When you’re planning a Labor Day weekend in Georgia, you can usually count on warm afternoons, mild mornings, and at least a slight chance of rain. Highs typically reach the upper 80s to low 90s, and lows hover near 70 degrees.
That mix of heat and humidity often sets up scattered showers or a thunderstorm, especially in the afternoon.
You’ll find the weather shifts a bit depending on where you are. Coastal spots like Savannah often feel stickier, while the mountains up north cool down more at night and bring a better shot at passing showers.
These differences matter, so it’s worth knowing what to expect where you’ll be.
If you know the typical weather, you can plan better for outdoor plans and travel. Whether you’re hitting a city festival, a mountain trail, or the beach, having a sense of Labor Day conditions can help you dodge surprises.
Typical Labor Day Weather in Georgia
You’ll get warm afternoons, mild nights, and a fair chance for scattered showers in early September. Georgia’s climate brings lingering summer heat and the first hints of seasonal change, which shapes the temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs around Labor Day usually hit the mid to upper 80s°F (29–32°C) across much of Georgia. In southern spots like Savannah or Macon, temps can creep close to 90°F.
Northern cities—Atlanta, the Appalachian foothills—run a few degrees cooler.
At night, things get more comfortable. Lows drop into the low to mid-60s°F (16–18°C) up north and upper 60s to near 70°F (19–21°C) in the south.
Cooler evenings make outdoor events a lot more pleasant once the sun’s down.
You might see an extreme swing now and then, but it’s rare. Sometimes record highs hit the mid-90s°F, or a record low dips into the 50s°F. Most years, though, temperatures stick pretty close to normal.
Humidity and Muggy Conditions
Humidity stays high across Georgia in early September, since summer moisture hasn’t let up yet. You’ll notice muggy mornings with dew points in the upper 60s°F to low 70s°F.
That makes for a sticky start, especially near the coast or in central Georgia.
Afternoons can feel less oppressive if there’s a breeze, but the air still feels heavy. The mountains offer some relief, since higher elevation brings lower humidity.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect to sweat faster in the muggy air. Staying hydrated and grabbing shade breaks will help you deal with the lingering summer stickiness.
Chance of Precipitation
Rain shows up pretty often around Labor Day in Georgia, but it usually comes as short, scattered showers instead of all-day rain. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up a lot, especially in central and southern parts of the state.
Average rainfall for early September runs 3 to 4 inches in most places. Savannah and other coastal cities get quick storms from sea breezes, while Atlanta and the Piedmont see downpours tied to daytime heating.
Thunderstorms sometimes get strong, but severe weather isn’t the norm. You might get gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rain, so it’s smart to check the forecast if you’ll be outside.
Most rain showers move through fast, letting events keep going after a short pause.
Regional Differences Across Georgia
Labor Day weather really depends on where you are in Georgia. Elevation, distance from the coast, and local climate all shape the weather you experience.
Weather in Northern Georgia
In the mountains and foothills, afternoons run cooler and nights can feel chilly compared to the rest of the state. Highs usually land in the upper 70s to low 80s °F, and lows drop into the upper 50s or low 60s °F.
Humidity is lower up here, so outdoor activities are more comfortable. Scattered showers or isolated storms still happen, mostly in the afternoon.
If you’re hiking or camping, bring light layers for those cool evenings. Fog sometimes forms in valleys in the morning, which can cut visibility on mountain roads.
Weather in Central Georgia
Central Georgia runs warmer, with highs in the mid to upper 80s °F and lows in the mid to upper 60s °F. Humidity is higher than up north, making afternoons feel sticky, especially when clouds hang around.
Rain is still common. You’ll likely see a thunderstorm about one out of every three days. These storms bring quick, heavy rain, but they usually don’t last long.
You get about 12.5 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time for outdoor plans. If you’re heading to events or traveling, remember that heat and humidity build by midday and ease off in the evening.
Weather in Southern Georgia
Southern Georgia gets the hottest weather during Labor Day. Highs often climb into the upper 80s to near 90°F, and lows stay in the low 70s °F.
Nights are warm, and humidity is higher than in the rest of the state.
Rain chances go up here, especially near the coast. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and sometimes stronger than those farther inland.
Coastal areas like Savannah usually see more rain, averaging over 4 inches during September.
If you’re heading to the beach or barrier islands, expect ocean water near the mid-80s °F. Muggy air is typical, so plan on taking breaks in the shade or indoors to stay cool.
Labor Day Weather in Major Cities
Labor Day in Georgia usually brings hot afternoons, mild nights, and scattered showers. Coastal areas feel more humid, while inland cities can run hotter during the day.
Atlanta
Atlanta often sees warm to hot afternoons with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Humidity can make it feel even warmer, especially by mid-afternoon.
Nights cool off to the upper 60s or low 70s, which is a relief after a hot day.
Showers are common, but storms tend to be brief and scattered. You might get a quick shower late in the day, often thanks to summer heat and moisture.
These storms can dump heavy rain for a bit, but they usually clear out fast.
If you’re headed to outdoor events like festivals or sports games, bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a small umbrella. It’s better to be ready for both sun and a passing shower.
Savannah
Savannah’s spot on the coast means Labor Day weather feels more humid than inland Georgia. Highs usually reach the upper 80s to near 90, but the heat index can push into the mid to upper 90s.
Nights stay warm, with lows around 70 to 74 degrees.
Sea breezes sometimes bring in clouds and scattered showers. These showers don’t last long, but they can be heavy.
Thunderstorms are also possible, especially late in the afternoon.
Beach trips are super popular this time of year, so expect strong sun, high humidity, and a good chance of a quick downpour.
Packing light rain gear and plenty of water just makes sense if you’ll be outside for a while.
Other Notable Cities
Augusta’s Labor Day weather usually matches the state average. Highs sit in the upper 80s, and nights drop to the upper 60s.
Rainfall is usually light, but the occasional storm can still pop up.
Macon tends to run a bit hotter, with highs often hitting the low 90s. Humidity stays high, and brief afternoon showers are pretty normal.
Athens sees weather a lot like Atlanta, with warm afternoons and mild nights. Outdoor activities are big here, but you’ll want to watch for a passing storm.
| City | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 88–91 | 68–72 | Moderate |
| Savannah | 87–90 | 70–74 | Moderate-High |
| Augusta | 87–89 | 67–70 | Low-Moderate |
| Macon | 89–92 | 68–71 | Moderate |
| Athens | 88–90 | 67–71 | Moderate |
Daylight and Sunshine Around Labor Day
Early September in Georgia brings long days, plenty of daylight, and a pretty good shot at sunny skies. Sunlight and clouds can definitely affect your outdoor plans, especially if you’re visiting parks, lakes, or the coast.
Average Hours of Daylight
Around Labor Day, you’ll get 12 to 12.5 hours of daylight across Georgia. Atlanta averages about 12.3 hours, and Savannah is right there too at 12.3 hours.
Sunrise usually happens around 7:10 AM, and sunset lands near 7:45 PM.
The days are still long enough for outdoor fun, but you’ll notice daylight slowly shrinking compared to midsummer.
Here’s a quick look:
| City | Early Sept Daylight |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | ~12.3 hours |
| Savannah | ~12.3 hours |
Since daylight is pretty even across the state, you don’t really need to adjust plans when traveling north or south. There’s enough time for both morning and evening activities.
Probability of Clear Skies
Cloud cover in Georgia depends on where you are, but early September usually brings a moderate to high chance of clear skies. In Atlanta, skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 65% of the time.
Savannah is a bit lower at around 56%.
You’re more likely than not to see sunshine during the day, though afternoon showers can still pop up, especially down south.
Clearer skies happen more in north and central Georgia, while the coast sees more humidity and clouds. Still, the weather is usually good for outdoor gatherings, pool days, and sightseeing.
If you’re planning something outside, mornings and early afternoons usually have the best visibility before those quick showers might roll through.
Travel Considerations for Labor Day Weekend
Traffic and weather both shape how your holiday weekend goes. If you know when to plan outdoor activities and how to prepare for changing conditions, you’ll dodge delays and stay comfortable.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Georgia’s Labor Day weather usually means warm afternoons, cooler mornings, and a few passing showers. If you want to get outside, mornings or early evenings are your best bet—temps are lower and humidity isn’t as rough.
Saturday often brings the highest chance of rain, while Sunday and Monday are usually a bit drier.
If you’re planning barbecues, hikes, or outdoor sports, try to start earlier in the day to avoid those pop-up showers.
For travel, leaving early in the morning usually means lighter traffic on highways. The Georgia Department of Transportation often suspends lane closures for the holiday, but traffic can still pile up fast in metro Atlanta and on major routes.
Heading out before mid-morning helps you avoid the worst of it.
Popular spots—parks, lakes, beaches—get busiest in the afternoon. If you like smaller crowds, go before noon or later in the evening.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
Labor Day in Georgia can throw some quick weather curveballs, so it’s smart to prepare for both sun and rain. Just toss an umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket in your bag, and you’ll dodge those scattered showers without much fuss.
If you’re hitting the road for a long drive, make sure you check the forecast for your whole route. Rain cuts visibility and slows traffic, especially on the interstate.
Give yourself extra time and keep a safe distance from other cars when the roads get slick.
Airports get busy this weekend, too. Afternoon storms often delay flights at Atlanta’s airport, so picking a morning departure can help you avoid the hassle.
When you pack, go for breathable clothes for those warm afternoons. Toss in a light layer for evenings, since it often dips into the 60s after sunset, especially up north.
Comparing Labor Day to Other Times of Year
Labor Day in Georgia usually marks the start of a change from peak summer heat to something milder and a bit drier. You’ll spot some patterns that make this holiday stand out from the blazing days of July or the calmer, cooler weather later in the fall.
How Labor Day Weather Differs from Summer
Early September brings a break from the extreme highs of midsummer. In July, average highs in much of Georgia often hit the mid-90s °F, and the humidity? It makes everything feel even hotter.
By Labor Day, you’ll see highs land closer to the upper 80s.
Rainfall changes, too. July tends to be one of the wettest months, packed with afternoon storms.
By Labor Day, the average rainfall usually drops off. Augusta, for example, averages only about a tenth of an inch of rain on the holiday, compared to those several inches in July.
If you’re planning something outdoors, this difference actually matters. You still need to watch out for heat, but the odds of a total rainout are lower.
Mornings and evenings might even feel pleasant for once, especially if you’re up in the northern part of the state.
Transition to Autumn Weather
Labor Day usually brings the first hints of fall. Across much of Georgia, average highs drop into the low to mid-80s.
At night, the lows sink into the upper 60s, and in the mountains, it can get even cooler. Honestly, that shift makes being outside way more comfortable.
Humidity starts to back off too. You’ll notice more days with lower dew points, so the air doesn’t feel nearly as sticky.
That change really matters if you’re hiking, heading to a football game, or just hanging out in the backyard.
The holiday kind of sits right between two seasons. Summer’s warmth still hangs around during the day, but shorter daylight hours and cooler nights start to hint at autumn.
It’s a weirdly perfect mix, making this time of year feel just right for planning things outside.