Atlanta, a major metropolitan hub in the American South, is generally known for its mild climate, where hot, humid summers are the norm. This temperate setting means that winter snowfall is a relatively infrequent occurrence, often becoming a significant news event when it does happen. Understanding how often the city experiences snow requires examining the statistical context and the specific meteorological standards used for recording winter precipitation.
What Counts as Snowfall in Atlanta
Official weather records in Atlanta make a distinct separation between a “trace” amount and measurable snowfall. Trace snow refers to any amount of frozen precipitation observed that is greater than zero, but too minimal to register on standard measuring equipment. This category includes light flurries that melt immediately or dusting that accumulates to less than one-tenth of an inch. Measurable snowfall, the benchmark for official accumulation records, requires at least 0.1 inches of snow to fall. This distinction is significant because a trace amount has little impact, while a measurable event begins the official count toward annual totals. Many winters in Atlanta see several trace events, but they may pass without a single measurable day of snow.
Average Annual Snowfall and Frequency
The statistical average for snow in Atlanta underscores its infrequency. Long-term climate data shows the city receives a low average annual snow accumulation, typically around 2.2 inches over the course of a winter season. This total is the cumulative figure recorded from all measurable events throughout the year. The frequency of measurable snow days is likewise low, averaging between zero and two days per year. This metric highlights the high variability year-to-year in the region’s winter weather patterns. It is not uncommon for a winter to pass with little more than a few flurries and no measurable accumulation at all.
Seasonal Timing of Snow Events
Snowfall in Atlanta is confined to a relatively short window within the winter season, generally aligning with the coldest months. The typical snow season spans from late December through the end of February. Any snow outside of this three-month period, such as in late November or early March, is considered highly unusual for the area. Historically, January and February are the months with the highest likelihood of receiving measurable snow. January, which is often the coldest month, holds the highest monthly average accumulation at approximately 1.2 inches.
Rare and Significant Historical Snowfalls
While Atlanta’s average snowfall is minimal, historical data includes outliers that greatly exceeded the statistical norm. These events serve as a reminder of the potential for severe winter weather in the region. The single-day record for snowfall in Atlanta was set on January 23, 1940, when 8.3 inches blanketed the city. Another notable event was the 1993 “Storm of the Century,” which dropped 4.2 inches of snow on the city. In more recent history, the 2014 event, often nicknamed “Snowmaggedon,” was memorable not for its accumulation—which was only about two inches—but for the widespread travel disruption it caused. These uncommon, higher-accumulation storms stand in sharp contrast to the yearly average of just over two inches.