What December feels like in Atlanta
For Atlanta, December is early winter on the calendar. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Atlanta in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.1 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is close to Atlanta's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10.1 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:35 am and sets around 5:31 pm local time, giving 9 h 56 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 31 min. Measured sunshine covers about 60% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Atlanta. Compared with November, afternoons are 3.6°C (6.5°F) cooler, with 35 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 10.9°C (51.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Atlanta in December
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Atlanta in December?
Expect around 13.1°C (55.6°F) in the afternoon and 4.1°C (39.4°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Atlanta in December?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 123 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Atlanta in December?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and warm layers. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Atlanta?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #11), rated Good against Fair. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.