What the Weather’s Really Like in Atlanta, Georgia (Month by Month Guide)

If you’re wondering “How’s the weather in Atlanta, Georgia?”, the short answer is: humid summers, mild winters, and plenty of warm, sunny days in between. But the details matter a lot more if you’re planning a trip, moving here, or just trying to dress for tomorrow.

This guide walks through Atlanta’s weather by season, what to expect month by month, and how it affects everyday life—commutes, outdoor plans, events, and more.

Big-Picture: Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which usually means:

• Hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Mild winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow
• Long spring and fall seasons that many residents consider the best time of year
• Plenty of rainfall spread across the year, not just in one season

Atlanta sits slightly higher in elevation than many Southern cities, and this often makes it a bit cooler than places like Macon or coastal Georgia, but it’s still very much part of the warm, humid Southeast.

Quick Atlanta Weather Snapshot

These are general ranges, not exact daily numbers, but they reflect what most people experience year to year.

Atlanta Weather by Season

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter in Atlanta is short, relatively mild, and unpredictable from week to week.

What to expect:

• Temperatures: Daytime highs often in the 40s to 50s, with nights in the 30s, sometimes dipping below freezing.
• Snow and ice:
  • Snow is infrequent, and when it does fall, it’s usually a light accumulation.
  • Ice storms and freezing rain can happen some winters and cause major travel disruptions, even with small amounts of ice.
• Rain: Winter days can be gray and rainy, with stretches of sunshine in between.

How it affects daily life:

• Driving: Atlanta is not built for snow and ice. Even a small winter event can close schools, delay flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and slow interstate traffic on I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
• Clothing: You’ll want layers—a medium-weight coat, sweaters, and something wind-resistant for colder days.
• Outdoor activities: Mild days are still common and parks like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine often stay busy when the sun is out.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of Atlanta’s most popular seasons, but it also brings pollen, storms, and rapid temperature swings.

What to expect:

• Temperatures:
  • Early spring (March): often 50s and 60s during the day, 40s at night.
  • Late spring (April–May): many days in the 70s and low 80s, cool mornings.
• Rain and storms:
  • Thunderstorms become more frequent.
  • Some storms may bring strong winds, lightning, and heavy downpours.
• Pollen:
  • Trees, grasses, and plants release heavy pollen, often visible as a yellow film on cars, sidewalks, and windows.

Spring tips for Atlanta:

• 🌧️ Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella—sunny mornings can turn into stormy afternoons.
• 🌸 If you’re sensitive to pollen, keep windows closed on high-pollen days and be aware that car windshields may need frequent cleaning.
• 👟 Spring is a great time for walking the BeltLine, visiting botanical gardens, and outdoor festivals, as long as you’re prepared for changing weather.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons. Residents talk about “the heat and humidity” for a reason.

What to expect:

• Temperatures:
  • Daytime highs often in the upper 80s to 90s.
  • Nighttime lows in the upper 60s to 70s, so nights stay warm.
• Humidity:
  • Humidity can make temperatures feel hotter than they are.
  • Muggy mornings and sticky evenings are common.
• Afternoon thunderstorms:
  • Many summer days start clear and then develop afternoon or early evening storms.
  • These storms can be brief but intense, with downpours, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds.

How to handle Atlanta summers:

• 💧 Hydrate and plan outdoor activities (jogging, dog walks, outdoor attractions) earlier in the morning or closer to sunset.
• 🧴 Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, light clothing) is important for days spent at places like Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta, or outdoor sports fields.
• 🏠 Many residents rely heavily on air conditioning at home, work, and in cars. If you’re visiting, assume indoor spaces will be cooled.

Power outages can occur during strong summer storms, so it’s wise to keep flashlights and phone chargers ready, especially in older neighborhoods with above-ground power lines.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is often considered Atlanta’s best season: cooler, more comfortable, and generally less humid.

What to expect:

• Temperatures:
  • Early fall (September): still warm, often 70s–80s during the day.
  • Mid to late fall (October–November): 60s–70s daytime, 40s–50s at night.
• Humidity and rain:
  • Humidity typically drops, and many days feel crisp and pleasant.
  • Rain is still possible, but extended stretches of clear weather are common.
• Fall color:
  • Trees in and around Atlanta, including areas like Stone Mountain Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, often show noticeable fall colors.

Why fall is so popular:

• Ideal for football games, festivals, and outdoor dining.
• Great time for hiking, biking, and exploring city neighborhoods on foot.
• Clothing is flexible—light layers usually work all day.

Month-by-Month Weather Overview in Atlanta

Here’s a simplified view of what each month is generally like. Temperatures are approximate typical ranges, not exact predictions.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Rain Patterns

Rain in Atlanta is spread fairly evenly across the year, not just a “rainy season.” However:

• Late winter and spring can feel wetter with more frequent systems moving through.
• Summer often brings heavy but brief downpours tied to thunderstorms.

When storms hit at rush hour, interstates such as I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector can slow quickly, so many locals check forecasts before commuting.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms are common from late spring through summer:

• Many are short-lived but produce intense rain, lightning, and localized flooding in low spots.
• Outdoor events and sports are often paused or rescheduled if lightning is near.

If you’re planning an outdoor gathering in Atlanta in the warmer months, it’s wise to have a backup indoor or covered option.

Tornado and Severe Weather Risk

Atlanta can experience severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes, especially in spring and sometimes fall. While many residents never experience a tornado directly, it is taken seriously across the metro area.

To stay informed:

• The National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta office monitors severe weather for the region.
• City and county emergency management agencies use weather radios, local media, and alert systems to share warnings.

For official local emergency coordination, many residents look to Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) for updates during major events or severe weather periods.

Heat, Humidity, and Air Quality

Heat and Humidity

Atlanta’s heat index (how hot it feels with humidity) can be significantly higher than the actual air temperature in summer. On very humid days:

• Even shaded walks can feel heavy and sticky.
• Outdoor workers and athletes often take more frequent breaks and seek shade.

Light-colored, breathable clothing and staying hydrated are everyday habits in summer.

Air Quality

Atlanta occasionally experiences haze or less-than-ideal air quality, especially in warmer months:

• Hot, stagnant days can contribute to lower air quality levels.
• Some residents choose to limit strenuous outdoor activity on days when air quality is reduced.

Many weather and local news sources in Atlanta provide daily air quality outlooks so you can adjust outdoor plans if needed.

How Weather Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Commuting and Transportation

• Rain and storms can quickly slow traffic on major roads like I‑285, GA‑400, and I‑20.
• Fog and heavy rain can sometimes affect flight schedules at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Winter weather, even in small amounts, can cause school delays, closures, and traffic gridlock.

Many commuters keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy in their car or bag due to frequent pop-up showers.

Outdoor Events, Sports, and Attractions

Atlanta hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, sports events, and markets throughout much of the year. Weather plays a big role in planning:

• Spring and fall are widely seen as the most comfortable for all-day outdoor activities.
• Summer events often have shaded areas, tents, and misting fans because of the heat.
• Athletic leagues, races, and charity walks frequently start early in the morning during hotter months.

Popular outdoor spots like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine see year-round activity, but crowds tend to be larger on clear, mild weekends.

What to Pack or Wear in Atlanta by Season

If you’re visiting—or just organizing your closet—this simplified guide can help:

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Medium-weight coat or jacket
• Sweaters and long sleeves
• Closed-toe shoes, possibly light gloves and a hat for colder days

Spring (Mar–May)

• Light jacket or cardigan
• Short sleeves with layers you can remove mid-day
• Umbrella or packable raincoat

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Light, breathable clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Comfortable sandals or breathable shoes

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Light layers (t-shirt plus light sweater or jacket)
• Jeans or lightweight pants
• A slightly heavier jacket for late evenings in October–November

Locals learn to check the daily forecast frequently, especially in spring and summer, when the forecast can shift between sun and storms in the same day.

Where to Find Official Weather and Emergency Information in Atlanta

For official, government-based information related to weather and emergencies, Atlanta-area residents often refer to:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Atlanta Forecast Office
  Provides forecasts, watches, and warnings for the metro area.

• Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)
  141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 835
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 612-5660

• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
  935 East Confederate Avenue SE
  Atlanta, GA 30316
  Phone: (404) 635-7000

These agencies help coordinate alerts for severe storms, flooding, winter weather, and other significant events affecting Atlanta.

In everyday terms, the weather in Atlanta, Georgia offers a lot of warmth, sunshine, and long outdoor seasons, with the main challenges being summer heat and humidity, spring pollen and storms, and occasional winter disruptions. With a flexible wardrobe, a good umbrella, and an eye on the forecast, it’s generally a city where you can plan to be outside much of the year.