Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Atlanta, United States, presents a striking blend of winter's chill and occasional warmth. With maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F), the city experiences considerable fluctuations. However, the minimum can plunge to a brisk -11°C (12°F), adding a sharp contrast to the overall climate. Rain is also a frequent visitor, with 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, contributing to an impressive humidity level of 86%. This combination of elements creates a dynamic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking the unique charm of Atlanta in winter.
In Atlanta, January brings a notable chill, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -11°C (12°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (77°F) during the day, averaging around 7°C (46°F). This month serves as a precursor to warmer trends that begin to emerge in February, where nights warm up slightly and daytime highs inch upwards. As spring approaches in March and April, the city experiences a steady rise in temperatures, with averages of 13°C (56°F) and 17°C (62°F) respectively, signaling the end of winter's grasp. By May, the warmth intensifies, showcasing a dramatic contrast to January - with average highs reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Throughout the year, this trend continues, as summer reaches its peak in July and August, characterized by consistently high temperatures. January’s chill is a fleeting reminder of the warm, vibrant climate that Atlanta is known for, laying the groundwork for the balmy months ahead.
In January, Atlanta experiences 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation, typically spread over about 9 days, signaling the start of the year with a moderate moisture level. This volume marks a shift from December’s wetness, which tallied 138 mm (5.4 in), suggesting a gradual decline as winter settles in. As the months progress toward spring, precipitation begins to rise, peaking in February at 145 mm (5.7 in) and continuing its upward trajectory through the early months, revealing a trend of increasing rainfall leading into warmer weather. Notably, August stands out with 142 mm (5.6 in), hinting at the summer storms that characterize the season. Overall, January sets a balanced tone for the year ahead, nestled comfortably between the drier late fall and the wetter spring, as Atlanta's climate continues to evolve.
In Atlanta, January ushers in a notable humidity level of 86%, setting a trend that resonates through the colder months. As winter transitions to spring, humidity gradually decreases, hitting 84% in February and further dipping to 83% in March. Interestingly, this decline stabilizes around 81% through the late spring and summer months, suggesting a consistent moisture level during the warmer season. However, a significant surge can be observed in November and December, with humidity levels rising back to 86% and peaking at 89%, signaling a return to the wet winter atmosphere. This pattern highlights Atlanta's distinct seasonal shifts, where higher humidity predominates in the winter months, offering a unique climatic experience to its residents and visitors alike.
In January, Atlanta experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, which means you can enjoy outdoor activities with a burn time of about 30 minutes before needing to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As winter transitions to spring, the UV Index climbs sharply, hitting 7 in February and reaching 8 in March—indicative of a high to very high exposure category, where burn times decrease significantly to just 25 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. By April, the UV Index escalates to an extreme level of 11, maintaining this peak through June, with burn times plummeting to just 10 minutes. This pattern of increasing UV exposure continues into the summer, trending down to 10 in August and 9 in September, before tapering off to 6 in November and returning to 4 in December. These figures highlight the importance of sun safety in Atlanta year-round, especially as the indices shift dramatically in the spring and summer months. For more detailed information, visit the Atlanta UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Atlanta, January offers a modest 169 hours of sunshine, a gentle precursor to the month that follows, which sees a slight increase to 173 hours in February. As spring approaches, the city basks in a substantial rise, with March delivering 242 hours and April shining even brighter at 282 hours. This upwards trend continues into May and June, peaking during the summer months with 339 hours of glorious sunshine in July. While the sun gradually retreats after the summer, falling to 270 hours in October, the city still enjoys a generous amount of light well into the autumn. By December, the total dips to 193 hours, but the overall pattern reveals a vibrant and sun-soaked year, where longer days and warmer rays define the warmer months, creating an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.
In Atlanta, the likelihood of sunny weather during January stands at 40%, a figure that is slightly higher than February's 39% but significantly more favorable than the months that follow, such as March, which features a 34% chance of sun. This trend suggests that winter is a transitional period, with April emerging as the sunniest month at 53%. Interestingly, the chance of clear skies tends to fluctuate throughout the year, with longer odds for sunshine seen in the summer months, particularly July and August. As we move towards the end of the year, however, November surprises with a promising 65% chance, indicating a likely shift in weather patterns as the seasons change. Overall, while January brings some promise of sunshine, it's clear that Atlanta's weather has a dynamic rhythm worth noting.
In Atlanta, the daylight duration starts at a solid 10 hours in January and February, providing a gentle introduction to the year. As spring approaches, daylight increases dramatically, reaching 11 hours in March and then blossoming into 13 hours by April and May. The summer months of June and July mark the peak of sunlight, boasting 14 hours each, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. As the year transitions into late summer and autumn, daylight begins to wane, tapering down to 13 hours in August and gradually reducing to 12 hours in September. By the time November rolls around, daylight retreats back to 10 hours, before concluding the year with a cozy 9 hours in December. This rhythm of increasing and decreasing light beautifully mirrors the changing seasons, showcasing nature's steady progression throughout the year.
In January, Atlanta welcomes the New Year with a gentle breeze, boasting an average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph). This calmness carries into February and March, where conditions remain stable, with only a slight increase in wind speed to 3.6 m/s. As spring approaches in April and May, the winds begin to soften, dropping to around 3.1 m/s (7 mph), before making a notable dip during the summer months. June and July bring lighter breezes, with averages of 2.6 m/s and 2.0 m/s respectively, reflecting the city’s warmer temperatures. Despite this summer lull, wind speeds slightly recover as autumn sets in, with a gradual rise back to 3.1 m/s by November. December ushers in a modest increase, closing the year with a cool 3.2 m/s. Overall, January’s winds mark the beginning of a year characterized by a gradual decline through the summer, followed by a slow resurgence as the season shifts.
The weather in Atlanta changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Atlanta and find detailed weather information for every month.
January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and an average temperature of 7°C (46°F), while February sees a slight increase, with a minimum of -5°C (22°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F). Although February has warmer days, it also brings more precipitation, averaging 145 mm (5.7 in) compared to January's 106 mm (4.2 in), and shows an increase in rainy days from 9 to 13. Humidity levels remain high in both months, but February is slightly drier at 84% compared to January's 86%. For more details on February weather, you can check Atlanta weather in February.
In comparing the weather between January and March, we observe a notable shift in temperatures and conditions. January experiences a broader range of temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while the average temperature is around 7°C (46°F). In contrast, March shows a milder climate, with minimum temperatures of -5°C (23°F) and maximums reaching 29°C (85°F), resulting in a warmer average of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation levels also differ slightly, with January receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 9 days, compared to March's 130 mm (5.1 in) over approximately 13 days. Additionally, humidity stays relatively high in both months, with January at 86% and March at 83%. For more specific insights into March weather, you can check Atlanta weather in March.
When comparing January and April weather, several distinct differences emerge. In January, temperatures are quite chilly, with averages sitting around 7°C (46°F) and a minimum that can drop to -11°C (12°F). The month experiences 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days and maintains a high humidity level of 86%. By contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 17°C (62°F) and a minimum of 0°C (31°F). While rainfall slightly increases to 124 mm (4.9 in) over the same number of days, the humidity decreases to 81%, offering a more comfortable feel. For more specific insights on April weather, check out Atlanta weather in April.
January and May present notably different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 7°C (46°F) and a high humidity level of 86%. The month also sees about 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days. In contrast, May offers a milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average temperature of 22°C (71°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days, while humidity drops to 81%. For more details about the weather conditions in May, you can check out Atlanta weather in May.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to an average of 7°C (46°F), peaking at 25°C (77°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in), spread over about 9 days, while humidity levels remain high at 86%. In stark contrast, June offers much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 25°C (76°F), reaching highs of 33°C (92°F). Rainfall increases slightly in June, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 16 days, though humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For more specific details about summer conditions, you can check out Atlanta weather in June.
January and July offer starkly contrasting weather experiences. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -11°C (12°F), with an average of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F), an average of 26°C (80°F), and a scorching maximum of 35°C (95°F). While July sees slightly higher precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 18 days, the humidity is marginally lower at 83%. For more specific details, you can explore Atlanta weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather, showcasing the diverse climate of the region. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -11°C (12°F) with an average of 7°C (46°F), while August boasts a much warmer range, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; January experiences 106 mm (4.2 inches) over 9 days, whereas August sees increased rainfall of 142 mm (5.6 inches) across 15 days. Humidity is slightly higher in January at 86%, compared to 81% in August, giving each month a distinct feel. For more details on August’s weather, you can check Atlanta weather in August.
January and September present starkly contrasting weather patterns. January features chilly temperatures, with lows plunging to -11°C (12°F) and an average of around 7°C (46°F), while highs can reach up to 25°C (77°F). The month sees significant precipitation, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, September offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F), peaking at a warm 36°C (97°F). With 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain over just 8 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For more detailed insights, check out Atlanta weather in September.
In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -11°C (12°F), with an average of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum reaching up to 25°C (77°F). In contrast, October presents a much milder climate, starting at a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and averaging 19°C (66°F), peaking at a warm 37°C (98°F). Although January typically experiences 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days, October is similar with 123 mm (4.9 in) over just 8 days, exhibiting slightly lower humidity levels at 78% compared to January's 86%. For more details on October weather, check out Atlanta weather in October.
January and November exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -11°C (12°F), with an average of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum reach of 25°C (77°F). This month typically sees more precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days, and a consistent humidity level of 86%. In contrast, November features milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is lower in November at 82 mm (3.2 in) over 8 days, while humidity remains steady at 86%. For further details, you can refer to Atlanta weather in November.
January and December exhibit notable weather variations. In January, the temperatures range from a minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 7°C (46°F). The month sees around 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days and maintains a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, December experiences milder temperatures, with lows of -6°C (22°F), highs of 24°C (75°F), and an average of 9°C (48°F). It generally receives more rainfall, totaling 138 mm (5.4 in) across 11 days, while humidity levels are slightly higher at 89%. For a more detailed outlook, you can visit Atlanta weather in December.
January in Atlanta presents a stark contrast to the warmer months, with chilly temperatures that can dip well below freezing. The city experiences a much cooler average, making it the coldest month of the year. Additionally, January is one of the wetter months, with increased precipitation that often comes in the form of chilly rain. The high humidity levels can also make it feel even colder than it is. Overall, the weather in January is a reminder to bundle up and prepare for brisk days ahead, differing greatly from the sunny warmth that typifies other seasons. For those interested in exploring Atlanta's climate throughout the year, check out Atlanta Climate.