Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May
Downtown & Midtown Atlanta warms up: highs climb to 79°F (26°C), from 71°F in April, with lows of 58°F (15°C) and about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain.
It scores 81/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 58°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 4.0 in (102 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 79°F (26°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 58°F (15°C).
With 76% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Some rain is likely, about 4.0 in (102 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Humidity season begins: 76% on average, up from 78% in April.
- Comfort slips from 86/100 in April to 81/100.
- Our Atlanta New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 79°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics76% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
SkyView Atlanta
Ferris wheel with enclosed, heated gondolas next to Centennial Olympic Park, about 200 feet up over downtown.
Why now May scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Midtown Southern dining room open since 1945, known for fried chicken, collards, pot likker and cinnamon rolls.
Polaris
Revolving lounge under the blue dome on top of the Hyatt Regency, open since 1967 and back in business since 2014.
Centennial Olympic Park
The 1996 Olympics park at the heart of downtown, ringed by the skyline and the main open space for watching the midnight show.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 4.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Cherokee in May~133 mi · highs 74°F, 4.6 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Townsend in May~138 mi · highs 78°F, 4.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Knoxville in May~154 mi · highs 78°F, 4.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Asheville in May~164 mi · highs 74°F, 4.7 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
These averages also cover Old Fourth Ward & the BeltLine.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown & Midtown Atlanta?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 81/100 against a best of 90 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 58°F (15°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May?
Some: about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.9 in (1292 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 79°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (76% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown & Midtown Atlanta
Planning Downtown & Midtown Atlanta in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.