Average Weather Around Memorial Day in Georgia: Temperatures, Rain, and More

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Memorial Day in Georgia usually brings warm afternoons, mild mornings, and just a slight chance of rain. You can expect average daytime highs in the low to mid-80s, with evenings cooling into the 60s.

The weather generally feels comfortable for outdoor plans, but humidity sometimes makes it feel warmer, especially near the coast.

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You’ll spot some differences depending on where you spend the holiday. North Georgia tends to stay a bit cooler, and mountain areas feel crisp in the mornings.

Cities like Savannah and Augusta usually run warmer and a lot more humid. Atlanta and central regions fall somewhere in the middle.

If you know these patterns, you can plan with more confidence, whether you’re grilling, heading to the lake, or making a beach trip.

Memorial Day weekend usually offers enough sunshine for outdoor activities. Still, keep an eye out for brief showers that sometimes pop up by late afternoon.

Typical Memorial Day Weather in Georgia

You can usually count on warm afternoons, mild nights, and a mix of sunshine and clouds during Memorial Day in Georgia.

Rain can happen, but it tends to come in short bursts or storms rather than lasting all day. Humidity definitely shapes how the weather feels.

Average High and Low Temperatures

Late May in Georgia brings daytime highs that often reach the low to upper 80s°F, depending on your location.

Inland cities like Atlanta or Augusta can see highs push close to 90°F. Along the coast, places like Savannah get some relief from the sea breeze, which keeps temperatures a bit lower.

Nights feel comfortable but stay warm. Lows usually dip into the upper 50s to upper 60s°F—cooler in the mountains, warmer near the coast.

Evenings are pleasant for outdoor dining or events, though urban areas might hang onto some extra warmth.

If you’re planning early morning activities, you’ll notice cooler air in the mountains compared to the muggy start along the coast.

Packing light layers is a good idea if you move between regions.

Common Sky Conditions

You’ll often see a mix of partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies during Memorial Day weekend.

Clear mornings are pretty common, but clouds build up in the afternoon as the day heats up.

Northern Georgia, especially the mountains, often sees more unsettled skies with thicker clouds.

Coastal areas usually enjoy longer stretches of sunshine.

Some years deliver bright, sunny days from start to finish, but more often it’s a blend of sun and clouds.

This pattern works well for outdoor plans, but keep an eye on the sky in the afternoon.

Precipitation Chances

Rainfall around Memorial Day is usually scattered rather than widespread.

Afternoon showers and thunderstorms show up most often, especially in central and northern Georgia.

Chances of rain usually range between 15% and 30%, but some years see higher odds if a weather system hangs around.

Storms tend to be brief but can bring heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.

If you’re outdoors, plan for a possible passing shower.

Having a covered option nearby or checking radar before you head out can help you avoid getting caught in the rain.

Humidity and Muggy Days

Humidity really defines late May in Georgia.

Morning air often feels muggy, with dew points in the 60s°F, especially in central and southern parts of the state.

This makes the temperature feel warmer than it actually is.

By afternoon, heat and humidity combine for a sticky environment.

Even if the thermometer says 80s, the heat index can make it feel like the 90s.

If humidity bothers you, plan your outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.

Coastal breezes can help, but inland areas hold onto that heavy, humid air.

Regional Weather Differences Across Georgia

Georgia’s Memorial Day weather really depends on the region.

Temperature, humidity, and rainfall all change with elevation and proximity to the coast.

Conditions range from cool mountain air in the north to hot, humid afternoons in the central and southern parts of the state.

North Georgia Climate Patterns

In the northern counties, elevation shapes late May weather.

Afternoon highs often reach the low to upper 80s, but nights cool off into the 60s, making mornings more comfortable than elsewhere.

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Humidity sticks around but doesn’t get as intense as farther south.

Thunderstorms pop up often, especially in the afternoons, with 50–60 thunder days per year.

Around Memorial Day, scattered storms may briefly disrupt outdoor plans.

If you’re in the northeast mountains, temperatures run a few degrees lower than the surrounding areas.

Highs in the lower 80s and lows in the upper 50s are pretty typical.

Rainfall is higher in the mountains—over 60 inches annually—so showers are more likely.

Quick facts for North Georgia in late May:

  • Highs: 80–88°F
  • Lows: 58–66°F
  • Rainfall: Frequent afternoon showers, higher in mountains

Central Georgia Memorial Day Conditions

Central Georgia runs warmer and more humid, with highs usually in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Overnight lows stay in the upper 60s to low 70s, so mornings already feel muggy.

Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon, fueled by heat and moisture.

These storms can be brief but heavy, sometimes producing strong winds.

May isn’t the wettest month, but rain still shows up regularly.

You should plan for sticky afternoons, especially if you’re outdoors for barbecues, parades, or lake activities.

Central Georgia averages 45–50 inches of rain a year, and late May often brings scattered showers.

Typical Memorial Day setup:

  • Highs: 88–92°F
  • Lows: 68–72°F
  • Conditions: Hot, humid, scattered storms

South and Coastal Georgia Weather

South and coastal Georgia get the hottest and most humid weather during Memorial Day weekend.

Highs often reach the lower to mid-90s, and humidity makes it feel even warmer.

Nights stay mild, with lows in the 70s.

The coast brings in sea breezes, which can offer brief relief from the heat but also help trigger afternoon thunderstorms.

Rainfall happens often, though storms usually pass quickly.

If you’re near Savannah or the Golden Isles, expect muggy mornings and a higher chance of pop-up showers later in the day.

The region averages 50 inches of rain annually, and May is an active thunderstorm month.

Key points for South and Coastal Georgia:

  • Highs: 90–95°F
  • Lows: 70–74°F
  • Weather: Hot, humid, sea-breeze storms

Recent Memorial Day Weekend Weather Trends

Georgia’s Memorial Day weekends often bring early summer heat and the risk of scattered storms.

You can usually expect warmer-than-average temperatures and a chance of rain that can sometimes disrupt outdoor plans.

Temperature Fluctuations in Recent Years

Temperatures around Memorial Day in Georgia often climb higher than the seasonal average.

In many years, afternoon highs reach the upper 80s to near 90°F—several degrees above the typical low 80s for late May.

Morning conditions usually start muggy, with lows in the upper 60s.

This humidity makes the heat feel even more intense, especially during outdoor events.

Here’s a quick look at recent Memorial Day highs in Georgia:

Year High Temperature Range Notes
Recent Warm Years 88–92°F Above average, summer-like heat
Cooler Years 80–84°F Closer to seasonal norms

Plan for heat that feels more like mid-summer than late spring, especially if you’re spending time at parks, lakes, or outdoor gatherings.

Rainfall and Storm Patterns

Rainfall during Memorial Day weekends in Georgia usually comes from short-lived but intense storms.

These storms often form in the afternoon or evening when heat and humidity peak.

Some years, organized storm lines move through overnight into the morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

Storms have reached north Georgia before sunrise and pushed into metro Atlanta during early commute hours.

On drier weekends, rain chances may drop as low as 20%, with only isolated pop-up showers.

Wetter years can bring multiple rounds of storms, with brief downpours affecting lakeside plans and road travel.

This pattern of hit-or-miss storms is pretty typical, so you should stay ready for quick changes in weather conditions.

Daily Weather Breakdown for Memorial Day Weekend

You can expect a mix of warm afternoons, mild nights, and the chance for scattered showers or storms depending on the day.

Temperatures usually run higher than the national average for late May, and humidity levels keep rising as summer approaches.

Friday Forecast Overview

Friday usually sets the tone for the weekend with daytime highs in the mid to upper 80s across much of Georgia.

Skies tend to start out partly sunny, but afternoon heating can trigger isolated thunderstorms, especially in central and southern parts of the state.

Evening conditions calm down after sunset. Lows dip into the mid-60s in northern Georgia and closer to 70 in the south.

If you plan to travel, you’ll likely have good driving conditions for most of the day, but watch for short-lived downpours.

Humidity levels start to climb, making the air feel warmer than the actual temperature.

Outdoor plans work best during the morning and early afternoon, but you should stay prepared for brief rain delays.

Saturday Weather Expectations

Saturday usually brings more heat, with highs reaching the upper 80s to near 90 degrees in many areas.

The air feels sticky, and the chance of afternoon storms increases compared to Friday.

Northern Georgia may see more cloud cover, while southern counties face stronger storms fueled by higher moisture.

Evening temperatures settle into the upper 60s and low 70s.

If you’re camping or grilling, conditions are warm but manageable once the sun sets.

Storms may produce gusty winds and heavy rain, though they usually stay scattered.

You should plan outdoor activities earlier in the day and keep flexible options for later hours.

Sunday Conditions

Sunday keeps up the summer-like pattern.

Expect highs around 90 degrees in central and southern Georgia, with cooler readings in the mountains.

Humidity stays high, and the air feels heavy, especially in the afternoon.

Thunderstorms become more widespread, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.

Some areas may get brief heavy downpours that cause minor flooding in low-lying spots.

Lightning risk increases, which matters if you’re near lakes or open fields.

Nights remain warm, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s.

If you plan to travel back from weekend trips, allow extra time in case storms slow you down or reduce visibility.

Monday Memorial Day Outlook

Memorial Day itself usually features a mix of sunshine, heat, and scattered storms.

Highs run from the upper 80s to low 90s, making it one of the hottest days of the weekend.

Morning hours are generally the best time for outdoor ceremonies or gatherings.

By the afternoon, storms become more likely, especially in central and southern Georgia.

These storms may bring short bursts of heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

It’s not an all-day washout, but conditions can change fast, so it’s best to have shelter options nearby.

Evening temperatures stay warm, holding in the upper 60s and 70s.

If you plan fireworks or late cookouts, you’ll likely face muggy conditions but fewer storms after dark.

Daylight and Sun Exposure in Late May

In Georgia, late May brings some of the longest days of the year, with extended daylight and strong sunshine. Early sunrises, late sunsets, and an extreme UV index make it important to plan your outdoor time with a bit of care.

Average Hours of Daylight

By late May, Georgia gets about 13.5 to 14 hours of daylight each day. Sunrise usually happens around 6:30 AM, while sunset is close to 8:30 PM, though this can shift a bit depending on where you are in the state.

You end up with plenty of time for outdoor activities, whether you’re heading to Atlanta, the coast, or the mountains. Compared to early spring, you pick up almost three more hours of usable daylight, which honestly feels like a lot.

Even though the days are long, you’ll see about 7 hours per day of direct sunshine on average. Cloud cover and brief rain showers tend to break things up in late spring, so not every daylight hour looks bright and clear. Still, most days feel pretty sunny overall.

If you’re planning sightseeing or outdoor recreation, those late sunsets give you more flexibility. Evening activities—like hiking, eating outside, or catching an event—don’t have to feel rushed.

UV Index and Sun Safety

The UV index in Georgia during late May often reaches 9 to 11, which is considered very high to extreme. At these levels, your skin can burn in just 10 to 15 minutes if you skip protection.

If you expect to be outside during midday, try to take some precautions. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), grab a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, and wear lightweight long sleeves or hats for extra coverage.

The sun hits hardest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so cutting down on direct exposure during these hours can really lower your risk. If you can’t avoid being outdoors, look for shade and reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.

Even when it’s partly cloudy, UV rays stay strong enough to cause sunburn. Honestly, late May in Georgia feels like the kickoff to peak sun season, so it’s smart to come prepared.

Planning Outdoor Activities Around Memorial Day

Late May in Georgia usually means warm afternoons, mild mornings, and the occasional scattered shower or storm. You’ll want to enjoy the outdoors but stay flexible in case the weather flips on you.

Best Times for Outdoor Events

Morning hours tend to offer the most reliable weather for outdoor plans. Temperatures usually start in the low to mid-60s and climb steadily, so it’s cooler and more comfortable before the midday heat settles in.

By early afternoon, highs often reach the low to upper 80s. That’s also when isolated thunderstorms are more likely, especially up north. If you’re planning ceremonies, hikes, or family gatherings, it’s just easier to do them earlier in the day to avoid weather hassles.

Evenings can feel pleasant after storms move out, with warm air and less harsh sun. If you want to schedule outdoor dining, concerts, or fireworks, just remember that quick showers can still show up. Having a covered spot or a backup plan indoors definitely helps.

A simple guideline:

  • Morning (7–11 a.m.) – Best window for most outdoor activities
  • Afternoon (12–5 p.m.) – Warmest part of the day, higher storm chance
  • Evening (6–9 p.m.) – Comfortable, but watch for lingering showers

Weather Considerations for Travel

If you’re driving across Georgia or heading to the coast, you’ll probably run into changing conditions depending on the area. North Georgia gets more rain and sometimes strong storms, while the coast usually just sees quick, scattered showers.

Traffic tends to get heavier around major cities like Atlanta, especially once rain starts to slow everyone down. If you leave early, you can dodge both weather delays and the worst congestion.

Heading to the beach or a lake? Pack some light rain gear and check the local forecast before you go. Even short showers can mess with boating, swimming, or fishing plans.

Unsettled weather can drop 1 to 3 inches of rain over a few days. It probably won’t cancel your trip, but it might make roads slick or change up your outdoor plans.

If you stay updated with daily forecasts, you can tweak your schedule and avoid most headaches.

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