Atlanta in December
In December, Atlanta averages 13°C (56°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (144 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Atlanta. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Atlanta
December is one of the coolest months in Atlanta (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (17°C) and cools 2°C in January (11°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Atlanta
Times shown for Atlanta local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Atlanta — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Atlanta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Atlanta in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Atlanta's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Atlanta
Atlanta is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Atlanta
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Atlanta in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 35°F | 113 mm | 13 | — |
| February | 15°C / 58°F | 5°C / 40°F | 151 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | 119 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 22°C / 71°F | 11°C / 51°F | 125 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 26°C / 80°F | 16°C / 60°F | 114 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 29°C / 85°F | 20°C / 68°F | 123 mm | 22 | — |
| July | 31°C / 87°F | 22°C / 71°F | 165 mm | 24 | — |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 146 mm | 24 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 65°F | 113 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 103 mm | 12 | — |
| November | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 44°F | 98 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 13°C / 56°F | 5°C / 41°F | 144 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Atlanta in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Atlanta in December?
In December, Atlanta averages a high of 13°C (56°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Atlanta in December?
December can be fairly wet in Atlanta, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Atlanta?
December is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Atlanta in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Atlanta for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.