Atlanta falls within the Eastern Time Zone (abbreviated as EDT). This time zone shifts forward or backward twice yearly for daylight savings purposes, currently setting clocks one hour ahead of GMT/UTC. The following change will take effect on November 5, 2023, at 2:00 am local time.
Use our World Time Zone Converter to quickly access current time anywhere around the globe.
Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Now that spring has officially arrived, it’s time to change to Daylight Saving Time (DST). DST begins the first Sunday in March and runs through November’s last Sunday, giving us more daylight during evening hours and one extra hour of sleep!
Switching your clock forward can be inconvenient, but research suggests it may relieve people suffering from seasonal depression or anxiety. DST also has economic benefits by increasing store sales and restaurant revenue. But its effects can differ depending on location and individual circumstances – so before altering your clock, it is wise to consider your requirements before making this change.
DST (Daylight Saving Time) is an energy conservation measure implemented in many countries or regions to take advantage of increased sunlight during evening hours and reduce consumption, leading to more sunlight during these evening hours and ultimately cutting energy usage by cutting energy consumption costs. Unfortunately, however, Daylight Saving Time also poses risks, such as an increased risk of car accidents and injuries, among other adverse side effects.
Many states are looking into permanent daylight saving time, which requires an act of Congress for implementation. One recent bill sponsored by Sen. Ben Watson of Savannah (R) to exempt Georgia from daylight savings time failed in its House Energy and Commerce Committee vote; instead, it will now be assigned to another chairwoman after the 2021 legislative session ends.
Most of the United States and approximately 40% of the world population observe DST; Arizona and Hawaii do not. There have been proposals to do away with DST entirely. However, these did not gain support within Congress; any change would require amending the Uniform Time Act before any impactful change would occur. Currently, 19 states have passed laws or resolutions permitting them to stay on DST year-round if Congress approves.
Summer Time
Summer in Atlanta can be hot and humid. Temperatures typically hit over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime, rarely reaching 100. But still warm enough for outdoor activities like visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden or strolling along the Beltline.
Atlanta experiences its peak tourist season from May through September, when many festivals and other attractions occur. Due to this massive draw of people to these events, hotels should be booked well in advance. However, the heat may prove uncomfortable for some visitors who are unaccustomed to being exposed to its intensity.
Though rainfall occurs throughout the year in Atlanta, it rarely interferes with daily life or causes much disruption to daily routines. Autumn brings pleasant temperatures with cool air that remains dry for visitors who wish to visit at a reduced cost. This season also offers the best value.
During the summer, temperatures average an average high temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures average 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainfall averages 0.24 inches daily.
Atlanta experiences wind fluctuations throughout the year. The most prevalent direction for wind in Atlanta is from the northeast from October 19 – December 3, then from the southwest between August 10 – January 1. On average, hourly wind speed averages out to be 4.4 miles per hour.
At 22:00 local time on March 12th, 2023, clocks in Atlanta were advanced one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. Sunrise and sunset now occur one hour later than usual for 7.8 months until November 5th, when they return to standard time.
Winter temperatures average 54 degrees Fahrenheit with lows around 29. Rainfall averages 1.22 inches daily, while snowfall typically occurs only four nights annually. Still, Atlanta makes for an enjoyable visit any time of year – its tree canopy makes for beautiful fall colors when leaves change color!
Winter Time
Atlanta experiences mild temperatures throughout its winter months. Average daytime temperatures generally range from around 57 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit; it features humid subtropical weather with heat waves occasionally occurring during the summer season; in contrast, rainfall falls only three times every month on average.
Atlanta experiences its coldest temperatures during January; snowfall can sometimes occur, though this event has become rarer. Since 2018, no significant snowfalls have been shared here despite below-freezing temperatures lasting 48 days of the winter season.
Visiting Atlanta during winter (December to March) can be ideal, with hotels being less costly and flight prices often more competitive. Plus, taking advantage of cooler temperatures means discovering all the city offers!
Atlanta hosts numerous cultural events each February. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival typically runs for two weeks around mid-month; at the same time, Black History Month provides an opportunity to discover more of Atlanta and its rich history and vibrant population.
Atlanta transitioned to daylight savings time at 2:00 AM local time on Sunday, March 12th. Springtime brings brighter mornings and later sunsets, while fall brings Indian summer-esque weather conditions with plenty of sunshine before finally coming to a close with winter’s arrival in November.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
UTC (Universal Time Control) is the global standard for timekeeping, used across technical fields such as aviation and meteorology and to synchronize computers across the Internet. UTC was the successor to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), previously the international time standard for astronomical observations.
Most of the world’s population lives within time zones that are either one or two hours ahead or behind UTC, though exact figures vary by country. Most time zones express whole numbers; there may be exceptions where time zones differ by 30 to 45 minutes due to seasonal adjustments such as daylight saving time.
Some individuals misappropriate the term “UTC” to refer to a specific time zone rather than to global standard time, creating confusion for those using the Internet to conduct business or interact with people from other countries. For instance, two companies in Seattle might communicate via email, with one in Dublin at 8 hours behind Dublin (meaning the Seattle company would receive messages on Sunday evening instead of Monday morning).
Time zones are divided into 24 segments, though there can be variations between them in how much each piece varies from another. For instance, some time zones don’t use daylight savings and stay the same all year round, while others shift by up to an hour in the summer months.
Most of the United States, Canada, Caribbean islands, and parts of Central America fall within the Eastern Time Zone (EDT), four hours ahead of UTC during winter time and changing by one hour for daylight saving time.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), in effect since 1972 and replacing Greenwich Mean Time as the official international reference point for timekeeping, is widely utilized worldwide. Coordinated Universal Time does not take into account Daylight Saving Time changes, unlike GMT which is also commonly referred to as UTC.
