Atlanta, Georgia Temperatures: What To Expect Through the Year

Atlanta’s temperature can swing from chilly winter mornings to hot, humid summer afternoons—but there are clear patterns that can help you plan your day, your trip, or even your home energy use.

This guide walks through typical Atlanta temperatures by season, day vs. night differences, heat and humidity, and what locals and visitors should realistically expect.

Atlanta’s Climate in a Snapshot

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practice, that means:

• Winters: Generally mild, with some cold snaps
• Springs and falls: Comfortable, often ideal outdoor weather
• Summers: Hot, humid, and often stormy in the late afternoon

If you live in or are visiting the City of Atlanta or nearby neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or East Atlanta, you’ll feel broadly similar conditions, with only minor variations between urban and more shaded or higher-elevation areas.

Typical Atlanta Temperatures by Season

Use this as a quick guide to the average temperature ranges you’ll likely experience in the Atlanta area during a normal year.

Winter Temperatures in Atlanta (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are relatively mild compared with many northern cities, but you will still see some freezing nights, especially in January.

• Typical highs: Mid 40s to mid 50s °F
• Typical lows: Low 30s to low 40s °F
• Cold snaps: Some mornings can drop below freezing, with occasional dips into the 20s °F.
• Snow/Ice: Snow is rare and usually light, but ice and freezing rain do occasionally affect roads across the city and interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20.

What locals do:

• Keep a warm coat, hat, and gloves handy for early mornings and late nights.
• Expect indoor locations (MARTA stations, offices downtown, public buildings) to be heated and comfortable.
• Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses, especially in areas like the Downtown Connector and I‑285.

Spring Temperatures in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta warms up quickly and is one of the most pleasant times of year for outdoor activities in places like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

• March: Highs often in the 60s, cool mornings in the 40s
• April: Highs in the 70s, lows around 50s
• May: Highs reaching upper 70s to low 80s, lows in the upper 50s to low 60s

You may still experience a chilly morning in March followed by a warm afternoon, so layering is useful.

Other spring factors:

• Rain and storms: Spring brings regular showers and some thunderstorms.
• Pollen: Pollen counts can be high; many residents notice it on cars, sidewalks, and balconies.

Summer Temperatures in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer is when Atlanta heat really sets in. Temperatures and humidity both rise, especially in the city core and along busy corridors like Peachtree Street and around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Typical highs: Mid 80s to low 90s °F
• Hot days: It’s common for afternoons to reach the 90s.
• Typical lows: Upper 60s to mid 70s °F overnight
• Humidity: Often high, making it feel warmer than the actual air temperature.

You’ll frequently hear about the “heat index”, which combines temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it feels. In Atlanta summers, the heat index can be several degrees higher than the actual temperature, especially in the middle of the day.

🌡️ Practical summer tips in Atlanta:

• Plan outdoor exercise along the Atlanta BeltLine or at local parks for early morning or late evening.
• Keep water with you, especially if you’re walking around Downtown, Midtown, or near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Use shade where possible; tree-lined streets in neighborhoods like Inman Park and Virginia‑Highland can feel noticeably cooler.

Fall Temperatures in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, often making it a favorite season for locals.

• September: Still quite warm; highs often in the 80s
• October: Highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• November: Highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s

You can usually enjoy outdoor festivals, football games, and patio dining across the city without intense heat or cold.

Layering a light jacket or sweater with a t‑shirt works well, especially when temperatures drop after sunset.

Day vs. Night Temperatures in Atlanta

Like many inland cities, Atlanta experiences a noticeable difference between day and night temperatures, especially outside of peak summer.

• Daytime: Warmest between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Evening: Temperatures typically drop after sunset, sometimes by 10–20°F depending on the season.
• Urban heat effect: Dense areas like Downtown and Midtown can hold heat longer, staying warmer at night than more residential or wooded neighborhoods.

If you’re out late for events near State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or along Peachtree Street, a mild evening can cool further than you might expect, so having a light layer handy is useful most of the year.

How Humidity Affects Atlanta Temperatures

In Atlanta, humidity plays a big role in how the temperature feels—especially in late spring, summer, and early fall.

• High humidity makes warm temperatures feel hotter and heavier.
• On summer days, an air temperature in the upper 80s can feel like the mid‑90s or more.
• At night, humidity can make it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests, especially inside buildings without strong air conditioning.

You’ll particularly notice this:

• On MARTA platforms that are partly enclosed
• In parking decks and lower-ventilated areas
• Walking uphill or on longer stretches like the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Extreme Temperatures: What’s Possible in Atlanta?

While most days fall within the typical ranges, Atlanta does occasionally see more extreme temperatures.

Heat waves

During hot spells, it’s not unusual for:

• Daytime highs to reach the mid to upper 90s °F
• The heat index to push conditions into uncomfortable territory, especially for extended outdoor activity

The City of Atlanta and Fulton County may open or highlight locations such as cooling centers during extended heat waves. For general non-emergency information, residents often rely on:

• City of Atlanta information line: Check updated contact numbers and locations through official city channels or local government offices.

(Always confirm current cooling center locations and hours before relying on them.)

Cold snaps

In the coldest times of winter:

• Overnight lows can fall into the 20s °F, occasionally lower
• Wind can make it feel colder, especially in open areas and overpasses

Cold snaps can affect:

• Commuting (icy roads, delays)
• Water pipes in older buildings or less-insulated homes

What to Wear for Atlanta Temperatures

If you’re trying to pack or plan your wardrobe for Atlanta, temperature swings by season are the main factor.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Medium to heavy coat for colder mornings
• Sweaters and long sleeves for most days
• Hat and gloves for early mornings or late nights, especially if you’re walking downtown

Spring (Mar–May)

• Layers: T‑shirts, light sweaters, or light jackets
• A rain jacket or umbrella for spring showers
• Comfortable footwear for exploring areas like the Atlanta BeltLine, Grant Park, or Midtown

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Light, breathable clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime outings
• Comfortable shoes and water bottle if walking significant distances in the heat

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Short sleeves during the day, light jacket or sweater for evenings
• Layers for football games, outdoor festivals, and evening events

Indoor Temperatures and Air Conditioning in Atlanta

Most homes, apartments, offices, hotels, and public buildings in Atlanta are designed to handle both heat and cold.

• Air conditioning is extremely common due to summer heat and humidity.
• In winter, central heating systems (electric or gas) keep indoor spaces comfortable.

If you’re renting an apartment or staying in a short‑term rental:

• Ask about the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and whether you can adjust the thermostat.
• In older properties or historic homes, temperature control may vary between rooms.

Checking Today’s Temperature in Atlanta

If you need to know Atlanta’s temperature right now or the forecast for the next few days:

• Search for “Atlanta GA weather” or “Atlanta temperature today” in your preferred weather app or search engine.
• Many local TV and radio stations in Atlanta provide current temperature and forecast information for neighborhoods across the metro area.

You can also check conditions near well-known points such as:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for a reliable, central reading
• Downtown and Midtown stations often listed in local weather reports

How Atlanta Temperatures Affect Daily Life

Understanding Atlanta’s temperature patterns can help you plan:

• Commuting:

  • Summer: Allow extra time if walking from MARTA stations in the heat.
  • Winter: Keep an eye on freezing conditions that may affect traffic.

• Outdoor activities:

  • Spring and fall are ideal times for visiting Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain (nearby), or the Atlanta BeltLine.
  • In summer, aim for early mornings at outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Zoo or local farmers markets.

• Energy use at home:

  • Expect higher air-conditioning use in summer.
  • Plan for moderate heating needs in winter, especially during cold snaps.

By knowing how temperatures change through the year in Atlanta, Georgia, you can better plan what to wear, when to be outside, how to schedule your activities, and what to expect when you arrive or step out the door.