Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Atlanta?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Atlanta is late summer, with July standing out as the brightest month of 2025 by a wide margin.

In July 2025, Atlanta recorded 351.8 hours of sunshine, which works out to roughly 11.3 hours of sun per day. August followed with 302.2 hours and September with 282.4 hours, making the stretch from July through September the clearest, sunniest window of the year. The full meteorological summer (June to August) delivered 884.9 hours of sunshine, about 30% of Atlanta's annual total of 2,938.4 hours for 2025. At the other end of the scale, December was the dimmest month with just 178.4 hours.

This summer brightness came with real heat. July 2025 averaged 27.1°C (80.8°F), and daytime highs climbed to 36.0°C (96.8°F), so the abundant sunshine in Atlanta was paired with hot, humid conditions typical of the southeastern climate.

For visitors, this means the July–September period offers the most reliable sunshine for sightseeing, rooftop dining, and lake outings, though early mornings and evenings are far more comfortable than the midday peak. If you want plenty of daylight with milder temperatures, the spring months of April (272.4 hours) and March still bring strong sunshine without the intense summer heat, making them an appealing alternative for outdoor activities in Atlanta.

Question 2

What is the driest month in Atlanta?

Accepted Answer

September is the driest month in Atlanta, with just 39.0 mm (1.54 in) of rainfall recorded in September 2025. That makes it by far the calmest month of the year for precipitation, receiving only about 29% of Atlanta's average monthly rainfall.

Across 2025, Atlanta saw 1,615.8 mm (63.6 in) of total precipitation, averaging 134.7 mm (5.30 in) per month. September stood well below that mark, followed by December at 44.3 mm (1.74 in) and November at 64.9 mm (2.56 in). The wettest month was a sharp contrast: May delivered 294.8 mm (11.61 in), more than seven times September's total.

Despite the dry conditions, September weather in Atlanta stayed warm and pleasant, with a mean temperature of 22.4°C (72.3°F) and humidity around 72%. The autumn stretch from September to November was the driest part of the year overall, combining for just 171.1 mm (6.74 in) of rain.

For visitors and residents, this makes early autumn one of the best windows for outdoor plans in Atlanta. Mild temperatures paired with the year's lowest rainfall mean fewer washed-out days for hiking, festivals, and sightseeing. If you want to avoid Atlanta's heavy spring and summer downpours, September is the safest bet on the calendar.

Question 3

What were the temperature extremes in Atlanta in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Atlanta swung from a hottest day of 36.0°C (96.8°F) on July 29, 2025, to a coldest low of -12.8°C (9.0°F) on January 22, 2025 — a full-year temperature spread of nearly 48.8°C (88°F).

Across all 365 days of 2025, the climate in Atlanta showed a strong seasonal contrast. The summer peak arrived in late July, when the city recorded its single warmest day. In total, daily highs reached or exceeded 30°C (86°F) on 81 days, though genuinely extreme heat was rare: only 3 days climbed to 35°C (95°F) or above.

Winter delivered the sharpest cold. The morning low of -12.8°C (9.0°F) in late January 2025 was the year's coldest reading, and overnight temperatures dropped to freezing (0°C / 32°F) or below on 53 separate days. Despite these extremes, the annual mean temperature settled at a mild 16.7°C (62.0°F).

For visitors and residents, these figures show that Atlanta's weather is comfortable on average but capable of brief, intense swings at both ends. Pack for genuine summer heat if you travel in July, and keep a warm layer ready for cold snaps between December and February, when sub-freezing nights are common rather than rare.

Question 4

Which season is the wettest in Atlanta?

Accepted Answer

Spring (March 1 to May 31) was the wettest season in Atlanta in 2025, delivering 596.9 mm (23.5 inches) of rainfall — more than a third of the city's annual total.

Summer (June to August) was a close second at 572.3 mm (22.5 inches), so the warmer half of the year clearly dominates Atlanta's precipitation. By comparison, the drier seasons were autumn (September to November) with just 171.1 mm (6.7 inches) and the Jan–Feb portion of winter 2024/25 with 231.2 mm (9.1 inches).

The single wettest month was May 2025, when Atlanta recorded 294.8 mm (11.6 inches) of rain — nearly half the entire spring total in one month. At the other extreme, September 2025 was the driest month with only 39.0 mm (1.5 inches). Across the full year, Atlanta accumulated 1,615.8 mm (63.6 inches) of precipitation, averaging about 134.6 mm (5.3 inches) per month.

For visitors and residents, this means spring and early summer are the seasons most likely to bring frequent showers and thunderstorms to Atlanta, so an umbrella is essential from March through August. If you prefer drier conditions, early autumn — particularly September and October 2025, which together saw barely 106 mm (4.2 inches) — offered the most reliably rain-free weather of the year.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Atlanta in July?

Accepted Answer

July is the hottest month of the year in Atlanta, with warm, humid days and abundant sunshine. In July 2025, the city averaged 27.1°C (80.8°F), making it the warmest month of the entire year.

During July 2025, daytime highs in Atlanta peaked at 36.0°C (96.8°F), while nighttime lows stayed mild at around 18.6°C (65.5°F). Humidity averaged a sticky 71.8%, which is typical for an Atlanta summer and can make the heat feel more intense than the thermometer suggests.

July was also the sunniest stretch of 2025, delivering 351.8 hours of sunshine — roughly 11 hours of sun per day. Rainfall totaled 175.9mm (6.9 inches), often arriving as brief afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain. Winds were light, averaging just 9.8 km/h (6.1 mph).

For visitors, July in Atlanta means long, bright days ideal for early-morning and evening outdoor activities, with midday best reserved for shade or air-conditioned attractions. The combination of high heat and humidity makes staying hydrated essential, and the frequent pop-up storms mean it's worth keeping a rain plan handy. If you prefer cooler conditions, the surrounding months offer a gentler alternative, but for those who enjoy classic Southern summer warmth and plenty of sunshine, July showcases Atlanta at its hottest and brightest.

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FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Atlanta?

What is the driest month in Atlanta?

What were the temperature extremes in Atlanta in 2025?

Which season is the wettest in Atlanta?

What is the weather like in Atlanta in July?