Atlanta Weather: What to Expect and How to Plan Around It

Atlanta weather can feel unpredictable if you’re not used to it, but there are clear patterns that locals learn to navigate. Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or are visiting for a few days, understanding Atlanta’s climate, seasons, storms, and daily temperature swings will help you plan better clothes, travel, and activities.

Atlanta’s Overall Climate at a Glance

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often short winters
• Rain spread through the year, with frequent spring and summer thunderstorms
• Occasional severe weather (strong storms, tornado warnings, ice events)

A quick way to think about it:
You’ll use your AC far more than your heavy coat, and you’ll want an umbrella or rain jacket handy almost year-round.

Season-by-Season: Atlanta Weather Breakdown

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

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

Typical conditions:

• Temperatures: Often in the 60s–70s during the day, cooler at night.
• Feels like: Mild and pleasant, but can swing from chilly to almost summer-like.
• Rain: Regular showers and afternoon thunderstorms become more common in April and May.
• Pollen: Very high pollen levels, especially from trees like oak and pine.

What locals do:

• Keep a light jacket in the car for mornings and evenings.
• Expect pollen on cars, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture—a yellow-green film is normal.
• Plan outdoor events (like at Piedmont Park or BeltLine Eastside Trail) with a backup plan for showers or storms.

Tips for visitors and residents:

• Check the day-of forecast before outdoor festivals and games.
• If you have seasonal sensitivities, keep car windows closed and change clothes after long outdoor time.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer in Atlanta is long, hot, and humid.

Typical conditions:

• Daytime highs: Commonly in the upper 80s to 90s.
• Humidity: Often high, which makes it feel hotter than the actual temperature.
• Afternoon storms: Pop-up thunderstorms are very common, especially late afternoon and early evening.
• Nights: Warm and muggy, not much cooling after dark.

How it feels in the city:

• Downtown and Midtown can feel especially warm because of buildings, pavement, and limited shade in some areas.
• Public transit waits (like at MARTA bus stops or above-ground train platforms) can be uncomfortable without water or shade.

Practical tips:

• Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Always have water, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing.
• Expect strong thunderstorms with lightning; when thunder is audible, move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is another favorite season for many in Atlanta: more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

Typical conditions:

• September: Can still feel like summer—hot and humid.
• October: Often sunny, drier, and comfortably warm days with cooler nights.
• November: Noticeably cooler; light jackets or sweaters become normal.

What to expect:

• College football and festival season thrive in this weather.
• Great time for hiking at Stone Mountain, walking the Atlanta BeltLine, or attending events at Centennial Olympic Park.

Planning tips:

• Keep layers handy; mornings and nights can be cool while afternoons are warm.
• Outdoor reservations (patios, rooftop bars, outdoor seating) are very popular—good weather is in demand.

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

Winters in Atlanta are short and usually mild, but the city can see impactful cold snaps and occasional ice or snow.

Typical conditions:

• Daytime highs: Commonly in the 40s–50s.
• Nights: Can drop into the 30s, sometimes below freezing.
• Precipitation: Mostly cold rain, but some winters bring a few snow or ice events.

Snow and ice:

• Snow is infrequent and usually light, but even small amounts of snow or ice can cause major traffic and travel issues.
• Ice is a bigger concern than deep snow, because roads and bridges can glaze over quickly.

What locals know:

• When winter weather advisories or warnings are issued, schools and offices may close or shift schedules.
• Grocery stores can get busy ahead of a predicted storm, as people buy essentials before staying home.

Monthly Snapshot: Typical Atlanta Weather Patterns

This simple table gives a general sense of how Atlanta’s weather feels through the year:

These are general patterns rather than precise averages, but they reflect what most people in Atlanta plan for.

Rain, Thunderstorms, and Severe Weather in Atlanta

Everyday Rain and Storms

Atlanta sees rain throughout the year, with:

• Frequent afternoon storms in spring and summer
• Heavier downpours that can cause brief ponding on roads and low spots
• Fast-changing conditions: a sunny day can turn stormy in under an hour

What to watch for:

• If you’re commuting on I-75, I-85, I-285, or the Downtown Connector, heavy rain can quickly slow or snarl traffic.
• Street flooding can occur in some low-lying city streets or near construction zones.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms are a normal part of Atlanta’s warm season.

Key points:

• Lightning is common in summer storms.
• Outdoor facilities (like Truist Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s plaza, or open parks) may pause or adjust activities if storms approach.
• If you can hear thunder, move indoors or into a vehicle; open shelters are not reliable protection.

Tornadoes and Severe Storm Alerts

Atlanta and the surrounding metro area do experience severe storms and occasional tornadoes, particularly in spring and sometimes in late fall.

You may see terms like:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning
• Tornado Watch/Warning
• Flash Flood Watch/Warning

When alerts are active, local TV stations, radio, and weather apps usually provide frequent updates.

Where alerts come from in Atlanta:

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City Office issues forecasts and warnings for the Atlanta area.
• City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Management and Fulton County coordinate local emergency responses and public messaging.

If you are in a high-rise, hotel, or large venue in Atlanta when a warning is issued, follow on-site instructions—most major buildings and facilities have safety procedures.

Winter Weather: Ice, Snow, and Cold in Atlanta

While many winter days are just cool and gray, occasional winter storms have an outsized impact.

Ice and Snow Impacts

• Roads and interstates can become hazardous quickly with even thin ice.
• Hills and bridges around the city become difficult to navigate.
• Some MARTA bus routes may be delayed or adjusted if road conditions worsen.

People in Atlanta typically:

• Stay home when conditions are icy if they can.
• Avoid driving on untreated roads, especially at night and early morning.

How Official Agencies Help

For winter and severe weather, residents often monitor:

• City of Atlanta announcements for office and service changes.
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) updates for major roads.
• Local news for school closures, including Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts.

Air Quality, Heat, and “Feels Like” Conditions

Heat Index and Humidity

In summer, the heat index (how hot it feels when temperature and humidity are combined) is often higher than the actual air temperature.

• A temperature in the low 90s can feel closer to 100°F on humid days.
• Concrete and asphalt-heavy areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead commercial corridors, and major parking lots can feel even hotter.

When high heat alerts are in effect, outdoor workers, people without reliable air conditioning, and those spending long periods outside need to limit time in direct sun, drink more water, and take breaks in shade or cooled spaces.

Air Quality Concerns

Atlanta can experience reduced air quality, especially in:

• Hot summer stretches with little wind
• Days with heavy traffic congestion and stagnant air

On lower air quality days, local news, weather outlets, and many smartphone apps note “Code Orange” or similar air quality alerts, advising people who are more sensitive to poor air to reduce strenuous outdoor activity.

Microclimates Around Atlanta

Different parts of the Atlanta metro can feel slightly different, even on the same day:

• Intown Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside): Often a bit warmer due to buildings and pavement.
• Suburban areas (Sandy Springs, Decatur, Smyrna, Tucker): May feel slightly cooler and sometimes experience storms earlier or later than the city center.
• Higher elevations north and east of the city: Can be a bit cooler in winter and slightly more prone to light snow.

If you’re commuting from the suburbs into the city, you may notice:

• Morning fog in lower-lying areas outside the core.
• Heavier rain or storms in one area with much lighter rain just a few miles away.

Planning Your Day in Atlanta Weather

What to Keep Handy Year-Round

Many Atlanta residents keep a few essentials ready, especially if they drive frequently or move between indoor and outdoor spaces:

• ☔ Compact umbrella or rain jacket (stormy weather can pop up quickly)
• 😎 Sunglasses and sunscreen (even on cooler, sunny days)
• 🧥 Light jacket or layer (for heavily air-conditioned interiors)
• 💧 Refillable water bottle (crucial in warm months and for transit users)

For Commuters and Travelers

• Check the hourly forecast before long drives on I-75, I-85, I-20, or I-285.
• If flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, storms—especially summer thunderstorms—can delay flights even if the sun is out when you arrive at the airport.
• For MARTA riders, heavy rain or severe weather can cause delays; allow extra time when strong storms are expected.

For Visitors Exploring the City

• For walking-heavy days (Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, BeltLine), dress in breathable layers and bring a light rain option.
• Heat-sensitive visitors may prefer indoor attractions during mid-afternoon, such as museums in Downtown or Midtown, and explore parks in the morning or evening.

Where Atlantans Get Local Weather Information

People in Atlanta typically rely on several sources to stay updated:

• National Weather Service – Peachtree City Forecast Office for official watches, warnings, and detailed area forecasts.
• Local TV weather segments that focus specifically on metro neighborhoods and major commuting routes.
• Smartphone weather apps with Atlanta set as the primary location for real-time notifications.

In serious weather situations (severe storms, tornado warnings, winter storms), these sources often provide frequent, localized updates for specific neighborhoods and counties in the Atlanta metro.

Understanding Atlanta weather means being ready for heat, humidity, sudden thunderstorms, and occasional winter surprises. With a bit of planning—checking daily forecasts, keeping a few essentials on hand, and paying attention to local alerts—you can comfortably live in, work in, or visit Atlanta in just about any season.