Best Time to Visit Atlanta for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

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Atlanta, known as the Big Peach, is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the United States, so it's no wonder it's become a popular vacation destination. However, figuring out the best time to visit Atlanta can be tricky.

Winter (December-March) is the best time to plan your trip if you want to travel on a budget. Hotels lower their rates, and even flights to ATL reach their lowest prices in January.

Crowd levels are at their highest in the spring (March-June) thanks to pleasant weather in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Summer (June-September) is also a busy time in the city because families with schoolchildren take advantage of the time off from classes.

The Atlanta climate is never cold. However, spring has the nicest weather. Temperatures are mild, usually between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are around seven rainy days per month.

Atlanta has a lot to offer visitors all year. Keep reading to find out everything you need to book a perfect trip to Dogwood City.

Are you on your way to Atlanta last-minute?

To make the most of your visit to Atlanta, we recommend you book accommodations and experiences soon. See the short list of top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Atlanta

• Hotel Spice & Sky Atlanta Perimeter (rated highly)
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta (relax by the pool)
• Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Atlanta

• Three-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art & History Tour (rated highly)
• City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour With Photos & Dinner Stop (rated highly)
• 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta (very popular)
• Atlanta's Black History & Civil Rights Tour (very popular)
• Skip the Ticket Line - World of Coca-Cola Admission in Atlanta (very popular)

Best Time to Travel to Atlanta

Atlanta Vacation Planning Questions

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When is the best time to visit Atlanta?

Most locals recommend planning a trip to Georgia's capital in the spring (March-June). More specifically, April is usually the best month to visit Atlanta.

The weather is mild, with temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Though there can be up to eight rainy days per month during the season, any adverse weather usually passes quickly.

Atlanta's crowd levels aren't too bad in the springtime. A few spring break travelers come to the area between March and April, but most of these vacationers prefer heading closer to the coast. Families also tend to postpone their trips until summer (June-September) when school is out.

Finding deals on hotels or flights shouldn't be too difficult, even if you book last minute. So, spring is a great time to plan a spontaneous Atlanta getaway.

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When is the cheapest time to visit Atlanta?

If you're a budget traveler, you'll find the cheapest tickets to Atlanta in the winter (December-March). It's the city's off-season for tourism which leads to more discounts offered by hotels and airlines.

Remember, however, Atlanta's airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is one of the busiest hubs in the world. While you might find deals on flights, they still tend to book up fast, especially depending on where you're flying in from. It's recommended to buy your plane tickets at least a month in advance.

Atlanta's winter weather is usually fairly warm. Temperatures during the day rarely dip below 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and nightly temperatures are typically in the 34 to 44-degree range. It does rain once or twice a week, though, so pack an umbrella.

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When is the cheapest time to fly to Atlanta?

You're most likely to find cheap airline tickets to Atlanta in January. Since Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a hub, it serves as a final destination or connection for flights all year.

Nationwide, fewer people travel in January, which means all airports see less traffic, including a hub like ATL. However, booking your tickets as early as possible is still recommended to guarantee a seat.

January is also one of Atlanta's cheapest months in general. Hotels lower their room rates, and you might find discounts on tours and attraction tickets because there's less demand for them.

Atlanta's winter (December-March) climate is usually in the 50-degree Fahrenheit range. It can get rainy, though. So bring a raincoat or an umbrella if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.

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When is the best time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden?

If you're a plant lover, spring is the best time to go to Atlanta (March-June). While the Atlanta Botanical Garden is open all year, most of the flowers bloom in March and April.

However, even if you visit at other times of the year, you'll still be able to see orchids, roses, and other plants flourishing. Heartier plants are outside and line the walkways, but there are also greenhouses for flowers that require a temperature-controlled environment.

The garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday every week, holidays excluded. Members can also visit on Monday. If you want to avoid crowds or don't want to wait in long lines to get your ticket, plan to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as they tend to be less busy.

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When is the best time to visit the Atlanta Aquarium?

Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium is one of the city's most popular attractions, especially for families. With over a million animals housed in its tanks, you can spend hours walking through the exhibits.

The aquarium is an indoor attraction to ensure a temperature-controlled environment for its aquatic life. For that reason, there are two times of the year when it can be an especially appreciated addition to your travel itinerary.

Winter (December-March) is often Atlanta's rainiest season. There are up to nine days of precipitation per month, and cloudy days aren't uncommon. The aquarium offers visitors a chance to get out of the rain for a few hours.

Summer (June-September) can see temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can escape the heat on particularly hot days while admiring the aquarium's colorful sea life.

Try to get to the aquarium around opening time or up to two hours before closing. These are often the least busy hours.

When is the best time to visit Disney World in Atlanta?

September is the best time to travel through Atlanta if you're heading to Disney World. The park is about an eight-hour drive away from the city. However, that time is reduced to about 95 minutes if you decide to fly.

September is one of Disney World's least-busy times since most schools are in session by then. Though September is still part of Atlanta's busy summer (June-September) season, there are also noticeably fewer people there. As a result, you're more likely to find deals on travel and accommodation due to the lower demand.

The climate is still warm, usually in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, but that's much more comfortable than the 90 to 100 degrees you'll encounter in July and August. September also tends to be a less rainy month for Atlanta, with only five days of precipitation on average.

When is the best time to visit White Water Atlanta?

If you're wondering when to visit Atlanta to visit the area's Six Flags park, White Water Atlanta, you should plan your trip for the summer (June-September). All of the park's attractions are open during these months, and you'll have more sunlight available.

Summer also tends to have the most consistently pleasant weather. However, temperatures can get hot, usually between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are only four or five days per month with rainfall.

However, expect crowds if you visit between May and September. Since school is out, you'll find a lot of locals and out-of-towners in the park. If you want to decrease your time spent waiting in lines, try to go during the week when more Atlanta residents will be at work.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Atlanta

Atlanta in January

January is the cheapest time to go to Atlanta. Hotels reduce their prices in the winter (December-March), and flights to the ATL airport tend to be at their lowest prices during the month.

Atlanta in winter isn't very cold, but you can expect rain and more days of cloud cover, which can make the average of 53 degrees Fahrenheit feel colder. However, if you wear layers, you'll be able to stay comfortable wherever you go.

You won't have to deal with many out-of-towners in January. Schools usually start their winter term the first week of the month, and most people put off traveling until it gets warmer. You can take advantage of restaurants being less busy by taking a food tour through the city.

Atlanta in February

February has a lot to offer Atlanta visitors who want to experience the different cultures that make up the city. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival celebrates American-Jewish filmmakers and is usually held for two weeks in the middle of the month.

February is also Black History Month. As an important city in the civil rights movement, taking a tour of black history and civil rights landmarks during the month can make the experience even more impactful.

February's climate is mild. Temperatures are usually around 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can rain up to three times a week. Don't worry about storms, though. Most precipitation in February is just light showers.

February is one of the most affordable months to visit Atlanta. There aren't many tourists, so hotels are more likely to offer discounts to entice travelers.

Atlanta in March

If you ask locals, they'll tell you March is the best time of year to visit Atlanta. Since the month is on the cusp between winter (December-March) and spring (March-June), it offers benefits from both seasons, depending on when you visit.

If you visit in the first half of the month, you can take advantage of lower prices and smaller crowds. Spring break usually doesn't start until midway through March, which usually signals an increase in travelers. The lower demand helps keep prices down for those wanting to take a budget-friendly trip.

The second half of the month sees the climate shift from winter to spring weather. The temperatures start to rise into the mid to high 60s Fahrenheit, and there's a lot of sunshine.

Atlanta in April

April can be an ideal time to visit Georgia's capital. The weather is typically sunny, dry, and comfortable, with temperatures hovering around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

The nice weather means outdoor events are held around the city. For example, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, held in the first half of the month, is popular among locals and tourists alike. Artists from around the country come to Piedmont Park to sell their work, and musicians perform throughout the weekend.

April is a busy month in Atlanta, though. Not only do many tourists come to the city, but locals are also out and about. The added crowds don't necessarily mean higher prices, though. If you book in advance, you can still find deals on accommodations.

Atlanta in May

May is the best time to go to Atlanta if you're on the hunt for nice weather and plenty of entertainment options. Temperatures are usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. The precipitation that occurs throughout the month usually consists of short rain showers.

Since 2013, the Shaky Knees Music Festival has been a popular event in Atlanta. The festival is usually held the first weekend of May and draws over 40,000 music lovers yearly. This concert series is just one of the city's dozens of activities in May.

If you're averse to crowds, you might want to avoid going to Atlanta in May. This is because more families come to the city during the month, especially around the end of May when schools are out for the summer (June-September).

The increased demand for hotel rooms and flights causes them to book quickly. Unfortunately, you won't have much time to look around for offers since you'll have to put your plans in place at least a month in advance.

Atlanta in June

If you're a fan of warm weather, June is the perfect time to visit Atlanta. Temperatures usually reach 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and nightly lows rarely drop below 67 degrees.

The warm climate makes it the perfect season to take a helicopter tour of the city since you won't be bothered by the wind or drop in air temperature. Just make sure to check the weather for rain, as that could affect your visibility while in flight.

June brings a lot of out-of-town visitors to Atlanta. Families take advantage of summer (June-September) vacation, and many other tourists want to experience "Hotlanta's" heat.

If you're a budget traveler, make sure you book a June vacation in advance. Hotels are less likely to offer deals in June, and prices typically go up the closer you book to your summer arrival date.

Atlanta in July

July is one of Atlanta's busiest months for tourism, but it could still be the ideal time for you to travel. Independence Day draws many visitors, for example, because events are held all over the city.

Crowd levels won't decrease much after the holiday, though. Summer (June-September) vacation is in full swing for visitors. That means you'll likely have to wait in long lines for entertainment and restaurants unless you make reservations ahead of time.

Have a flexible budget if you travel in July. Unfortunately, you won't find many deals for non-residents available during the month, and, in fact, airline and hotel prices are higher than average.

July temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's routinely the hottest month of the year. July is also the city's most humid month, with an average humidity index of 75%.

Atlanta in August

August sees temperatures in Atlanta start to dip after reaching their highs in July. The average daytime temperature is usually around 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with up to seven days of rain throughout the month.

The city stays busy as the last of the summer (June-September) vacation travelers take advantage of the time off of school. So if you don't want to deal with crowds, this might be a month to avoid.

There are a lot of activities and events to draw people to the city, though. The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is usually held at the end of the month and has become a favorite annual event for locals.

You'll notice prices start to decrease slowly as the month goes on. However, there's still a high demand for plane tickets and hotel rooms, so waiting until the last minute to book isn't recommended.

Atlanta in September

Atlanta becomes less of a tourist haven in September, but it's still a fun time to visit. Since Atlanta's fall (September-December) climate is still mild, with temperatures around 83 degrees Fahrenheit in September, you can still enjoy plenty of events.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is sometimes held in September and showcases some of the country's prominent jazz musicians. However, if this is a "must-visit" event for you, check when it's being held, as it's also been hosted in April and May.

You can enjoy the nice weather by taking a trolley tour of the city. A trolley tour will also help you see the city's major sites without being bothered by crowds.

Though school is typically in session for the year starting at the end of August, September can still see a fair share of visitors. Labor Day weekend at the beginning of the month is one of the city's busiest, but there is a steady stream of tourists until halfway through the month.

Prices continue to go down throughout September. After Labor Day, you'll notice a drop in hotel room rates that will continue slowly decreasing, but book early to have the most options available.

Atlanta in October

October usually marks a noticeable change in Atlanta's weather. Temperatures drop to a 73-degree Fahrenheit average, and the summer humidity decreases to about 65%.

The comfortable weather makes participating in the Atlanta Pride Festival, which often takes place in the middle of the month, comfortable. The event brings LGBTQ+ allies from all over the South to Atlanta, so it's usually a crowded weekend.

The rest of the month is fairly calm as far as tourism is concerned. Atlanta has almost 500,000 residents, so you'll likely encounter crowds, but they'll mostly be made up of locals.

October is generally an affordable month in the city as well. Hotels and airlines are more likely to offer deals to entice travelers to the area.

Atlanta in November

November is one of the best months to visit Atlanta. The city's weather is usually beautiful at this time, with temperatures around 64 degrees Fahrenheit and rain expected only about once a week at most.

The first half of November has more manageable crowds. You'll mostly encounter locals around the city and at events like the Chastain Park Arts Festival, which is occasionally held at the beginning of the month. If this festival interests you, check its event dates for the year you're traveling, as it's also been held in May.

The second half of November can get busier. Thanksgiving weekend often brings tourists to the city. You'll also notice people getting a head start on their holiday season travels.

Prices in November are pretty moderate. Last-minute bookings can be expensive, but if you plan your trip at least a month in advance, you should be able to find a few deals.

Atlanta in December

December can be a hit-or-miss month to visit Atlanta, depending on your preferences. Temperatures are usually around 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. However, it can feel a little cooler on rainy days, which aren't uncommon throughout the month.

The holiday season brings a lot of people to Atlanta. Many travelers drive through the city on the way to Disney World, and the ATL airport sees a lot of traffic since it's such a big airline hub.

While the rest of the fall (September-December) and winter (December-March) typically have affordable prices, you can expect to see costs rise for hotels and flights. This is especially true in the second half of the month as Christmas and New Year's Eve approach.

In Summary

No matter when you go to Atlanta, you're bound to have plenty of things to do. However, the city can offer a different experience depending on the season.

Summer (June-September) is hot, but you won't have to worry about encountering many rainy days. It can get busy, though, and more people in the area means raised prices.

Fall (September-December) sees temperatures cool off, and walking around the city is more comfortable. Since school is in session, there are fewer crowds as well.

Winter (December-March) is Atlanta's cheapest and least-crowded season. However, it's also the coldest and rainiest.

Spring (March-June) is considered the city's peak season for tourism. It has the most comfortable temperatures, attracting travelers. However, prices can be pretty affordable if you book in advance.

Now that you have all the information you need to visit Atlanta, all you have to do is start planning!

This article was edited by Henry Grahame.

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