Does It Snow in Atlanta? What Locals and Visitors Should Really Expect

If you’re planning time in Atlanta, Georgia, you might wonder: does it snow in Atlanta at all, or is it always mild? The short answer is yes, it does snow—but not often, and rarely for long.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to what snow is actually like in Atlanta, how it affects daily life, and how to prepare if you live here or are visiting in winter.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Atlanta is known for its mild winters, but light snow and wintry weather do happen some years.

• Most winters: You may see no snow at all, or just a brief flurry that melts on contact.
• Some winters: Atlanta gets a dusting to an inch or two, especially in January or February.
• Occasionally: A stronger winter storm brings several inches of snow or ice, causing widespread closures and travel issues.

Atlanta’s climate leans toward cold rain and chilly nights more than frequent snow, but the city is far enough north—and just high enough in elevation—that winter weather can still show up.

Typical Winter Weather in Atlanta

Average Temperatures

Winter in Atlanta (December through February) is usually cool, not brutally cold:

• Daytime highs often range from the mid-40s to upper 50s (°F)
• Nighttime lows can dip into the 30s, with some nights reaching below freezing

Because temperatures hover near freezing on some days, whether you get rain, sleet, or snow can depend on just a degree or two of difference.

When Is It Most Likely to Snow?

In Atlanta, snow is most likely:

• Late January through mid-February
• During overnight or early morning hours
• When a cold front passes and moisture moves in from the Gulf or Atlantic

You might see brief flurries in December, but meaningful accumulation, when it happens, is more common after the New Year.

Snow vs. Ice: What Atlanta Really Deals With

When people in Atlanta talk about “winter storms,” they’re often dealing with ice, not fluffy snow.

Why Ice Is Common

Because temperatures often hover around 32°F (0°C):

• Rain can freeze on contact, turning roads into sheets of ice.
• Light snow can melt and refreeze, especially overnight, causing dangerous black ice.
• Bridges and elevated roads (like portions of I-285, I-75, and I-85) can freeze faster than surface streets.

This mix of marginal temperatures and limited snow-removal infrastructure means even a light wintry mix can have a big impact.

Typical Impacts on the City

Even minor winter events can trigger:

• Delayed or canceled flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• School closures across Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts
• Road closures and wrecks on major interstates and local streets
• Business and government office delays or early closures

Atlanta is not built like cities in the Northeast or Midwest that expect heavy snow most winters. That’s why one or two inches of snow and ice here can create outsized disruption.

Memorable Snow Events in Atlanta

While most winters are uneventful, a few headline-making storms stand out in local memory:

• Snowfalls that paralyze traffic: Periodic storms have stranded drivers on Downtown Connector, I-285, and GA-400 when snow quickly turned to ice during rush hour.
• Ice-heavy storms: Some events bring more ice than snow, weighing down trees and power lines and causing scattered power outages in neighborhoods across the metro area.

Events like these are not yearly, but they explain why Atlantans take winter weather alerts seriously, even if the actual snowfall amounts sound small.

Where Does It Snow More Around Atlanta?

Within the metro area, higher elevations and northern suburbs are slightly more likely to see measurable snow:

• North of I-285 and along GA-400: Areas like Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Alpharetta sometimes pick up more snow than the urban core.
• Farther north toward the North Georgia mountains: Places like Gainesville, Dahlonega, and Blue Ridge are colder and snowier on average than central Atlanta.

Within the City of Atlanta itself, differences are more subtle, but slightly higher spots, such as parts of Buckhead or the Westside, may hold onto snow a bit longer than lower, sun-exposed areas.

What Snow Means for Daily Life in Atlanta

For Residents

If you live in Atlanta, snow and winter weather usually mean:

• Closures and delays: Schools, many offices, and some city services may open late or close entirely after even minor accumulation.
• Quick melting: In many cases, snow that falls overnight melts by midday, especially on well-exposed roads and sidewalks.
• Limited snow equipment: Atlanta has fewer snowplows and salt trucks than regularly snowy cities, so response may focus on main roads first.

For most locals, “snow days” feel more like short disruptions than a full season-long adjustment.

For Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta in winter, especially December through February:

• Expect mainly cool, often rainy weather, not consistent snow.
• Be prepared for occasional weather-related delays, especially if a winter advisory is issued.
• You may encounter closures or reduced hours at attractions or events on rare heavy weather days.

Most winter trips to Atlanta take place with no snow at all, but it’s wise to build a little flexibility into your schedule.

How the City Communicates Winter Weather Information

When winter weather is in the forecast, local officials and agencies coordinate to get information out to residents and visitors.

Key Local Sources

While you can use any weather service you prefer, the following Atlanta-area entities often share guidance on winter weather impacts:

• City of Atlanta Government
  • City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line (general information): (404) 330-6000
  • Shares updates on road conditions, closures, and city services.
• Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)
  • Often provides emergency preparedness information and alerts for severe weather.
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
  • General info line: 511 (from most phones in Georgia)
  • Focuses on state routes and interstates, including treatment and clearing of major roads.

Local TV and radio stations and official city or county channels also typically highlight school closings, transit updates, and road advisories.

How MARTA and Transit Handle Snow and Ice

MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, plays an important role during winter weather:

• Rail service may run on a modified schedule in significant storms but often remains more reliable than driving.
• Bus routes can experience detours or delays, especially on hilly or less-treated streets.
• Stations and park-and-ride lots may be busier if driving is hazardous.

If snow or ice is expected and you rely on MARTA:

• Check for service advisories before you leave.
• Allow extra travel time, especially if you’re connecting to a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson.

Practical Tips for Dealing With Snow in Atlanta

Even though big snow events are rare, a little preparation helps.

For Residents

• Keep some basics on hand:
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Blankets and warm clothing
• Prepare your home:
  • Know where your main water shutoff is in case of burst pipes.
  • Protect exposed pipes during hard freezes.
• Drive only if necessary:
  • ❄ If there’s ice on the roads, strongly consider staying home.
  • If you must drive, go slowly, leave extra space, and avoid sudden braking.
• Make a power-outage plan:
  • Keep phone chargers handy.
  • Know where nearby warming centers or shelters may be announced by the City of Atlanta or Fulton/DeKalb County authorities during extended outages.

For Visitors

• Check your flight status proactively if snow or ice is in the forecast.
• Book flexible travel times if possible, especially during January and February.
• Stay at accommodations that provide easy access to food and basic supplies if roads become slippery.
• Use transit or rideshare rather than renting a car if you’re not comfortable driving in icy conditions.

What to Wear in Atlanta When It Snows

Because winter weather here is often cold and damp, it’s more about staying comfortable in chilly, changing conditions than bracing for Arctic cold.

For residents and visitors alike:

• Layers are key:
  • Light base layer
  • Sweater or fleece
  • Medium-weight jacket
• Water-resistant outerwear: Helpful during cold rain, sleet, or slushy snow.
• Footwear with traction: Sneakers or boots with good grip reduce the risk of slipping on icy sidewalks.
• Hat and gloves: Useful on colder mornings or evenings, especially if you’re walking or using transit.

Many days in winter, especially under sunshine, you may find a medium jacket or even a thick sweater is enough by afternoon.

Can You Count on Snow for Holiday Plans?

If you’re imagining a guaranteed white Christmas in Atlanta, that’s very unlikely.

• Most winters: Holidays are cool and often rainy, not snowy.
• Rarely: A winter system might bring flurries or light snow close to the holidays, but it’s the exception, not the rule.

If you want snow-centered activities, locals often drive north into the North Georgia mountains, where seasonal snow is more common and some attractions may create snow for tubing or winter fun.

Key Takeaways: Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Overall, Atlanta’s winters are mild with occasional wintry surprises. You’re more likely to deal with a chilly, rainy day than a deep snowpack, but when snow or ice does arrive, it can have a noticeable impact on traffic, schedules, and daily routines.