Weather in Atlanta, Georgia: What to Expect Throughout the Year

Atlanta’s weather is a big part of daily life in the city—affecting how you dress, commute, plan outdoor events, and even how you cool or heat your home. Whether you live in Atlanta, Georgia, are planning a visit, or are thinking of moving here, understanding the local climate will help you plan smarter and stay comfortable.

Atlanta’s Overall Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often wet winters
• Pleasant but changeable springs and falls
• Thunderstorms and occasional severe weather, especially in warmer months

The city sits in north-central Georgia at a higher elevation than many other Southern cities, which slightly moderates temperatures compared with the coastal Deep South, but summers can still feel very hot and muggy.

Typical Weather by Season in Atlanta

Spring (March–May)

Spring in Atlanta is one of the most popular times to be outside.

What it usually feels like:

• Temperatures: Often mild, generally cool mornings and comfortable afternoons
• Rain: Frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially by late spring
• Humidity: Rising as you move toward May
• Allergies: This is peak pollen season—yellow pollen can coat cars, streets, and outdoor furniture

What Atlantans do in spring:

• Enjoy outdoor festivals, walks on the BeltLine, and games at Truist Park
• Keep light jackets handy for cooler mornings and evenings
• Prepare for sudden showers or storms with an umbrella or light rain jacket

Tips for spring:

• 🌦️ Layer clothing—mornings can be cool, afternoons warm.
• 🤧 If you’re sensitive to pollen, plan outdoor time for after rain when the air is often clearer.

Summer (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons.

Typical summer conditions:

• Temperatures: Days are frequently hot, with warm nights
• Humidity: High, which can make the heat feel more intense
• Rain: Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common
• Sun: Strong sun and high UV index on many days

Common local experiences:

• Many people rely heavily on air conditioning at home, work, and in cars.
• Outdoor activities often shift to early morning or late evening to avoid peak heat.
• Pools, splash pads, and shaded parks like Piedmont Park and Grant Park are popular escapes.

Summer safety and comfort tips:

• 💧 Stay hydrated and keep water with you, especially if you’re walking or using public transit.
• 🧴 Use sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• ⛈️ Expect pop-up thunderstorms—clear skies can turn stormy quickly.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is often considered the most comfortable season in Atlanta.

What fall usually brings:

• Temperatures: Gradual cool-down from warm in early fall to crisp by November
• Humidity: Typically lower than in summer, so it feels more comfortable
• Rain: Still possible, but often fewer storms than in summer
• Scenery: Leaves change color, especially in parks and nearby North Georgia

How locals enjoy fall:

• Attending football games, outdoor festivals, and events in Downtown and Midtown
• Hiking nearby trails and visiting parks as temperatures become more pleasant
• Using light sweaters or jackets in the evenings

Fall tips:

• 🍂 Keep a light jacket handy; evenings can cool quickly.
• 📅 Fall is a great time to plan outdoor events like picnics, weddings, or gatherings.

Winter (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are generally mild, but they can still feel chilly, and occasional winter weather can cause big disruptions.

Winter norms:

• Temperatures: Many days are cool, not bitterly cold, but cold snaps do occur
• Precipitation: Mostly rain; occasional freezing rain or light snow is possible
• Snow/Ice: Significant snow is uncommon, but even small snow or ice events can impact roads and services

Local winter realities:

• Many residents wear medium-weight coats, especially at night.
• When freezing rain or light snow is forecast, schools, offices, and roads may close or reduce operations.
• Temperatures can swing—some days feel almost like fall or spring.

Winter tips in Atlanta:

• 🧥 Keep a warm coat, hat, and gloves for colder spells.
• 🚗 Before winter, many locals check tires, batteries, and windshield wipers because icy conditions can appear suddenly.

Monthly Weather Snapshot for Atlanta

This simple table summarizes what you can generally expect, month to month:

This table is a general guide, not a forecast. Always check a same-day or short-term forecast before you plan specific activities.

Rain, Storms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Everyday Rain and Thunderstorms

Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year, but:

• Spring and summer often bring thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
• Storms can be brief but intense, with heavy downpours and lightning.

If you’re commuting, walking the city, or using MARTA, a compact umbrella or rain jacket can be very useful.

Severe Weather and Tornado Risk

Atlanta can experience severe thunderstorms, sometimes with:

• Strong winds
• Hail
• Tornado warnings in the wider metro area

While direct hits in the city core are less common than in some rural areas, it’s important to pay attention to warnings, especially in spring and late fall, when severe weather is more likely.

Where weather alerts come from locally:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City Office issues forecasts and severe weather alerts for the Atlanta area.
• Local TV and radio stations, along with phone weather apps, typically broadcast warnings as they are issued.

Heat, Humidity, and Air Quality

Heat and Humidity

In summer, the combination of:

• High temperatures
• High humidity

can make Atlanta feel hotter than the actual thermometer reading. Heat can affect how you feel, your energy level, and outdoor plans.

For residents and visitors:

• Many people time outdoor workouts for early morning or after sunset.
• Shade, rest breaks, and plenty of water are common strategies for staying comfortable.

Air Quality and Pollen

Two common concerns in Atlanta:

1. Pollen (especially in spring):
   • Pine and other trees produce heavy pollen.
   • You may see a visible yellow dust on cars and sidewalks.
2. Summer air quality:
   • Warm, stagnant air can sometimes lead to hazy or smoggy conditions on certain days.

If you’re sensitive to pollen or poor air quality, it can help to:

• Limit intense outdoor activity on high-pollen or poor-air-quality days
• Use air conditioning with proper filters indoors

Snow, Ice, and Rare Winter Events

Atlanta does not see heavy snow most winters. However:

• Light snow or ice can cause major travel issues.
• The city’s roads and drivers are not used to regular snow and ice, so even modest winter weather can lead to:
  • Hazardous driving conditions
  • School and business closures
  • Delays or cancellations in flights at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re in Atlanta and a winter storm is forecast:

• Travel earlier if possible, or wait until conditions improve.
• Have basic supplies at home (food, water, flashlights, phone chargers) in case travel becomes difficult.

How Weather Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

Commuting and Transportation

Weather often has a noticeable impact on traffic and transit:

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms can slow highways like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.
• Ice or snow can lead to road closures, especially on bridges and overpasses.
• MARTA buses and trains may operate on modified schedules when conditions are severe, though they often remain more reliable than driving during icy conditions.

If you rely on public transportation, checking real-time updates when severe weather is expected can help you avoid surprises.

Events, Sports, and Outdoor Activities

Atlanta’s weather shapes the city’s social calendar:

• Spring and fall are prime seasons for festivals, outdoor dining, concerts, and sporting events.
• Summer events often plan for shade, cooling stations, or evening times.
• Some large venues and stadiums have roofs or partial coverage, reducing weather disruptions; others remain fully outdoors and are more affected by rain or storms.

When attending outdoor events:

• Check whether the venue allows umbrellas or ponchos.
• Confirm the event’s weather or refund policy if storms are forecast.

Staying Informed About Weather in Atlanta

If you live in or visit Atlanta frequently, it helps to know where reliable weather information comes from.

Key Local Weather Resources

You can use:

• Weather apps on smartphones for hourly forecasts and radar
• Local TV weather reports for city-specific coverage and severe weather information
• NOAA Weather Radio for continuous official bulletins

The National Weather Service forecast office that serves Atlanta is:

National Weather Service – Peachtree City Office
4 Falcon Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269

This office provides official forecasts, severe weather watches and warnings, and climate summaries for the Atlanta region.

Practical Packing and Planning Guide for Atlanta Weather

Whether you’re moving here, staying long term, or just visiting, this quick guide can help:

Year-Round Essentials:

• Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet sidewalks
• Layers (T‑shirt plus light sweater or jacket) for changing temperatures

Spring:

• Light jacket or hoodie for mornings
• Allergy supplies if you’re sensitive to pollen
• Clothes that can handle both cool and warm days

Summer:

• Breathable, lightweight fabrics
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle for staying hydrated

Fall:

• Light-to-medium jacket
• Short-sleeve shirts you can pair with layers
• Closed-toe shoes for cooler mornings and evenings

Winter:

• Medium-weight coat, scarf, and gloves
• Sweaters or layers for variable indoor/outdoor temperatures
• Shoes with good traction if icy conditions are possible

Understanding the weather in Atlanta, Georgia helps you decide when to visit, what to wear, and how to plan your days. With hot summers, mild winters, and beautiful but sometimes stormy springs and falls, Atlanta’s climate is manageable and enjoyable as long as you stay aware and prepared.