Atlanta in January
In January, Atlanta averages 11°C (52°F) during the day and 2°C (35°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (113 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January in Atlanta is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Atlanta
January is one of the coolest months in Atlanta (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (22°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (13°C) and warms a further 4°C into February (15°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Atlanta
Times shown for Atlanta local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Atlanta — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Atlanta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Atlanta in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Atlanta's popularity.
January 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 — January 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Atlanta in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Atlanta in January?
In January, Atlanta averages a high of 11°C (52°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Atlanta in January?
January can be fairly wet in Atlanta, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Atlanta?
January is cool. 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 January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Atlanta for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.