Typical Temperature in Atlanta, Georgia: What to Expect All Year

If you search for “temperature Atlanta Georgia” you’re probably trying to figure out what the weather really feels like here—whether you’re planning a trip, a move, or just your week. Atlanta’s temperature patterns are shaped by its humid subtropical climate, mild winters, and hot, muggy summers.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta temperatures by season, what it feels like day-to-day, and how to plan around it if you live in or visit the city.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

Atlanta sits in north-central Georgia at a higher elevation than many other Southern cities, which keeps it slightly cooler than places closer to the coast or farther south—but it’s still very much hot and humid in summer.

Big picture:

• Winters: Generally mild, with some cold snaps and occasional light snow or ice.
• Springs: Comfortable, warming up quickly; can be rainy and pollen-heavy.
• Summers: Hot, humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• Falls: Warm to mild, often the most pleasant season for outdoor activities.

Average Temperatures in Atlanta by Season

Here’s a simple overview of typical temperature ranges in Atlanta across the year. These are approximate average daytime highs and nighttime lows in degrees Fahrenheit.

These patterns help you plan what to pack, how to dress, and what to expect if you’re living in or visiting Atlanta, GA.

Winter Temperatures in Atlanta (December–February)

Typical range:

• Daytime: mid 40s to 50s °F
• Nighttime: low 30s °F, sometimes dipping into the 20s

Atlanta winters are short and generally mild, but they can feel colder when damp air and wind kick in. You might see:

• Cold snaps: A few days each winter can fall below freezing, especially overnight.
• Ice and snow: Snow is infrequent and usually light. More often, Atlanta experiences freezing rain or ice, which can cause slick roads and occasional school or office closures.
• Indoor comfort needs: Many Atlanta homes and apartments are built more with heat in mind than heavy insulation, so you’ll still want a good coat, layers, and heating.

🧣 Local tip: If you’re here in winter, keep an eye on freezing temperatures. Even small chances of snow or ice can affect MARTA schedules and local travel, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Spring Temperatures in Atlanta (March–May)

Typical range:

• March: highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s–50s
• April: highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• May: highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, lows in the 60s

Spring in Atlanta can feel like three seasons in one:

• Early March mornings may still feel chilly, especially before sunrise.
• By April and May, many days are warm and comfortable, great for walking the BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or exploring neighborhoods like Midtown and Inman Park.
• Rain and thunderstorms become more frequent, especially later in spring.

🌸 Local note: Atlanta is known for high pollen levels in spring. Temperature swings and warm-up periods tend to align with heavy tree and grass pollen, which many residents notice on cars, balconies, and outdoor furniture.

Summer Temperatures in Atlanta (June–August)

Typical range:

• Daytime highs: upper 80s to 90s °F
• Nighttime lows: upper 60s to 70s °F

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and often hazy. The raw air temperature is only part of the story—humidity makes it feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.

What to expect:

• Heat index: On many days, it can feel like it’s in the upper 90s or above due to humidity.
• Afternoon storms: Quick-moving thunderstorms and heavy downpours are common, especially in late afternoon or early evening.
• Warm nights: Temperatures often stay in the 70s overnight in the city, so it rarely feels truly “cool” after dark.

😅 If you’re visiting in summer:

• Plan outdoor activities for morning or early evening.
• Expect to rely on air conditioning in hotels, apartments, MARTA trains, and most indoor public spaces.
• Light, breathable clothing and staying hydrated are important for comfort.

Fall Temperatures in Atlanta (September–November)

Typical range:

• September: highs in the 80s, lows in the 60s
• October: highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• November: highs in the 50s–60s, lows in the 40s

Many locals consider fall the best weather of the year:

• Early fall (September): Still quite warm—often feels like extended summer.
• Mid-fall (October): Days are pleasant and sunny, with much lower humidity. Great for outdoor festivals, walks on the BeltLine, or hikes at nearby spots like Stone Mountain.
• Late fall (November): Temperatures cool down noticeably, especially at night, and you’ll want light jackets or sweaters.

🍂 Practical tip: If you’re planning outdoor events (weddings, races, festivals) in Atlanta, October and early November are often a sweet spot for comfortable temperatures and fewer heavy storms.

Daily Temperature Patterns in Atlanta

Beyond seasonal changes, the typical daily pattern in Atlanta looks like this:

• Coolest hours: Just before and after sunrise.
• Warm-up: Temperatures rise steadily through the late morning and early afternoon.
• Peak heat: Usually mid-afternoon (around 2–5 p.m.), especially in summer.
• Slow cooldown: After sunset, temperatures drop, but summer nights can stay warm and muggy.

Urban areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead can feel warmer than more shaded or suburban spots due to:

• More concrete and asphalt retaining heat (urban “heat island” effect).
• Less tree cover in certain blocks compared to leafier neighborhoods.

How Humidity Affects Temperature in Atlanta

Atlanta’s humidity has a big impact on how the temperature actually feels:

• In summer, high humidity makes it feel hotter and can reduce the body’s ability to cool off.
• On cooler days, damp air and wind can make 40s and 50s feel raw and chilly, especially in winter and early spring.

You’ll often hear locals talk about:

• “Feels like” temperature: The heat index in summer and wind chill in winter.
• Muggy mornings: Even when the thermometer doesn’t seem extreme, the air can feel heavy and sticky.

When you check the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s useful to also look at:

• Humidity percentage
• “Feels like” or “real-feel” temperature
• Wind speed

These give a better sense of what your day will actually feel like outside.

Neighborhood and Microclimate Differences

Atlanta’s temperatures can vary slightly across the metro area:

• In-town vs. outskirts: Central neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead) can be a little warmer than outer suburbs, especially at night.
• Elevation changes: Areas on higher ground (parts of northwest Atlanta or near certain ridges) may feel slightly cooler or breezier.
• Tree cover: Heavily wooded neighborhoods (like parts of Druid Hills, Morningside, or Decatur nearby) can feel cooler in the shade during hot afternoons.

These differences are usually a few degrees at most, but if you’re sensitive to heat or cold, you might notice them.

Checking Today’s Temperature in Atlanta, GA

For real-time temperatures, forecasts, and severe weather alerts in Atlanta, you can use:

• Local TV stations
• Mobile weather apps
• Official National Weather Service information for the Atlanta area

You can also follow or contact:

National Weather Service – Forecast Office Serving Atlanta

• Often referred to as the NWS Peachtree City office (covers the Atlanta region)
• Provides up-to-date forecasts, watches, and warnings for Metro Atlanta and north/central Georgia

City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Preparedness
Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main city info line): (404) 330-6000
They can direct residents to local emergency and weather-related resources during significant events.

These resources are especially useful if temperatures swing toward:

• Extreme heat (heat advisories or warnings)
• Freezing temperatures (ice, snow, or hard freezes)
• Severe thunderstorms or tornado risks, which are not uncommon in parts of the year.

Planning Your Clothing and Activities Around Atlanta Temperatures

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, Georgia, here’s a quick seasonal guide:

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Pack: Medium to heavy jacket, sweaters, long pants, closed shoes.
• Expect: Mostly mild days, but be prepared for occasional freezing mornings and rare ice events.

Spring (Mar–May)

• Pack: Layers—light jackets, long sleeves, plus some short sleeves.
• Expect: Comfortable afternoons, cool mornings, and variable days with rain.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Pack: Light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, hat.
• Expect: Hot, humid afternoons; plan outdoor time early or late in the day.

Fall (Sep–Nov)

• Pack: Mix of short and long sleeves, a light jacket or sweater.
• Expect: Warm early fall; crisp, pleasant mid to late fall, especially evenings.

Key Takeaways About Temperature in Atlanta, Georgia

• Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate: mild winters and long, hot, humid summers.
• Average highs range from the 40s–50s in winter to the upper 80s–90s in summer.
• Humidity significantly affects how temperatures feel, especially in summer.
• Fall and late spring are often the most comfortable times for outdoor activities.
• For current conditions, always check local forecasts and consider both the actual temperature and the “feels like” value.

Understanding these patterns helps you dress correctly, plan your days, and stay comfortable while living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia.