Best Time for Outdoor Projects in Georgia

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.

How Georgia compares with other states

Atlanta has the 9th-longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (252 days). Atlanta has the 10th-fewest freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (36 a year). Atlanta is tied for the 14th-shortest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (4 good months).

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.

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.

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 (average highs Feb 58°F, Mar 66°F, Nov 64°F). 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 (average highs Feb 65°F, Dec 64°F). 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.

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 (average highs Mar 66°F, Nov 64°F). 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.

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 (average highs Jun 90°F, Aug 91°F, Sep 86°F). 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.

Lawn fertilizer forecast →

How the weather differs across Georgia

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).

Monthly weather in Atlanta

*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.

Monthly weather in Savannah