Does It Snow in Atlanta, Georgia? What Locals and Visitors Should Know

Atlanta is known for hot summers, colorful fall foliage, and pollen-covered springs. But does it snow in Atlanta, Georgia? It can—and it does—but not often, and usually not in large amounts.

If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or planning a winter visit, it helps to understand how snow really works in this city: how often it happens, what it looks like when it does, and how Atlanta responds.

Does It Actually Snow in Atlanta?

Yes, it does snow in Atlanta, but snow is typically light and infrequent.

Atlanta’s climate is humid subtropical, which means:

• Winters are usually mild, not bitterly cold
• Temperatures often hover in the 40s and 50s°F during the day
• Many winters bring little or no measurable snow in the city itself

That said, Atlanta does see:

• Flurries or light snow some winters
• Occasional measurable snowfalls (1–3 inches)
• Rare but memorable snow or ice storms that can significantly disrupt travel

If you’re expecting consistently snowy winters like in the Midwest or Northeast, Atlanta will feel very different. Snow is more of an event than a season.

Typical Winter Weather in Atlanta

Average Winter Conditions

From roughly December through February, Atlanta’s weather usually includes:

• Cool mornings, mild afternoons
• Frequent rain rather than snow
• Short stretches of freeze-thaw cycles (below freezing at night, above during the day)

Because temperature often hovers close to freezing, small shifts can mean the difference between:

• Cold rain
• Sleet or freezing rain
• Wet, slushy snow that melts quickly

This is why predictions like “wintry mix” are common in Atlanta forecasts.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Snow in Atlanta is not guaranteed every winter, and when it falls, it usually doesn’t stick around long—especially inside the I-285 Perimeter.

Snow Frequency: At a Glance

Here’s a general pattern that many long-time residents recognize:

Nearby higher-elevation areas in North Georgia (such as around Blue Ridge or Dahlonega) tend to receive more snow. Within Atlanta itself—especially downtown and in close-in neighborhoods—snow is typically lighter and melts faster.

When Does It Snow in Atlanta?

If it’s going to snow in Atlanta, it most often happens between:

• Late December and late February

However, it can occasionally occur:

• As early as late November
• As late as early March

Most Atlanta snow events are:

• Short-lived (often a few hours of flakes)
• Followed by rising temperatures that quickly melt accumulation, especially on roads and sidewalks exposed to sun

What Snow Looks Like in Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Snow impacts can vary noticeably depending on where you are in the Atlanta area.

Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

This includes neighborhoods and areas like:

• Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, Inman Park
• West Midtown, and other I-285 core areas

Here, snow is often:

• Mixed with rain, turning slushy
• More likely to melt on contact with warmer pavement
• Short-lived, especially on main roads

Outside the Perimeter (OTP)

Areas such as:

• Marietta, Smyrna, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, Fayetteville

These can sometimes see:

• Slightly higher snow totals during the same system
• Icier bridges and overpasses, especially in higher or more open spots
• Longer-lasting patches of snow or ice on less-traveled roads

The farther north and northwest you go from the city center, the better your chances of seeing measurable and stick-around snow in a given winter.

Snow vs. Ice: Why Atlanta Shuts Down

People often hear about Atlanta “shutting down” for winter weather and assume it must be heavy snow. In reality, the bigger issue is often ice, not deep snow.

Why Ice Is Such a Problem in Atlanta

• Temperatures frequently hover near freezing, ideal for freezing rain and sleet
• Warm ground can melt initial flakes, followed by refreezing into black ice
• The metro area has:
  • Many hills, bridges, and elevated ramps
  • Heavy-dependent car commuting and long drive times
  • Limited ability to clear roads quickly compared with cities used to heavy snow

Even a half-inch of sleet or glaze can make:

• Interstates like I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector treacherous
• School and government closures likely
• Companies shift to remote work where possible

When planning winter travel in or through Atlanta, ice potential is as important as the snow forecast.

How Atlanta Prepares for Snow and Winter Weather

Atlanta is not built around heavy winter, but the city and surrounding counties do have systems in place for winter events.

Road Treatment and Plowing

Agencies frequently involved include:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Maintains major state routes and interstates
  • General public line (central): (404) 631-1990
• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) – Local city streets and priority routes

Common steps taken when winter weather is expected:

• Pre-treating major interstates and key city arterials with brine solution
• Deploying salt and sand to major bridges, hills, and overpasses
• Prioritizing:
  • Hospitals and medical facilities
  • Emergency routes
  • Downtown corridors and major commuter roads

Residential streets and smaller side roads may remain untreated or treated later, so driving in neighborhoods can sometimes be more challenging than on interstates.

If You Live in Atlanta: Practical Tips for Snow and Ice

Even though significant snow is rare, a little preparation can help you get through the occasional winter event comfortably.

Around Your Home or Apartment

• Have basic cold-weather supplies
  • Warm layers, hats, and waterproof shoes
  • A small flashlight and batteries
  • Shelf-stable food and bottled water for a couple of days
• Protect pipes in colder snaps
  • In older homes, let indoor faucets drip and open cabinets under sinks on very cold nights
• Plan for pets
  • Shorten walks during icy conditions
  • Have enough food and any medications if roads are briefly unsafe

For Your Car and Commuting

• Keep at least half a tank of gas in winter in case of unexpected delays
• Store simple items in your car:
  • Ice scraper
  • Small blanket
  • Phone charger
  • Basic snacks and bottled water
• When icy conditions are forecast:
  • Consider working from home, if possible
  • Avoid elevated ramps and known trouble spots like steep neighborhood hills

If You’re Visiting Atlanta in Winter

For visitors, snow in Atlanta is more of a novelty than a constant concern—but winter weather can still affect plans.

What to Pack

• A medium-weight jacket is often enough for daytime
• Bring layers: light sweater or fleece you can add or remove
• A water-resistant jacket or umbrella for rainy days
• If cold weather is forecast:
  • Gloves, hat, and a scarf
  • Shoes with some traction for potentially slick sidewalks

Transportation Considerations

• Flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • The airport is accustomed to quick weather changes and can often keep operating during light snow
  • Significant ice or snow can delay flights, especially early morning or evening ones
• Driving and rentals
  • If you are not used to driving on ice, consider delaying travel during active winter weather
  • Rideshare services may have longer wait times on icy days

If a winter storm is in the forecast during your visit, it can be wise to:

• Build flexibility into your schedule
• Prioritize indoor attractions like museums, the Georgia Aquarium, or the World of Coca-Cola when roads are clear

Snow Day Life in Atlanta: What Actually Happens

When it does snow enough to stick, Atlanta often turns it into an impromptu citywide celebration—at least once roads are safe.

You might see:

• Kids and adults using cardboard boxes or plastic lids as makeshift sleds on any available hill
• Quick snowmen and snowball fights in parks like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Perkerson Park
• Social media full of city skyline views dusted with white

Because accumulation usually melts quickly, many residents step outside to enjoy it immediately, knowing it might be gone by afternoon.

Staying Informed About Snow and Winter Weather in Atlanta

Because snow is infrequent, paying attention to forecasts is important. Here are practical ways to stay updated:

• Weather apps and local TV forecasts
  • Many Atlanta residents rely on national apps plus local TV meteorologists for more detailed neighborhood-level insight.
• City and county alerts
  • City of Atlanta and surrounding counties often send alerts about:
    • Road closures
    • Warming centers
    • School and government schedule changes
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • General information line: (404) 631-1990
  • Responsible for winter operations on major state roads in and around the city

If you commute or need to travel during a potential snow or ice event, checking conditions before you leave can help you avoid getting stuck on interstates or steep side roads.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta, Georgia

• Yes, it does snow in Atlanta, but usually lightly, briefly, and not every year.
• Winters are mostly cool and rainy, with occasional cold snaps.
• Ice is often a bigger problem than deep snow and can quickly disrupt travel.
• Most snow events bring 1–3 inches or less, and much of it melts within hours to a day in the city.
• With a bit of planning—checking forecasts, adjusting travel, and having basic supplies—both residents and visitors can handle Atlanta’s rare snow days comfortably.