Atlanta, Georgia Temperatures: What to Expect Through the Year

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand the typical temperature in Atlanta, it helps to know how the weather really feels month by month—not just the numbers on a chart.

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which generally means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, sometimes chilly winters
• Comfortable, changeable spring and fall
• Plenty of humidity nearly year-round

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta temperatures, how they change by season, and what that means for day-to-day life.

Average Temperatures in Atlanta at a Glance

These are typical temperature ranges in Atlanta. Day-to-day weather can vary, but this gives a solid baseline:

Key takeaway:
If you’re asking about the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia, expect heat and humidity in summer, moderate cold in winter, and comfortable, mixed conditions in spring and fall.

Winter Temperatures in Atlanta (December–February)

Atlanta winters are cool but usually not extreme compared to many northern cities.

Typical Winter Conditions

• Highs: Often in the upper 40s to mid 50s °F
• Lows: Commonly in the low 30s to low 40s °F
• Freezing nights: Not unusual, especially in January
• Snow/ice: Possible but usually light and short-lived

You might experience:

• Cold, clear mornings with frost on cars
• Chilly, damp days when temperatures hover in the 40s
• Occasional hard freezes at night, especially in outlying suburbs

What This Means for Daily Life

• You’ll want a medium-weight coat, hat, and gloves on colder days.
• Homes and apartments in Atlanta are generally built with heating systems, but some older buildings may feel drafty when temperatures dip.
• Light snow or ice can disrupt roads and public transit, even with small accumulations, because Atlanta is not designed for frequent winter storms.

Spring Temperatures in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta can feel like three seasons in one: chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and summer-like warmth later in the season.

Typical Spring Conditions

• Highs: Often mid 60s to mid 70s °F, climbing toward the 80s by late May
• Lows: Generally mid 40s to mid 50s °F
• Weather pattern: Changeable—cool spells, warm spells, and storms

You may notice:

• Days that start in the 40s and end in the 70s
• Rapid warm-ups as you move through April and May
• Thunderstorms and quick temperature drops after a front passes

How to Dress and Plan

• Layering is important: a light jacket in the morning, short sleeves possible by midday.
• If you’re visiting attractions like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, or Zoo Atlanta, spring temperatures are often ideal—warm enough to be outside, not as hot or humid as summer.
• Outdoor events and festivals are popular this time of year because of the comfortable temperatures.

Summer Temperatures in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer is when Atlanta’s heat and humidity really show up. This is what many people mean when they talk about the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia feeling intense.

Typical Summer Conditions

• Highs: Commonly in the upper 80s to low 90s °F
• Lows: Usually in the upper 60s to low 70s °F
• Heat index: Humidity often makes it feel hotter than the actual air temperature

You can expect:

• Sticky, humid afternoons, especially in July and August
• Warm evenings where temperatures may not drop far below 75°F in the city core
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which briefly cool things down but add more humidity afterward

Practical Tips for Summer in Atlanta

• ☀️ Plan outdoor activities (like walking the BeltLine or visiting Stone Mountain) for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
• 🧊 Stay hydrated and seek shade or air conditioning during peak midday heat.
• Many Atlanta homes and businesses rely on air conditioning; if you’re visiting, confirm your lodging has effective cooling.

Fall Temperatures in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is often considered one of the most comfortable times in Atlanta in terms of temperature.

Typical Fall Conditions

• September: Still quite warm, with highs often in the 80s
• October: Highs usually in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• November: Cooler, with highs in the 60s and lows trending toward the 40s

You’ll notice:

• Gradually lower humidity compared to summer
• Cooler, crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons in October and early November
• A more stable pattern with fewer extreme swings than spring

How Atlantans Use the Fall Weather

• Popular time for college football games, outdoor festivals, and rooftop dining.
• Great conditions for visiting local spots like Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, or hiking in nearby areas such as Kennesaw Mountain.
• Light jackets or sweaters are often enough, especially in the mornings and evenings.

How Atlanta’s Geography Affects Temperature

Atlanta sits in the Piedmont region of Georgia, at an elevation around 1,000 feet above sea level, which keeps it slightly cooler than parts of south Georgia.

A few local factors that affect temperature:

• Urban Heat Island:
  Central parts of Atlanta—like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead—can stay warmer at night than outlying suburbs because of more buildings, pavement, and traffic.

• Suburban Differences:
  Areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City may run a few degrees cooler at night, especially in winter.

• Storm and Front Passages:
  When cold fronts move through, temperatures in Atlanta can drop sharply over a day or two, especially during spring and fall.

Typical Temperature-Related Questions for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

1. Does Atlanta get very cold?

Atlanta can get cold, especially at night in winter, but extended deep freezes are uncommon. Temperatures in the 20s °F do occur, but usually in short stretches. Heavy snow and prolonged below-freezing temperatures are rare.

2. How hot does it really feel in summer?

Even if the thermometer says 90°F, humidity often makes it feel several degrees warmer. The combination of heat and humidity can feel tiring, especially in the middle of the day or when walking uphill or in full sun.

3. When is the most comfortable time to visit Atlanta?

In terms of temperature, many people prefer:

• Late March through April, and
• October through early November

These periods tend to offer mild temperatures, lower humidity (especially in fall), and more predictable conditions for outdoor activities.

Staying Informed About Atlanta Temperatures Day-to-Day

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, it’s helpful to check current temperature and forecasts from reliable, official sources.

You can get local temperatures and alerts from:

• National Weather Service – Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone: (770) 486-1133

• Local TV and radio weather from stations based in the Atlanta area, which often explain how regional patterns affect Atlanta’s specific neighborhoods and suburbs.

These resources provide:

• Hour-by-hour temperature forecasts
• Heat advisories, thunderstorm warnings, and cold weather alerts
• Real-time conditions for planning commutes, travel, and outdoor events

What the Temperature in Atlanta Means for Daily Life

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, temperatures influence:

• Clothing choices:

  • Light, breathable fabrics for summer
  • Layers and jackets for winter and transitional seasons

• Home and apartment comfort:

  • Air conditioning is important in summer
  • Heating is needed on many winter nights, though usually not at extreme levels

• Transportation and schedules:

  • Summer heat may encourage earlier or later travel and outdoor workouts
  • Occasional winter ice or snow can temporarily impact roads and public transit

• Outdoor activities:

  • Spring and fall temperatures are ideal for parks, hiking, and festivals
  • Summer temperatures are still manageable with shade, hydration, and timing

In summary, the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia is defined by hot, humid summers, mild to cool winters, and pleasant shoulder seasons. Knowing these patterns helps you plan what to wear, when to go outside, and how to make the most of life in the city’s changing weather.