, storms, and occasional winter surprises, the weather in Atlanta is manageable for daily living, commuting, and enjoying the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and events year-round.