If you’re planning Thanksgiving in Georgia, you probably wonder about the weather each year. Most years, you’ll get mild afternoons with highs in the 50s to 60s and cool mornings in the 30s or 40s. That makes Thanksgiving one of the more comfortable holidays for outdoor gatherings and travel. Rain might show up, but it’s not the norm, and severe storms on the holiday itself almost never happen.
The weather can shift a bit depending on where you spend the day. North Georgia usually runs cooler, and you might want a jacket all day up there.
Central and southern Georgia tend to feel milder. Coastal areas often stay a bit warmer, which is great if you’re hoping for outdoor plans.
Sometimes, Thanksgiving in Georgia throws a curveball. There’s been heavy rain in the mountains, and every once in a while, snow shows up after a late November cold front.
Knowing these patterns helps when you’re figuring out whether to set the table inside, organize a backyard football game, or plan a drive across the state.
Typical Thanksgiving Day Weather in Georgia
Most Thanksgivings in Georgia bring mild afternoons, cool mornings, and a mix of dry and wet years. Severe storms hardly ever happen, but rain showers and cloudy skies can still mess with travel and outdoor plans.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs usually land in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F across much of Georgia. Northern areas, especially the mountains, stay cooler, while southern parts might hit the upper 60s or even near 70 °F.
Morning lows often fall into the upper 30s and low 40s °F. In metro Atlanta, you’ll probably wake up to a chilly start, while coastal cities like Savannah feel milder.
Sometimes, extremes pop up. The 1950 Arctic outbreak brought record cold, with temperatures dropping way below normal for late November.
Some years, especially in central and southern Georgia, highs have crept into the 70s. That’s not the usual, but it happens.
You’ll want to dress in layers, with a light jacket for the morning and something more comfortable by the afternoon.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
Rain on Thanksgiving in Georgia isn’t the rule, but it’s not exactly rare either. Records show plenty of dry years, but some Thanksgivings have brought steady showers.
Average rainfall for late November is pretty modest, but individual days can get a measurable amount.
For example, northeast Georgia got soaked on Thanksgiving in 1999. Severe weather is rare, but isolated storms have popped up, like a tornado in southwest Georgia just before Thanksgiving in 1961.
You’ll see light to moderate showers more often than thunderstorms. Rainfall chances change by region, with the mountains usually wetter than south Georgia.
If you’re hitting the road, even light rain can make driving tricky, especially with holiday traffic.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Thanksgiving skies in Georgia can swing from bright and clear to totally overcast. Many years, you’ll get a mix of sun and clouds, and full sunshine is more likely in drier years.
Cloud cover really depends on whatever weather system’s passing through. A cold front can bring overcast skies and drizzle, but high pressure usually means sunny, crisp weather.
Central and southern Georgia see more sunshine, while the northern counties near the Appalachians get more cloudy days. That difference can really affect your outdoor plans, especially if you want to squeeze in some time outside before or after the meal.
It makes sense to bring a light jacket and plan for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Weather on Thanksgiving Day in Recent Years
Recent Thanksgivings in Georgia have brought all sorts of weather. Some years stayed dry and sunny with temperatures in the 60s, which makes outdoor gatherings easy.
Other years brought rain, cooler highs in the 50s, and plenty of clouds.
Travel forecasts usually highlight two big patterns: a chance of showers early in the week, then cooler, drier air settling in by Thanksgiving. That setup happens a lot.
In Atlanta, you might remember Thanksgivings starting near 40 °F in the morning and warming to the low 60s by afternoon.
Coastal areas like Savannah often hit the upper 60s, with evenings that stay pretty mild.
All this variability is why it’s smart to check the forecast a few days before the holiday.
Regional Differences Across Georgia
Thanksgiving weather in Georgia really depends on where you are. Temperatures, rainfall, and even the odds of early frost or coastal breezes change a lot from the mountains in the north to the beaches in the south.
North Georgia Weather Characteristics
The mountains and foothills in North Georgia usually stay cooler than the rest of the state. Daytime highs often stick in the 50s, and nighttime lows can dip into the 30s.
Frost shows up a lot, and light freezes aren’t unusual by late November.
Rain falls more often here, especially in the northeast counties near the Appalachians. Cold fronts bring showers, and cloudy skies are more common than down south.
Snow is rare, but it’s not impossible. Trace amounts have shown up during late-November cold snaps.
If you’re traveling here, get ready for chilly mornings and possibly damp weather. Packing layers, a warm jacket, and rain gear will keep you comfortable.
Scenic drives might still show some fall color, though the leaves are usually past their peak by Thanksgiving.
Central Georgia Thanksgiving Climate
Central Georgia, including cities like Macon and Columbus, typically gets milder conditions. Highs often reach the low to mid-60s, and lows fall into the 40s.
The air cools off at night, but daytime is often pleasant enough for hanging out outside.
Rain chances are moderate. Storm systems coming through the Southeast can bring showers, but heavy rain is less common than up north.
Severe weather on Thanksgiving is extremely rare, though a few isolated thunderstorms have happened in the past.
Humidity drops compared to summer, so the air feels crisp. You might want a light jacket in the evening, but afternoons are comfortable in just a sweater.
Central Georgia is usually one of the more reliable spots for outdoor holiday activities.
South Georgia and Coastal Area Conditions
South Georgia and the coast stay the warmest during late November. Highs often reach the upper 60s to low 70s, and lows stay in the upper 40s or 50s.
Frost rarely shows up, and freezes are pretty uncommon this early in the season.
The coast brings in breezes from the Atlantic, which can make evenings feel cooler, especially around Savannah or the Golden Isles.
Rain is possible, but it falls less often than up north.
Humidity tends to be higher here, so the air can feel a bit damp even with mild temperatures. If you’re planning to be outside, bring a light jacket for the evening, but expect comfortable, almost spring-like afternoons.
Historical Weather Extremes on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Georgia has seen all sorts of weather, from record-breaking cold to surprisingly warm afternoons. Rain and even rare severe storms have left their mark on the holiday over the years.
Record High and Low Temperatures
You’ll usually get mild to cool weather, but past Thanksgivings have brought some wild extremes. In Atlanta, highs have hit the mid-70s on the warmest years and dropped below freezing on the coldest.
The 1950 cold snap stands out. Arctic air swept into Georgia, dropping temperatures to record November lows. Atlanta got a trace of snow, and Macon picked up 0.2 inches.
Warm extremes have happened too. In some years, especially in the 2000s, temperatures reached the upper 70s in central and southern Georgia. Those days really stand out compared to the usual 50s and 60s.
Here are a few examples:
| Location | Warmest Thanksgiving (°F) | Coldest Thanksgiving (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 76 | 28 |
| Macon | 78 | 30 |
Notable Rainfall Events
Rain doesn’t show up on Thanksgiving in Georgia all that often, but when it does, it can be memorable. Heavy rain on November 25, 1999, brought downpours to northeast Georgia. Habersham and Rabun Counties dealt with flooding, which made travel tough.
Earlier records show that rain has sometimes dampened Thanksgiving in central Georgia. Most of the time, amounts stay under an inch, but isolated spots have seen much higher totals.
November is a transitional month, so cold fronts often bring rain around the holiday. Thanksgiving Day itself is usually dry, but travel days before or after can get wet. This pattern pops up a lot, and it can affect road and air travel.
Memorable Thanksgiving Weather Events
Severe weather almost never happens on Thanksgiving in Georgia, but it’s not impossible. On November 23, 1961, an F-2 tornado touched down in Early County. It destroyed outbuildings and knocked down trees, but no major injuries were reported.
The 1950 Arctic outbreak is still one of the most memorable late November events. The coldest air arrived just after Thanksgiving, following a holiday with brisk winds and falling temperatures.
Snow is unusual, but it’s happened. In 1950, Macon saw measurable snow, and Atlanta and Columbus reported a trace. Even a little snow stands out, since November snow is rare in Georgia.
You might hear about national extremes—like blizzards in the Appalachians or strong storms in the Midwest—but Georgia’s Thanksgiving weather is usually about cool mornings, mild afternoons, and only a handful of dramatic exceptions.
How Thanksgiving Weather Compares to the Rest of November
In Georgia, late November feels different from the start of the month. Temperatures cool down as the month goes on, and rainfall patterns shift from scattered showers to more frequent fronts that bring steady rain.
Severe weather almost never happens, but cold snaps and damp conditions can still affect your travel or outdoor plans.
Temperature Trends Throughout November
Early November usually brings highs in the upper 60s to low 70s °F across Georgia. By Thanksgiving week, daily highs drop into the upper 50s and 60s, and nights get cooler, dipping into the 30s and 40s.
This gradual drop shows the shift toward winter. Northern Georgia, especially the foothills and mountains, cool faster than the rest of the state.
You might spot frost in the mornings in those higher elevations by mid to late month.
Historic records show that extreme cold snaps can happen near Thanksgiving, though they’re not common. For example, Arctic air in 1950 brought record lows and even light snow to parts of Georgia. These events are rare, but they show how quickly things can turn colder late in the month.
Rainfall and Storm Patterns in Late Fall
November acts as a transition from the wetter summer to the drier winter. Early in the month, rain usually falls in short, scattered showers. By late November, frontal systems bring steadier rainfall, especially in north Georgia.
Average precipitation during November ranges from about 3 to 4 inches across the state. Rainfall near Thanksgiving is usually light to moderate, though heavy rain has happened, like in northeast Georgia in 1999.
Severe storms and tornadoes almost never happen on Thanksgiving. Since 1950, most of Georgia hasn’t seen any confirmed severe weather events on that day.
You’re far more likely to run into chilly rain or breezy weather than dangerous storms.
Outdoor Activities and Travel Considerations
Late November in Georgia usually brings cool mornings, mild afternoons, and only a small chance of rain. These conditions make it easier to plan outdoor gatherings and help you prepare for holiday travel across the state.
Best Times for Outdoor Gatherings
Temperatures around Thanksgiving usually hang out in the upper 50s to low 60s during the day. At night, it gets chilly—sometimes dipping into the 30s or 40s. If you’re hosting or heading to an outdoor event, you’ll want to dress in layers.
Midday or early afternoon feels best for being outside. The sun comes out, and winds are lighter than they are in the morning or evening. If you’re planning a meal outdoors, shoot for lunch instead of dinner to dodge the evening chill.
Rain doesn’t show up much, but every now and then, light showers might roll in late at night. If you’re hosting a big group, it’s smart to have a backup indoor space ready. For smaller gatherings, a covered porch or outdoor heater can really help.
Quick tips for gatherings:
- Best window: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Dress code: light jacket or sweater
- Backup plan: covered area or indoor option
Travel Safety and Road Conditions
Thanksgiving travel in Georgia gets wild, especially along I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20. Traffic hits its worst on the Wednesday before and the Sunday after the holiday. If you can swing it, leave earlier in the day or tweak your schedule to skip the gridlock.
Weather doesn’t usually cause big road issues, but cool mornings sometimes bring patchy fog in valleys or near rivers. If you’re driving early, watch out for reduced visibility. Rain might show up later in the week, so toss an umbrella in the car and give yourself extra time if the roads get wet.
Gas stations and rest stops fill up fast during peak hours. Stopping for fuel in smaller towns or outside the big cities might save you some hassle. If you’re going a long way, check the forecast for your whole route and where you’re headed before you go.
Travel checklist:
- Best departure times: early morning or mid‑day
- Watch for: fog, light rain, heavy traffic
- Plan ahead: fuel stops, alternate routes
Preparing for Thanksgiving Weather in Georgia
Late November in Georgia brings a mix of cool mornings, mild afternoons, and sometimes rain. You’ve got to be ready for fast changes in temperature and weather, especially if you’re traveling or spending time outside.
What to Pack and Wear
Thanksgiving week in Georgia can start in the low 40s in the morning and climb to the 60s by afternoon. Bring layers so you can adjust as things warm up or cool off. A light sweater or fleece feels good during the day, but you’ll want a heavier jacket once the sun goes down.
Rain pops up pretty often this time of year, so don’t forget a water-resistant jacket or umbrella. If you’re planning to walk or be outside, wear shoes that can handle wet ground.
A simple packing list might help:
- Light jacket or fleece for daytime
- Heavier coat for mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Rain gear such as a poncho or umbrella
- Scarf, gloves, or hat for colder areas in north Georgia
Layers let you stay comfortable without stuffing your bag full.
Tips for Monitoring the Forecast
Thanksgiving weather likes to keep us guessing. I always check local forecasts a few days before traveling, and then again on the morning I leave.
That way, you can dodge last-minute surprises like a sudden downpour or those gusty winds that seem to come out of nowhere.
Stick with trusted local stations or the National Weather Service for updates you can actually count on. Plenty of apps will nudge you with alerts if things change, which is handy.
If you’re driving, take a minute to check road conditions—rain can slow things down fast. For flights, keep an eye on airline updates, since storms far away sometimes mess with Georgia’s schedule.
It’s smart to keep a backup plan for anything outdoors. If rain shows up, you’ll already know where to move the gathering inside.
That little bit of prep can really make the holiday feel a lot less stressful.