Georgia weather and outdoor projects
Georgia has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Atlanta, in the Piedmont at about 1,000 feet, is a little cooler than the coast and gets a few hard freezes each winter, while Savannah is warmer and more humid. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common statewide.
Fall is often the best season for outdoor projects: lower humidity, steadier weather and fewer storms. Spring is good too, though pollen in March and April can stick to wet paint and stain. Red clay soils hold water after heavy rain, so give the ground and nearby surfaces time to dry before pouring or sealing.
Frost dates in Georgia
In Atlanta, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 15 and the median first fall freeze is around November 20, a frost-free season of about 252 days.
In Savannah, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 2 and the median first fall freeze is around November 30, a frost-free season of about 270 days.
Frost dates matter for concrete, which must not freeze in its first 48 hours, for paint and caulk that need nights above their minimum, and for lawn care, since crabgrass preventer goes down as the soil warms in spring. See how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Best time to stain a deck in Georgia
In Atlanta, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June–August and November–December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 54°F. February and December are cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Savannah, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June, August and December–February can also work on the right days. July is hot, with average highs near 92°F and about 25 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. January is cool, with highs around 61°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In February and December, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and August are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the deck staining forecast.
Best time to paint outside in Georgia
In Atlanta, the most reliable months are March–May and September–October. June–August and November–February can also work on the right days. December–January is cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In February and November, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Savannah, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June, August and December–February can also work on the right days. July is hot, with average highs near 92°F and about 25 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In December–February, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and August are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the exterior painting forecast.
Best time to pour concrete in Georgia
In Atlanta, the most reliable months are April–October. February–March and November can also work on the right days. December–January averages about 11 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. February–March and November bring about 5 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Savannah, the most reliable months are March–November. February and December can also work on the right days. January averages about 9 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. February and December bring about 5 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the concrete pouring forecast.
Best time to seal a driveway in Georgia
In Atlanta, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 56°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 65°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Savannah, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June–August and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 40°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. February and December are cool, with highs around 64°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August averages about 8 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the driveway sealing forecast.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Georgia
In Atlanta, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. June–August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Savannah, the most reliable months are October–May. June and August–September can also work on the right days. July is hot, with average highs near 92°F and about 25 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. June and August–September are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the lawn fertilizer forecast.
How the weather differs across Georgia
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 90°F | 36°F | 50 in | March 15 | November 20 |
| Savannah | 92°F | 40°F | 48 in | March 2 | November 30 |
Of the places above, Savannah has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (21 job-months), and Atlanta has the fewest (16). If you live between them, expect something in between, and higher ground to be cooler with a shorter season.
Monthly weather in Atlanta
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 36°F | 7 | 4.6 in | 48% | 13 |
| February | 58°F | 39°F | 7 | 4.5 in | 47% | 8 |
| March | 66°F | 45°F | 7 | 4.7 in | 43% | 3 |
| April | 74°F | 53°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 43% | 0 |
| May | 81°F | 61°F | 6 | 3.6 in | 48% | 0 |
| June | 87°F | 69°F | 8 | 4.5 in | 51% | 0 |
| July | 90°F | 72°F | 8 | 4.8 in | 53% | 0 |
| August | 89°F | 71°F | 7 | 4.3 in | 52% | 0 |
| September | 84°F | 66°F | 5 | 3.8 in | 50% | 0 |
| October | 74°F | 55°F | 4 | 3.3 in | 48% | 0 |
| November | 64°F | 44°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 46% | 3 |
| December | 56°F | 38°F | 7 | 4.6 in | 51% | 9 |
*Days with at least 0.1 inch of rain or melted snow. Freezing nights: average nights a month at or below 32°F. Humidity is calculated from NOAA hourly normal temperature and dew point at 3 PM.
Monthly weather in Savannah
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F | 40°F | 6 | 3.3 in | 47% | 9 |
| February | 65°F | 43°F | 5 | 2.8 in | 45% | 4 |
| March | 71°F | 49°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 42% | 2 |
| April | 78°F | 55°F | 4 | 3.4 in | 43% | 0 |
| May | 85°F | 63°F | 5 | 3.6 in | 48% | 0 |
| June | 90°F | 71°F | 9 | 6.7 in | 55% | 0 |
| July | 92°F | 74°F | 9 | 5.8 in | 56% | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 73°F | 8 | 5.5 in | 59% | 0 |
| September | 86°F | 69°F | 7 | 4.3 in | 57% | 0 |
| October | 79°F | 59°F | 4 | 3.7 in | 52% | 0 |
| November | 70°F | 48°F | 4 | 2.4 in | 49% | 1 |
| December | 64°F | 43°F | 5 | 3.2 in | 51% | 6 |
Use the averages, then check the forecast
These ratings describe a typical month, not a particular week. A warm spell in a “poor” month can give you a good day, and a wet week can spoil a “good” one. Use this page to plan the season, then check the 7-day forecast for your ZIP code before you buy materials or book help. Each project forecast checks the hours after you finish too: overnight lows, dew and rain that would ruin fresh stain, paint, sealer or concrete.
About this data
Monthly temperatures, rain days, snowfall and freeze dates are NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Climate Normals for 1991–2020 at ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, SAVANNAH INTL AP. Ratings apply the same temperature limits as our forecasts (for example, 50°F or warmer for deck stain and driveway sealer, and no freezing nights for new concrete) to the average month. Your product label always takes priority.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Georgia?
In Atlanta, April–May and September–October. In Savannah, March–May and September–November. Look for at least 24 dry hours before and after, and nights above about 40°F. The deck staining forecast checks your exact week.
When is the last frost in Georgia?
Atlanta: around March 15; Savannah: around March 2. These are median dates from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, so a freeze after them happens in about half of years. Low spots and valleys freeze later in spring.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Georgia?
Yes, but it needs cold-weather practices. Atlanta averages about 30 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Georgia?
In Atlanta, April–October. In Savannah, April–May and September–October. Most sealers need 50°F or warmer for 24 hours and a dry day after. See the driveway sealing forecast.