by Atlanta, Georgia — While many parts of the country are still dreaming of a white Christmas, metro Atlanta is preparing for something very different this year: near-record warmth on Christmas Day. Forecasts show temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages, putting this holiday on track to rank among the hottest Christmas Days in Atlanta history.
Meteorologists say the unusual warmth is part of a broader Southeast weather pattern that will keep temperatures elevated through the holiday week.
Atlanta’s Christmas forecast points to the low 70s
As of the latest outlook, Atlanta is forecast to reach around 72 degrees on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, far warmer than what residents typically expect for late December.
Historically, Atlanta’s average Christmas Day high sits in the mid-50s, making this year’s forecast roughly 15 degrees above normal.
If the forecast holds, Christmas 2025 will land squarely among the city’s warmest Dec. 25s on record.
Ten-day outlook shows sustained warmth
The warmth won’t be limited to Christmas alone. Atlanta’s extended forecast shows mild conditions continuing for several days before and after the holiday.
Here’s what residents can expect over the next 10 days:
- Dec. 19: High 54 / Low 30, sunny
- Dec. 20: High 64 / Low 42, sunny
- Dec. 21: High 66 / Low 36, partly sunny
- Dec. 22: High 58 / Low 36, partly sunny
- Dec. 23: High 64 / Low 50, partly sunny
- Christmas Eve: High 72 / Low 51, partly sunny
- Christmas Day: High 72 / Low 52, partly sunny
- Dec. 26: High 72 / Low 51, mostly cloudy
- Dec. 27: High 71 / Low 50, partly sunny
- Dec. 28: High 62 / Low 41, partly sunny
The forecast suggests only modest overnight cooling, keeping conditions mild even after sunset.
Christmas could crack Atlanta’s top 10 warmest
Atlanta has a long history of unusually warm Christmas Days, and this year could join that list.
If temperatures reach the low 70s, Christmas 2025 would rank among the Top 10 hottest Christmas Days ever recorded in Atlanta.
Here are the current top 10:
- 2015: 75 degrees
- 2016: 74 degrees
- 1987: 72 degrees
- 1982: 71 degrees
- 1955: 70 degrees
- 1932: 70 degrees
- 2021: 69 degrees
- 1964: 69 degrees
- 1971: 66 degrees
- 1944: 66 degrees
A high of 72 degrees would tie the city’s third-warmest Christmas Day on record.
Atlanta’s Christmas weather extremes
Atlanta’s holiday weather history shows just how dramatic conditions can be from year to year.
The coldest Christmas Day ever recorded in the city came in 1983, when temperatures plunged to 0 degrees. That event remains a stark contrast to this year’s forecast warmth.
Snow, while rare, has made appearances. The snowiest Christmas Day occurred in 2010, when 1.3 inches of snow covered the ground.
Rain has also played a role in past holidays. In 1945, Atlanta experienced its wettest Christmas Day, with more than 2 inches of rain, leading to localized flooding.
Why the warmth is happening
Weather experts point to persistent high-pressure systems across the Southeast, which are allowing warm air to dominate while colder Arctic air remains locked farther north.
This pattern is preventing strong cold fronts from pushing into Georgia, resulting in spring-like conditions during what is typically one of the coldest weeks of the year.
While long-range forecasts can still change slightly, confidence is growing that Christmas Day will feel more like early fall than winter.
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What the warm Christmas means for residents
The mild weather could benefit holiday travel, reducing the risk of icy roads or winter-related delays across metro Atlanta.
However, the warmth may also feel jarring for those hoping for a traditional holiday atmosphere. Outdoor gatherings, walks, and travel plans should be comfortable — though sweaters may be optional.
Forecasters say it’s still wise to keep an eye on updates, but significant cold or winter precipitation is not expected around Christmas.
A holiday that breaks the mold
Atlanta’s Christmas weather has always been unpredictable, and this year is shaping up to be another reminder of that reality.
With temperatures possibly rivaling records set decades ago, Christmas 2025 could go down as one of the warmest holiday celebrations the city has ever seen.
Whether residents embrace the sunshine or miss the chill, one thing is clear: Atlanta’s Christmas will be anything but cold.
What do you think about a warm Christmas in Atlanta — festive or strange? Share your thoughts in the comments.
