Atlanta, GA Climate Guide
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, stormy summers and mild winters. Sitting about 1,050 feet above sea level in Georgia's Piedmont, the city gets four seasons — and frequent severe thunderstorms in spring.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Atlanta Climate Overview
Summer highs reach the upper 80s–90s°F with high humidity and near-daily afternoon storms. Winters are mild (lows often in the 30s°F) but ice storms can shut the city down. Annual rainfall is about 50 inches — more than Seattle.
Dixie Alley severe weather peaks in spring. Fall is the most comfortable season. Snow is rare (~2 inches/year), but even light ice events paralyze roads. Hurricane remnants occasionally bring heavy rain in late summer and fall.
Atlanta Weather by Season
spring
Spring is glorious in Atlanta — azaleas and dogwoods bloom in late March through April, highs climb from the 60s°F to the 80s°F, and the city lights up in color. Severe thunderstorms are a regular feature.
summer
Summers are hot, humid, and stormy. Highs in the upper 80s°F, dewpoints in the low 70s°F, and afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily routine from June through August.
fall
Fall is Atlanta's best-weather season — cool, dry, sunny, and with gorgeous foliage in the North Georgia mountains. October highs in the 70s°F are ideal.
winter
Winters are mild but variable. Highs average in the low 50s°F but occasional cold snaps bring freezing temperatures. Ice storms — more than snowstorms — are the main winter hazard.
Atlanta Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52° | 57° | 65° | 73° | 81° | 87° | 89° | 88° | 82° | 73° | 63° | 54° |
| Low °F | 33° | 36° | 43° | 50° | 60° | 68° | 71° | 70° | 64° | 52° | 43° | 35° |
Best Time to Visit Atlanta
Mid-September through early November, or mid-March through May. Both offer mild temperatures, low humidity, and a break from both summer humidity and winter storms.
Severe Weather Risks
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Ice storms
- Flash flooding
- Hurricane remnants
Weather Facts About Atlanta
- >Atlanta sits 1,050 feet above sea level — the highest major city east of the Mississippi — which moderates summer heat.
- >The 2014 "Snowpocalypse" dropped just 2 inches but paralyzed the city for days due to icy roads.
- >Atlanta averages about 50 inches of rain per year, more than Seattle.
Atlanta Weather FAQ
What is Atlanta Georgia climate like?
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa): hot humid summers, mild winters, about 50 inches of rain per year, and a lively severe-weather season in spring.
What is Atlanta summer weather like?
Summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s°F, dewpoints often in the low 70s°F, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta?
Mid-September through early November offers the best weather — mild, dry, sunny days in the 70s°F with spectacular fall color in the nearby mountains. Spring (March-May) is also beautiful with blooming trees.
Does Atlanta get tornadoes?
Yes. Atlanta sits in "Dixie Alley" and sees several tornado warnings each spring and occasionally in fall. The 2008 Atlanta tornado caused damage to downtown — rare for a major city.
How much snow does Atlanta get?
Very little — about 2 inches per year on average. The city is poorly equipped for snow and ice, and even small amounts can shut down highways. January and February are the most likely months.
Is Atlanta humid in summer?
Yes, but less oppressive than Houston or Miami. Summer dewpoints average in the upper 60s°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms providing brief cooling.