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

Atlanta’s temperature can feel like three cities in one: mild and breezy in winter, warm and blooming in spring, hot and humid in summer, and comfortable but changeable in fall. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are thinking about moving here, understanding the typical temperatures in Atlanta, Georgia will help you pack, plan, and stay comfortable.

Below is a clear breakdown of average temperatures by season, how humidity and storms affect how it feels, and what locals actually do to handle Atlanta’s changing weather.

Atlanta’s Climate at a Glance

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

• Winters: Generally mild, occasional cold snaps
• Springs: Warming quickly, often pleasant but can be stormy
• Summers: Hot, humid, and often sticky
• Falls: Comfortable, with cooler nights and less humidity

Here’s a quick reference table for typical temperatures in Atlanta:

These are typical ranges, not exact daily forecasts, but they give a solid picture of how the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia usually behaves.

Winter Temperatures in Atlanta (December–February)

What to expect:

• Daytime highs: Often in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F
• Overnight lows: Commonly in the upper-20s to mid-30s°F
• Occasional extremes: Short stretches can dip into the 20s°F or below, especially during strong cold fronts

Snow is uncommon but possible. Many winters see only a dusting, if any. When snow or ice does happen, even small amounts can affect roads and travel because Atlanta is not designed for frequent winter storms.

How locals handle winter:

• Keep layers on hand: light sweater or fleece, plus a heavier coat for cold snaps.
• Expect indoor spaces—homes, offices, MARTA trains—to be heated and generally comfortable.
• If you’re driving, be aware that bridges and overpasses around interstates like I‑285, I‑75, and I‑85 can ice faster than regular roads during freezing conditions.

Spring Temperatures in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is when many people say Atlanta’s weather is at its best.

Typical temperatures:

• March: Highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s
• April: Highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s
• May: Highs often upper-70s to low-80s, lows in the 50s and 60s

You’ll notice:

• Cool mornings that can warm up quickly by afternoon
• Some days that feel almost summer-like by late May
• More frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, especially in April and May

This is prime time for walking the BeltLine, visiting Piedmont Park, or enjoying patios around Midtown and Inman Park—just keep a light jacket and an umbrella nearby.

Summer Temperatures in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot and humid, especially in the city core where pavement and buildings can hold heat.

Typical summer temperatures:

• Daytime highs: Often mid-80s to low-90s°F
• Overnight lows: Commonly in the upper-60s to low-70s°F
• Heat index (“feels like” temperature): Can be higher due to humidity

You can expect:

• Warm or even sticky mornings
• Muggy afternoons, especially in areas with less shade or near busy roads
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which can briefly cool things down but also raise humidity again

For people living or staying in central Atlanta neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, or Buckhead, this can feel warmer than suburban or more shaded areas due to the urban heat island effect.

Common ways Atlantans stay comfortable in summer:

• Rely heavily on air conditioning in homes, offices, malls, and public buildings
• Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or later evenings
• Use shaded parks like Grant Park, Chastain Park, and Piedmont Park for walks and exercise

If you’re visiting in summer, bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen, and expect to hydrate often.

Fall Temperatures in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another favorite season for many Atlanta residents.

Typical temperatures:

• September: Highs often in the 80s°F, still warm; lows in the 60s
• October: Highs usually in the 70s°F, lows in the 50s
• November: Highs around the 60s°F, lows in the 40s

Humidity usually drops compared to summer, making the air feel more comfortable even on warmer days. Evenings can feel crisp, especially by late October and November.

This is a prime time for:

• Outdoor events and festivals across Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
• Hiking around the Chattahoochee River or nearby state parks
• Enjoying outdoor dining without the intensity of summer heat

How Humidity Affects the Temperature in Atlanta

Temperature alone doesn’t tell the whole story. In Atlanta, humidity plays a major role in how the temperature actually feels.

• Late spring through early fall: Higher humidity can make an 88°F day feel like it’s in the 90s°F.
• Evenings: It may stay feeling warm and sticky late into the night during peak summer.

Because of this, locals pay attention not just to temperature, but also to the heat index (the “feels like” temperature that factors in humidity).

When humidity is high, especially in July and August, many residents:

• Prefer indoor, air-conditioned spaces during midday
• Choose light, moisture-wicking clothing
• Try to park in shaded or covered areas where possible

Daily Temperature Swings: Mornings vs. Afternoons

Atlanta often experiences a noticeable difference between early morning and late afternoon.

• In spring and fall, mornings can start in the 40s or 50s°F and rise into the 60s or 70s°F by afternoon.
• In summer, mornings are warmer, often in the 70s°F, with afternoons climbing into the 80s or 90s°F.
• In winter, temperatures may rise by 10–20 degrees from early morning to mid-afternoon on sunny days.

This makes layering clothes a practical habit. It’s common to see people commuting on MARTA or walking around Downtown with a light jacket in hand by midday.

Microclimates Around Atlanta

Within the Atlanta area, temperatures can vary slightly depending on location and surroundings:

• Urban core (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead): Can be a bit warmer, especially at night, because of concrete, asphalt, and buildings.
• Suburban and wooded areas (Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, East Point): May feel slightly cooler, particularly overnight, due to more trees and less pavement.
• Higher vs. lower elevation: Certain parts of the metro are slightly higher or lower in elevation, which can contribute to small temperature differences, especially on clear nights.

None of these differences are dramatic day-to-day, but you may notice a few degrees of variation if you regularly travel across the metro area.

Thunderstorms, Heat Waves, and Cold Snaps

While average temperatures give the general picture, there are short-term swings that residents pay attention to:

Summer Thunderstorms

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Atlanta’s warm season:

• Often develop in the late afternoon
• Can cause brief heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning
• Sometimes cool temperatures temporarily, then leave higher humidity behind

These storms can affect traffic on major highways like I‑285, I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85, so residents and visitors often check weather updates before commuting.

Heat Waves

Occasional heat waves push daytime temperatures higher than normal in summer:

• Highs can edge above the typical low-90s°F
• Nights may stay warm and humid, giving less relief

During these periods, local authorities may share guidance about staying cool and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

Winter Cold Snaps

In winter, cold fronts can temporarily drop temperatures:

• Daytime highs may stay in the 30s or low-40s°F
• Overnight lows can dip well below freezing

Freezing temperatures can affect pipes, plants, and road conditions, especially in neighborhoods with older infrastructure.

Where Atlantans Get Official Temperature and Weather Information

If you need real-time temperature information in Atlanta, residents commonly rely on:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Atlanta area

  • Regional office serves metro Atlanta and North Georgia
  • Provides official temperature readings, forecasts, and alerts

• Local TV weather teams

  • Based in Atlanta and focused specifically on local conditions
  • Frequently update forecasts during storms or heat waves

For in-person questions about severe weather preparedness in the Atlanta area, residents often look to local emergency management offices or city information centers. One key resource:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness
  55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 330‑6000 (City Hall main line – can direct you to appropriate departments)

These resources help people in Atlanta stay informed when temperatures swing rapidly or when storms move through.

Practical Tips for Dealing With Atlanta’s Temperatures

Whether you’re new to the city or just visiting, a few Atlanta-specific habits can make a big difference:

• Layer year-round:

  • Light layers in fall and spring
  • A reliable coat for winter cold snaps
  • Breathable clothing for summer

• Plan around the heat in summer:

  • Schedule outdoor activities early or late in the day 🌅
  • Take advantage of shaded parks and tree-lined neighborhoods
  • Expect indoor spaces to be air-conditioned

• Watch the forecast during shoulder seasons:

  • Spring and fall can jump from cool to warm in a single day
  • Keep a small umbrella handy during spring storms

• Consider where you’ll be spending time:

  • Urban centers like Downtown and Midtown often feel warmer and more humid than shaded residential areas
  • If you rely on walking or public transit, factor in how exposed you’ll be to the sun and heat

Understanding the temperature in Atlanta, Georgia means thinking beyond just a single number on a forecast. It’s about the season, the humidity, the time of day, and even which part of the city you’re in. With this overview, you can better plan what to wear, when to go out, and how to stay comfortable—whether you’re living in Atlanta full-time or visiting for a short stay.