Weather in Atlanta, Georgia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—86°56°
- SundayMay 17Overcast27%90°65°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—91°69°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—89°67°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers20%93°69°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle55%89°67°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle61%81°68°
- PM 2.5
- 19.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 20.3 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 24.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 73.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:48 AM
- Moonset
- 12:55 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Atlanta at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 7°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 10 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Atlanta's warmest temperatures (~80°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~44°F). Rainfall peaks in July at 5.0 inches and reaches its lowest point in September at 3.4 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| February | 48° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| March | 54° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| April | 62° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| May | 70° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| June | 77° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| July | 80° | 5.0″ | 7 |
| August | 79° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| September | 74° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| October | 63° | 3.6″ | 4 |
| November | 52° | 3.8″ | 5 |
| December | 46° | 4.2″ | 7 |
Regional context
Atlanta falls within a humid subtropical climate region that extends across nearby cities. This cohort shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Augusta, GA, Savannah, GA, Columbus, GA, Gainesville, GA, Macon, GA.
Naturalist notes
By late April, dogwood trees throughout Atlanta begin their peak bloom period, creating white canopies across the metropolitan area.
Mid-May brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to Georgia, as these tiny migrants arrive from their Central American wintering grounds.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Atlanta?
- Atlanta's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Atlanta?
- July is the wettest month with about 5.0 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 48 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Atlanta?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 80°F.
- What is the coldest month in Atlanta?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 44°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Atlanta?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Atlanta get?
- Atlanta averages about 75 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Atlanta?
- Atlanta's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Atlanta, Georgia experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 44°F while July averages 80°F — creating a 36°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Atlanta receives about 48 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 75 rainy days.
Latitude (33.8°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to set the rhythm of the year. These factors shape what grows here, when frost is likely, and what the weather story looks like day to day.