Weather and climate in Georgia: Humid subtropical climate. Hot, humid summers. Mild, wet winters. Occasional snowfall in north. Frequent thunderstorms. Hurricane season: June-November. High humidity levels. Tornadoes possible in spring. Coastal areas warmer. Spring: pollen season.
Humid subtropical climate
The climate of Georgia is a humid subtropical climate, characterized by short, mild winters and long, hot summers, with significant influence from the Atlantic Ocean and varying temperatures across different regions. This includes cooler mountainous areas and hotter coastal regions. For further information, you can explore the detailed overview of the state's climate on Wikipedia.
Hot, humid summers
Georgia experiences hot, humid summers, with average temperatures in the low to mid-90s near the coast, high 80s in the Atlanta area, and mid-80s in northern Georgia. July and August are the hottest months, characterized by long, wet, and hot conditions, with frequent thunderstorms and high humidity. To learn more about this, refer to the Climate of the State of Georgia, which provides detailed insights into the seasonal weather patterns and their implications.
Mild, wet winters
Georgia experiences mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 60°F, and these winters are characterized by little snowfall, except in the mountainous northern regions where snow is more common. The state receives heavy rainfall, with the northern parts receiving up to 75 inches per year, contributing to its Humid Subtropical Climate.
Occasional snowfall in north
North Georgia receives around 4 inches of snow per season, typically snowing 1 to 2 times each winter, with January being the most likely month for snowfall, especially in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Frequent thunderstorms
Georgia experiences frequent thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months, with the number of thunderstorm days per year ranging from around 50 in the mountains to around 55 in the southern areas, and July being the month with the highest frequency of thunderstorms. Almost 50% of precipitation during Atlanta's warm season is in the form of thunderstorms, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and potential damage. For more detailed information on Georgia's thunderstorm patterns and statistics, you can visit the National Weather Service website.
Hurricane season: June-November
The hurricane season in Georgia runs from June through November, with hurricanes being strong tropical cyclones that develop over warm ocean waters, posing significant threats including storm surge flooding, destructive winds, and potential tornadoes, especially along the coastal and inland areas. For more detailed guidelines on preparation and safety measures, you can refer to the GA Hurricane Guide, which provides comprehensive information on how to protect yourself and your property during this critical time.
High humidity levels
Georgia experiences high humidity levels, particularly in the mornings, with average relative humidity ranging from 68% to 72% across different cities, and morning humidity often reaching as high as 85-87% in places like Augusta, Columbus, and Macon. The state's humid subtropical climate, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, contributes to these high humidity levels, especially during the hot and humid summers. For more detailed information on humidity levels across Georgia, you can refer to the Current Results website.
Tornadoes possible in spring
Tornadoes in Georgia are most likely to occur in the spring, particularly from March to May, with the peak in April, and they can happen in the mid-afternoon to early evening, although they can occur at any time of the day or night. For comprehensive information on this subject, you can visit the National Weather Service website.
Coastal areas warmer
In Coastal Areas of Georgia, the climate is characterized by mild winters with temperatures in the low 60s and hot, humid summers with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to the high 90s, moderated by cool ocean breezes that keep temperatures less intense than on the mainland. The coastal region experiences relatively moderate temperatures, with average minimum temperatures around 43°F in winter and daily maximum temperatures in the 80s and low 90s during the summer months. For more information on this, visit the Georgia Coast Overview page.
Spring: pollen season
In Georgia, pollen season during spring runs from March to May, with the most severe period occurring when trees awaken from winter dormancy and start blooming. This is followed by the release of grass pollen in June and July, and then ragweed pollen in early August. To learn more about managing seasonal allergies, you can visit the Langford Allergy website, which provides insights into common outdoor allergies in the region.