Atlanta, Georgia, has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. While the city does receive snow, it is an infrequent occurrence that is typically light in accumulation. Located approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, Atlanta can experience conditions cold enough for snow, but the necessary combination of cold air and moisture is rare.
The Definitive Answer: Average Snowfall and Frequency
The average annual snowfall for Atlanta is low, settling around 2.2 inches based on 1991–2020 data. This total is not spread evenly, and some winter seasons pass without any measurable snowfall. When snow does occur, it is usually a light dusting, rarely exceeding one or two inches at a time. The most likely months for frozen precipitation are January and February, when average temperatures are lowest.
Accumulations often melt quickly because ground temperatures in the South remain warmer than in northern climates. The air temperature frequently rises above freezing shortly after the snow stops, preventing the snowpack from lasting more than 24 hours. A “measurable” snow event (0.1 inches or more) happens only once or twice during a typical winter season.
Historical Context: Notable Snow Events
Despite the low average, Atlanta has experienced several severe winter events. The most significant one-day snowfall on record occurred on January 23, 1940, when the city received 8.3 inches of snow. Historically, ice storms have caused the most widespread damage, such as the 1973 event that coated surfaces in a thick layer of ice, causing extensive, multi-day power outages across the metro area.
The 1982 event known as “Snow Jam” dropped about four inches of snow and ice, leaving thousands of motorists stranded on highways. More recently, the 2014 “Snowmageddon” saw a minimal accumulation of only 2 to 2.6 inches. However, its timing during the evening commute led to unprecedented gridlock, trapping hundreds of thousands of people in their cars for hours. These examples illustrate that even small amounts of snow or ice can create massive logistical problems for the region.
City Response and Infrastructure Impact
A modest snowfall can bring Atlanta to a standstill because the city’s infrastructure is not geared toward frequent winter weather. Unlike northern cities, Atlanta does not maintain a large fleet of snowplows or massive salt and sand reserves for rapid road clearing. The city’s response has improved since the paralyzing 2014 event, with officials now proactively deploying resources.
The Department of Transportation pre-treats major roadways and bridges with a brine solution to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. They mobilize brine trucks and spreaders to treat crucial routes. When significant snow is forecasted, schools, government offices, and many businesses often preemptively close. This measure keeps traffic off the roads, preventing rapid gridlock and allowing limited crews to treat the main arteries of the city.