When is the best time to visit Atlanta?

Atlanta is a culturally thriving city full of historic sites, museums, restaurants and shopping precincts, so it's little wonder it welcomes thousands of travelers every year.

The weather in Atlanta is relatively mild all year round so there's not necessarily a 'best' time to visit. That said, the summer months of June, July and August are the most popular. If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warmer weather, spring is also a good time to visit. 

Spring (March-May)

Best for: outdoor concerts and festivals, walking through parks and cycling

Spring is considered the best time to travel to Atlanta as the temperatures are warm, but you can avoid the crowds that come with summer. The average temperature is around 61°F, but expect that to rise in the second half of April and May. It can also get colder at night so make sure to bring a cardigan or light sweater to rug up.

Spring also sees little to no rain, with April being the driest month, so there are plenty of sunny days to explore the city's numerous parks. Plus, they're extra green and blooming with flowers at this time of year.

There are also several concerts and music festivals that happen throughout spring due to the great weather. 

Summer (June-August)

Best for: playing golf, cycling, outdoor food festivals and concerts

Summer is the most popular time to travel to Atlanta as the weather is good with an average daytime temperature of 81°F to 90°F, though high humidity levels can also make it feel hotter. Make sure you wear sunscreen whenever you go outside and carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated. 

The warm summer days are perfect for playing golf or tennis, cycling around this city's many parks and gardens, and enjoying outdoor festivals and concerts.

July is also the month that sees the most amount of rainfall, sitting at 5.27 inches on average. This is partly because Atlanta is prone to summer hurricanes, so keep tabs on the weather forecast.

Fall (September-November)

Best for: music festivals, Pride Festival, and apple and pumpkin picking

Fall is another great time to visit Atlanta as the temperatures are still quite high (low to high 60s) and the city's attractions and parks are less crowded. However, fall is also the peak of the hurricane season, so be aware of local weather updates.

This also means that September, October and November see a fair amount of rainfall so make sure you pack appropriate wet weather clothing if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time outside. 

The annual Pride Festival is in October, so be prepared for epic celebrations throughout the city. You could also go apple and pumpkin picking to embrace the fall atmosphere.

Read more about the snow in Atlanta

Winter (December-February)

Best for: food and drink festivals and Christmas markets

While winter is the season that welcomes the least number of travelers, the weather isn't as cold compared to other parts of the United States. Temperatures average 55°F during the day but can drop lower at night so pants, sweaters and a coat are recommended.

Despite the cooler weather, Atlanta is full of food and drink festivals during winter, so be sure to pack your appetite. 

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