Best Time to Visit Atlanta (Music, Festivals & Parades!)

Atlanta is home to many historical and tourist attractions. It was even the only U.S. city to visit in the Global Best in Travel 2022 by Lonely Planet! With many sights to see, you will want to know when you should take your vacation to get the most out of your trip. But when is the best time to go? When is it too hot and humid?

Between March and May is the best time to visit Atlanta. During this time, the temperature averages 72°F (22°C), perfect to go sightseeing! Visit in December to save some money, as accommodation rates are under $100! However, visiting from June to August is popular for events like the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.

While it may be easy to visit with only that information, it will be better to have an in-depth analysis of when the best time to visit is. Therefore, within this article, we will go month-by-month to discuss the best times to visit. So then you do not have to worry about making a wrong choice!

Worst Time to Visit Atlanta

September to November is the worst time to visit Atlanta. These months are when hurricanes become most active and rain showers are common. Most of the hurricane activity occurs in mid-October.

Although, the temperatures in autumn may entice you to visit. The average daily low is rarely below 30°F (-1°C) or exceeding 73°F (22°C). This would make these times great for hiking or camping.

Moreover, many fun events are happening in autumn and the prices are starting to simmer down after the summer tourism peak. Prices will typically be around $200 per night.

Cheapest Time to Visit Atlanta

The cheapest time to visit Atlanta is mid to late September. You may need to be okay with dealing with any inconveniences in order to travel cheap.

If you are okay with having a cheaper, but undesirable area as your vacation rental, you can get it for $20 per night! Though, the cheapest that you can spend per day, per person in Atlanta is $106.

Although, you will want to make sure to reserve in advance. As the prices can increase a lot if you do not get them in time.

Best Time to Visit Atlanta (Monthly Breakdown)

January: Best Time to Avoid the Crowds in Atlanta

January is typically the coldest month of the year in Atlanta. With the daily high temperature being 53°F (11°C) and not falling lower than 39°F (3°C). While the daily low is around 36°F (2°C).

Moreover, Atlanta does not receive much snow. The average snowfall in January is 1.2 inches. Therefore, this is a time where if too much snow accumulates, the city may shut down and you will need to stay inside.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
• Atlanta Winter Beer Festival
• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Related Read: 17 Best Hiking Trails in Atlanta

February: Black History Month Parade

In February the daily high temperature can range from 54°F (12°C) to 61°F (16°C). While the daily low temperature can range from 35°F (1°C) to 41°F (5°C).

Credit: Black History Month Parade / Facebook

While February can be cold in Atlanta, it does not stop anyone from enjoying the great events that Atlanta has to offer. With many people also visiting to try out their food!

• Black History Month Parade
• Oysterfest
• Atlanta Winter Beer Festival

March: Saint Patrick's Day Parade

While March tends to have the most rainfall at 5.4 inches, the temperature is starting to rise. With the daily high from 61°F (16°C) to 69°F (20°C). The daily low is on average 44°F (6°C).

The spring is one of the best times to visit as the weather is incredibly pleasant. While there are not as many events that happen around March, it will also be a great time to see all that Atlanta has to offer!

• Saint Patrick's Day Parade
• Visit Atlanta's Street Art
• Discover Atlanta's Historic Cemeteries
• Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival

Related Read: BEST Brunch Spots In Atlanta, GA

April: Atlanta Dogwood Festival

April has an average high temperature of 72°F (22°C). The average low temperature is typically 52°F (11°C).

April is one of the best times to visit Atlanta. There are many popular outdoor events because of the warmer weather. Flights and hotels are also on the cheaper side, depending on the events that occur.

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival
• Atlanta Film Festival
• Spring Festival on Ponce
• Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes

May: Best Time for Music Festivals

May's high temperature rarely falls below 67°F (19°C) or exceeds 90°F (32°C). While the low temperature rarely falls below 46°F (7°C) or exceeds 70°F (21°C).

May is a great time when everyone is celebrating something. There are plenty of music festivals happening this month. With the addition of the wonderful weather, it will make to be a perfect time to travel!

• Shaky Knees Music Festival
• Fiesta Atlanta
• Marietta Greek Festival
• Sweet Auburn Springfest

June: Juneteenth Atlanta Parade

June's high temperature ranges from 84°F (28°C) to 87F (30°C). While the low temperature ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C).

June is perfect for music festivals, parties, and concerts. You will find many events happening in June at night to attend as the weather is starting to get hotter.

• Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival
• Uncorked Atlanta Wine Festival
• Family Food Fest
• Butterfly Festival

July: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

July is the hottest month in Atlanta. The average daily temperature is 80°F (26°C) and it rarely falls below 81°F (27°C). The highest low temperature is 72°F (22°C).

Although the weather is brutal in Atlanta during July, many people still visit. Therefore, you will need to make any reservations early! Though, try to manage your time around the humidity to make your time more enjoyable.

• Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
• Atlanta African Dance and Drum Festival
• AJC Peachtree Road Race
• Candler Park Music Festival

Related Read: 30 Romantic Getaways in Atlanta

August: Rainy Days & Heavy Storms

The daily high temperature in August is from 88°F (31°C) to 86°F (30°C). While the daily low is from 71°F (21°C) to 69°F (20°C).

While the temperature is starting to decrease from July, you may experience some heavy storms. Avoid getting wet by spending your day checking out a museum!

• Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
• Piedmont Park Arts Festival
• Blues and Bluegrass Festival
• Visit the Museums

September: Taste of Atlanta

The daily high in September is from 86°F (30°C) to 77°F (25°C). The daily low is from 69°F (20°C) to 60°F (15°C).

Mid to later September is one of the better times to visit Atlanta as the prices are typically lowest. Though, there may still be a lot of crowds when visiting. There are also plenty of fun outdoor activities to discover!

• Taste of Atlanta
• Tunes from the Tombs
• Music Midtown
• Dragon Con

Related Read: 15 BEST High-End Restaurants in Atlanta

October: Pumpkin Festival

October's daily high temperature in Atlanta is from 77°F (25°C) to 68°F (20°C). Its daily low temperature is from 59°F (15°C) to 48°F (8°C).

October is well known for its all things pumpkin. Therefore, for those that love pumpkin and Halloween, Atlanta will be a great place to travel to! There will be many great fall activities for the whole family.

• Pumpkin Festival
• Atlanta Chili Cook Off
• Glow by Night Attraction
• Visit the Fair

November: Best Time to Avoid the Heat in Atlanta

November is perfect for those trying to escape the summer heat. With the daily high temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 59°F (15°C). The daily low temperatures range from 48°F (8°C) to 41°F (5°C).

While the festivals are dying down in November, there is still plenty to do. Especially since now you can enjoy sightseeing all of the places in Atlanta without it being so hot!

• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
• Visit the Christkindl Market
• IllumiNights at the Zoo
• Watch a Holiday Show

December: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags

December is a magical time with all of the holiday preparations. While it doesn't snow that often in Atlanta, the daily high temperature is still a bit cold at 56°F (13°C). The daily low average is 38°F (3°C).

With all of the exciting holidays during winter, it makes Atlanta a mesmerizing place to visit. It's perfect if you want to watch Christmas movies with your family or take a look around at the lights. There will be something in Atlanta for you!

• Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
• Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
• Watch Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker
• Go Ice Skating at the Colony Square

Best Time to Visit Atlanta to Miss the Rain

The driest months in Atlanta are September and October. While the wettest month is typically March.

Therefore, you may want to plan your visit to Atlanta in September or October instead of in March. The average rainfall in March is 5.4 inches. So, while you can do things, it is best to visit another time.

Best Time to Visit Atlanta for the Biggest Events

Most of the major events in Atlanta begin in early spring and continue through the summer. Therefore, May through August is the best time to visit for any outdoor festivals or concerts.

While Atlanta has events nearly every season, the best will definitely be during May through August. Summer tends to have the most to do in the evenings as earlier in the day will be too humid.

While in the spring there are many cultural and art festivals that you can visit as well. Spring would be a great time to visit with your family!