Atlanta Temperatures: What to Expect and How to Prepare Year-Round
Atlanta’s weather can feel like a little bit of everything: hot Southern summers, occasional winter chills, humid afternoons, and surprise thunderstorms. If you live in Atlanta, plan to move here, or are just visiting, understanding typical Atlanta temperatures will help you dress right, plan your day, and stay comfortable.
Below is a clear, month‑by‑month look at temperatures in Atlanta, plus local tips on how that actually feels when you step outside.
Big-Picture: What Is Atlanta’s Climate Like?
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate. In practical terms, that usually means:
- Short, mild winters
- Long, warm-to-hot summers
- Plenty of humidity, especially from late spring through early fall
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms in warm months
- Rapid temperature swings in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall)
Most people notice that it feels hotter than the listed temperature in summer because of humidity, and colder on breezy days in winter, especially in open areas like around Mercedes-Benz Stadium or along the BeltLine.
Typical Atlanta Temperatures by Season
Winter (December – February)
Winters in Atlanta are typically cool to mild with occasional cold snaps.
- Average daytime highs: mid‑40s to mid‑50s °F
- Average nighttime lows: upper‑20s to upper‑30s °F
- What it feels like: Often chilly in the morning, cool to comfortable by afternoon. A few days each winter may dip well below freezing.
Snow is uncommon but possible. When it does happen, it can cause significant travel disruption, so residents pay close attention to forecasts from the National Weather Service Atlanta Forecast Office (Peachtree City) and local TV stations.
What locals wear in winter:
- Medium-weight jacket or coat
- Layers (sweater or fleece over a shirt)
- Hat/gloves on the coldest mornings or nights
If you’re visiting and planning to walk around areas like Midtown, Downtown, or the BeltLine, plan for something you can zip or un-zip easily, since temperatures can jump several degrees over just a few hours.
Spring (March – May)
Spring in Atlanta warms up quickly and can feel like summer by late April or May.
- Average daytime highs: upper‑60s to upper‑70s °F early, rising into the 80s °F
- Average nighttime lows: mid‑40s to low‑60s °F
- What it feels like: Mornings can be cool, afternoons often feel pleasantly warm, and humidity starts to creep in.
Spring is also pollen season, especially around tree-lined neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Buckhead. You may notice a yellow dusting on cars and sidewalks during peak weeks.
What locals wear in spring:
- Light jacket or long sleeves in March
- Short sleeves by mid to late April
- Comfortable shoes for walking Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, or Centennial Olympic Park
Always keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms in April and May; they can move in suddenly, even on mostly sunny days.
Summer (June – August)
Atlanta summers are hot, humid, and long. This is the season most residents plan around.
- Average daytime highs: upper‑80s to low‑90s °F
- Average nighttime lows: upper‑60s to mid‑70s °F
- What it feels like: Often hotter than the number suggests because of humidity. Heat index values can climb higher on many days.
You’ll notice:
- Thick humidity, especially in areas with less shade or lots of concrete (Downtown, near major highways)
- Frequent pop-up afternoon thunderstorms, particularly visible along the skyline
- Warm nights where it may not cool off much, especially in dense urban neighborhoods
How locals stay comfortable in summer:
- Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for activities like Braves games at Truist Park or walking the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Take advantage of shade and air conditioning in malls, museums (like the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights), and MARTA stations
- Schedule outdoor exercise earlier in the morning or closer to sunset
On days when the heat index is high, local authorities may share safety reminders through City of Atlanta channels and media. Outdoor workers, sports leagues, and event organizers adjust schedules when conditions are especially hot.
Fall (September – November)
Fall is one of the most comfortable times of year in Atlanta and a local favorite.
- Average daytime highs: mid‑70s to low‑80s °F in September, cooling into the 60s by November
- Average nighttime lows: upper‑50s °F in early fall, dipping into the 40s °F later
- What it feels like: Warm afternoons early in the season, gradually giving way to cooler, crisp days by late October and November.
Humidity usually starts to ease, and outdoor festivals around Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown become more comfortable.
What locals wear in fall:
- Short sleeves during the day in September and early October
- Light jacket or sweater in the mornings and evenings
- Layers for unpredictable “cool morning / warm afternoon” patterns
Fall can also bring some strong storms if tropical systems track inland, so it’s still important to stay weather-aware.
Quick Look: Typical Atlanta Temperature Ranges
Use this table as a simple reference for planning your wardrobe and activities. These are broad, commonly cited ranges to give you a general idea, not exact daily forecasts.
| Month | Typical Highs (°F) | Typical Lows (°F) | General Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | mid‑40s – low‑50s | upper‑20s – 30s | Cool to cold |
| February | upper‑40s – mid‑50s | low‑30s – upper‑30s | Cool, some milder days |
| March | mid‑50s – mid‑60s | upper‑30s – mid‑40s | Chilly mornings, mild days |
| April | mid‑60s – low‑70s | mid‑40s – low‑50s | Pleasant, warming up |
| May | mid‑70s – low‑80s | mid‑50s – low‑60s | Warm, starting to feel humid |
| June | mid‑80s – low‑90s | mid‑60s – low‑70s | Hot and humid |
| July | upper‑80s – low‑90s | around 70 | Hottest, very humid |
| August | upper‑80s – low‑90s | around 70 | Hot, sticky, frequent storms |
| September | low‑80s – mid‑80s | low‑60s | Warm but easing humidity |
| October | low‑70s | low‑50s | Comfortable, great outdoors |
| November | upper‑50s – low‑60s | low‑40s | Cool and mild |
| December | upper‑40s – mid‑50s | low‑30s – upper‑30s | Cool, occasional cold snaps |
How Atlanta Temperature Changes Across the City
Even within city limits, temperatures can feel different depending on where you are.
Urban Heat vs. Shaded Neighborhoods
- Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead: More concrete and tall buildings can hold heat, making afternoons feel warmer, especially on still, sunny days. Nights may also stay warmer.
- Leafy residential areas like Druid Hills, Morningside, and parts of Southwest Atlanta: More shade from trees often makes it feel slightly cooler, especially when you’re out walking.
Elevation and Microclimates
Atlanta is sometimes called the “city in a forest” and sits at a relatively high elevation for the Southeast. Small differences in elevation and land cover can create microclimates:
- Hilltops may feel breezier and a bit cooler.
- Low-lying spots and valleys can be slightly colder at night in winter, or feel more humid in summer.
If you commute from the suburbs (for example, from Marietta, Decatur, or College Park) into central Atlanta, you may notice that temperatures and humidity shift between home and work.
Atlanta Temperature and Outdoor Plans
Planning Outdoor Activities
When you’re deciding what to do in Atlanta, temperature strongly shapes your options:
Summer (hot):
- Great for water-related fun at places like Piedmont Park’s splash areas, lake trips outside the city, or indoor, air‑conditioned attractions.
- Outdoor concerts at Chastain Park Amphitheatre or stadium events are more comfortable in the evening.
Spring and Fall (mild):
- Ideal for walking the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring Piedmont Park and Grant Park, or attending festivals and outdoor markets.
- Comfortable for hiking in nearby areas such as Stone Mountain or parks along the Chattahoochee River.
Winter (cool):
- Many residents still walk, run, and bike, just with layers.
- Outdoor attractions remain open, but evenings can feel chilly, especially in open plazas or by the water.
Heat and Cold Considerations
Atlanta’s temperature changes can sometimes be intense over a single day:
- In spring and fall, a morning that starts in the 40s °F can climb into the 60s or 70s °F by midday.
- In summer, even a cloudy morning can turn into a very hot, sunny afternoon.
It’s practical to check the day’s full temperature range, not just the current reading, especially if you’ll be away from home all day.
Where to Check the Current Temperature in Atlanta
To get the exact current temperature and short-term forecast for Atlanta, many residents regularly use:
- Weather apps on smartphones
- Local TV weather from Atlanta-based stations
- Forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) Atlanta/Peachtree City office
The National Weather Service forecast office serving Atlanta is located at:
While the office itself focuses on professional forecasting and emergency support, its regularly updated forecasts are widely used by local authorities, schools, and event organizers around Atlanta.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Atlanta Temperatures
Here are straightforward, temperature-focused tips to make daily life or a visit more comfortable:
In Hot Weather (commonly May–September):
- ☀️ Plan outdoor time for early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are lower.
- 🧢 Choose light-colored, breathable clothing and a hat if you’ll be in the sun.
- 🚇 Make use of MARTA stations and city buildings as cool-down spots if you’re walking in Downtown or Midtown.
In Colder Weather (mostly December–February):
- 🧥 Wear layers so you can adjust as temperatures jump between morning, midday, and night.
- 🧦 Bring a warmer layer if you’ll be out late, especially at night events or games, since temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
- 🚗 If driving during a rare cold snap or potential freezing conditions, allow extra time and be cautious on bridges and overpasses, which can be colder and icy sooner.
How Atlanta Temperature Affects Daily Life
Residents quickly learn to check the temperature before leaving home, especially if they’ll be out all day in areas like:
- Downtown or Midtown for work or events
- College campuses such as Georgia State University or Georgia Tech
- Tourist areas like Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca‑Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium
Many workplaces, schools, and outdoor venues adjust schedules and activities when:
- temperatures are very high, especially for outdoor work or sports, or
- there’s a risk of cold mornings, frost, or severe weather in the winter and early spring.
This temperature awareness is simply part of daily life in Atlanta.
Understanding typical Atlanta temperatures by season helps you choose the right clothing, plan your activities, and stay prepared for quick changes—whether you’re commuting from a neighborhood like West End, exploring Midtown’s museums, or visiting for a weekend in Downtown.