Atlanta in May
In May, Atlanta averages 26°C (80°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (114 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Atlanta, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Atlanta
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Atlanta (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (22°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (22°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (29°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Atlanta
Times shown for Atlanta local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Atlanta — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Atlanta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Atlanta in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Atlanta's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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 — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Atlanta in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Atlanta in May?
In May, Atlanta averages a high of 26°C (80°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Atlanta in May?
May is quite rainy in Atlanta, with about 17 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Atlanta?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Atlanta in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Atlanta for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.