What’s the Temperature in Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Atlanta Weather

If you’re asking “What’s the temp in Atlanta?”, you probably want two things:

1. a sense of what it’s like outside right now, and
2. what you can generally expect from Atlanta temperatures throughout the year.

Because real-time weather changes hour by hour and varies by neighborhood, you’ll want to check a live weather source (an app, local TV, or a website) for the exact current temperature. But there are very consistent patterns in Atlanta’s climate that can help you plan your day, your trip, or even your wardrobe.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of typical temperatures, how they feel, and what to keep in mind if you live in or are visiting the city.

Typical Temperatures in Atlanta by Season

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Hot, humid summers
• Mild, often short winters
• Comfortable springs and falls, but with some swings

Here’s a simple overview of average temperatures in Atlanta by season (values are approximate and represent typical daytime highs and nighttime lows):

These ranges apply broadly across Atlanta’s core neighborhoods—from Downtown and Midtown to Buckhead, Westside, and East Atlanta.

How Atlanta Temperatures Change Throughout the Year

Winter in Atlanta (December–February)

• Typical temp range:
  • Daytime: mid-40s to mid-50s°F
  • Overnight: upper 20s to mid-30s°F
• What it’s like:
  Winters are generally mild compared to northern cities, but Atlanta can still see freezing temperatures, especially early mornings.
• Snow and ice:
  Snow is infrequent, but freezing rain and black ice can be an issue, especially on bridges and overpasses around I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA-400.

What locals do:

• Keep a light-to-medium coat handy.
• Watch forecasts carefully when temperatures drop near 32°F, especially if you’re commuting.

Spring in Atlanta (March–May)

• Typical temp range:
  • Daytime: 60s to mid-70s°F, rising toward 80°F by late spring
  • Overnight: 40s to 50s°F
• What it’s like:
  Spring can swing from cool and breezy to warm and almost summer-like in a single week.
• Local notes:
  • This is when many Atlantans start eating outdoors and planning trips to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and local festivals.
  • Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, so layers are useful.

Summer in Atlanta (June–August)

• Typical temp range:
  • Daytime: upper 80s to mid-90s°F, sometimes higher
  • Overnight: upper 60s to mid-70s°F
• What it feels like:
  The humidity is a big factor. Even if the thermometer says 90°F, it can feel several degrees hotter.
• Common experiences:
  • Walking around Downtown, Midtown, or the Georgia State campus midday can feel very hot, especially between about 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Late afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common, often cooling things off briefly before it gets muggy again.

Summer tips for Atlanta:

• Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or closer to sunset.
• Keep water with you, especially if you’re walking the Atlanta BeltLine or visiting outdoor attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Zoo Atlanta.
• Expect buildings, MARTA trains, and many restaurants to be strongly air-conditioned, so a light layer can still be helpful indoors.

Fall in Atlanta (September–November)

• Typical temp range:
  • Daytime: upper 60s to mid-70s°F, sometimes warmer in early fall
  • Overnight: 40s to 50s°F
• What it’s like:
  Many residents consider fall the most comfortable time of year: cooler, less humid, and still warm enough for outdoor events.
• Local notes:
  • Early fall (September) can still feel summer-like, especially in the afternoon.
  • By late October and November, mornings and evenings can feel decidedly cool, even if afternoons are mild.

How Temperature Varies Across Atlanta

Even within metro Atlanta, temperatures can vary slightly depending on where you are:

• Urban core (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):
  Buildings and pavement create a mild “urban heat island” effect, keeping these areas a bit warmer, especially at night.
• Suburban and outer areas (Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, Stone Mountain):
  Often slightly cooler overnight, particularly where there’s more tree cover and less concrete.
• Hilly vs. low-lying areas:
  Elevation changes around parts of Northwest Atlanta, East Cobb, and near Stone Mountain can lead to small temperature differences, especially during cold mornings.

For most daily planning, these differences are minor—usually a few degrees at most.

When Is Atlanta Hottest and Coldest During the Day?

Regardless of the month, the temperature in Atlanta tends to follow a predictable daily pattern:

• Coldest part of the day:
  Just before and shortly after sunrise, often between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.
• Warm-up period:
  Late morning through early afternoon.
• Hottest part of the day:
  Typically between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Cooling in the evening:
  After sunset, temperatures drop gradually into the night.

If you’re planning workouts on the BeltLine, dog walks in Grant Park, or a visit to an outdoor market, these time windows can help you choose when the temp will feel best.

How to Quickly Check the Current Temp in Atlanta

Since real-time details change, the current temperature in Atlanta is best checked through:

• Weather apps on your phone
  • Add locations like “Atlanta, GA”, or even specific ZIP codes (such as 30303 for Downtown, 30308 for Midtown, 30318 for Westside).
• Local TV and radio
  • Atlanta-area stations regularly broadcast current temps and “feels like” conditions—especially helpful during heat waves, cold snaps, or storms.
• Smart home devices
  • Many voice assistants can report the current temperature in Atlanta on demand.

When you look it up, consider both:

• Actual temperature (°F)
• “Feels like” temperature, which factors in humidity, wind, and sun exposure

What “Feels Like” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the difference between the actual temperature and what it feels like can be significant, especially in summer.

In summer

• High humidity makes it feel hotter.
• A listed temp of 90°F might feel like mid to upper 90s when humidity is high and there’s little breeze.

In winter

• Wind can make chilly days feel colder, especially in open areas like around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, or large parking lots.
• A thermometer reading in the 40s°F might feel like the 30s with wind.

Checking the “feels like” number gives a better sense of how to dress and plan your day.

What to Wear in Atlanta Based on Temperature

Here’s a practical guide for everyday life or travel:

• Below 40°F:
  • Coat or heavy jacket
  • Long pants, closed shoes, and possibly a hat/gloves if you’ll be outside for a while
• 40–60°F:
  • Light to medium jacket, sweater, or hoodie
  • Good for layering, especially in fall and spring
• 60–75°F:
  • Often comfortable in long sleeves or a light layer, but many locals wear short sleeves in the afternoon
• 75–85°F:
  • Short sleeves, breathable fabrics, shorts or light pants
  • A hat and sunglasses help if you’re out in the sun
• Above 85–90°F (especially with humidity):
  • Lightweight, breathable clothes
  • If you’re walking in areas like Downtown, Midtown, or the BeltLine, plan for shade, water, and breaks indoors

Atlanta Temperature and Local Activities

The temperature often shapes what Atlantans choose to do:

• Cooler months (late fall to early spring):
  • Popular for hikes at Stone Mountain Park, walks in Piedmont Park, and exploring neighborhoods like Inman Park or Virginia-Highland.
• Hot summer days:
  • Many people stay indoors mid-day and visit indoor attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or shopping centers.
  • Early mornings and evenings are prime times for outdoor dining and walks.

If you’re planning events, parties, or outdoor gatherings in Atlanta, thinking about the expected temperature and humidity for that month can help you choose the right time of day and dress code.

Where to Get Local Help and Weather Updates in Atlanta

While you’ll mostly rely on your phone or TV for temperature updates, several local and regional services keep people informed about weather-related safety:

• City of Atlanta and Fulton County emergency alerts
  • Local governments may issue alerts during extreme heat, winter weather, or severe storms.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Temperature and weather can affect flights. If you’re traveling, check your flight status and gate monitors, which often display current conditions.

For day-to-day needs, though, the simplest and fastest answer to “What’s the temp in Atlanta?” will always come from a live weather check—then you can interpret it using the seasonal patterns and comfort tips above to know exactly what to expect when you step outside.