Christmas Climatology for North and Central Georgia

Are you wondering what kind of weather we experience on Christmas in our area? How hot can it get? How cold has it been? Do we ever get white Christmases? Well, this page will answer these questions!

The average high temperatures on Christmas Day across our area range from the mid 40s across north Georgia to the mid 50s across central Georgia. Average low temperatures range from the mid 20s in north Georgia to the mid 40s in central Georgia. Refer to the maps below for the average highs and lows across north and central Georgia.

We have seen temperatures a lot colder and a lot warmer than our averages, though! Highs have been as warm as the 70s and lows as cold as the single digits! See the table below for record highs and lows on Christmas across our area.

Although Christmas is often dry, some rainy Christmases have occurred. The heaviest rainfall recorded on Christmas Day at climate recording sites in north Georgia has exceeded 2 inches. The record rainfall amounts for the date are in the following table.

Even though some Christmases have been very cold in our area, snow on Christmas is extremely unusual. A trace of snow has only been recorded a handful of times at climate reporting sites in Georgia since record keeping began. The most recent and significant snowfall on Christmas Day was back in 2010. In the table below are statistics regarding snowfall recorded on Christmas in our region.

As far as other significant winter weather occurring on Christmas, an ice storm occurred in 1962 and affected parts of north and east Georgia. The Gainesville area experienced the most significant damage, with numerous trees and power lines downed and widespread power outages.

What About Severe Weather?

Christmas is typically quiet when it comes to severe weather. There have been tornadoes recorded in our area on Christmas Day, though. In 1964, an F2 tornado affected Crisp County in the afternoon hours, causing significant roof damage to the National Guard Armory. Furthermore, around midnight on December 26th, a strong F3 tornado affected Crawford, Jones, Baldwin, and Hancock counties. This tornado killed two people in Jones County and caused severe structural damage along its path. This episode was the most significant severe weather event recorded on or around Christmas Day in north or central Georgia.