Nothing says bundled-up, frosty winter majesty like… a trip to Atlanta?
The Capital of the American South, known for a cheesy nickname that literally contains the word “hot,” is actually a top place to visit during the year’s coldest months, according to personal finance website WalletHub.
Analysts have declared ATL the No. 1 cold-weather landing spot in the new Best Winter Holiday Destinations in 2026 report, which ranked 69 metropolitan areas across the country. (Thankfully, quality of ice-skating rinks was not a major factor.)
The study found that, despite spiked gas prices and a wobbly economy, 40 percent of Americans are still planning to travel this winter. WalletHub’s analysts focused on destinations with attractive “cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty,” ranking each city on 37 key metrics.
Factors ranged from the expense and hassle of traveling to each location to the amount of winter activities offered, general safety, and prospect of good weather forecasts.
WalletHub
A relatively rare blanket of snow on Midtown in 2018. Shutterstock
The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta metro finished first in two categories—“Activities” and “Travel Costs and Hassles”—and second in “Weather,” which was good for No. 1 overall, per the study.
Analysts noted ATL “doesn’t get quite as chilly as some of the other cities on the list” but counts “a large number of attractions and an especially high number of shopping centers, spas, food festivals, and restaurants per capita,” along with relatively inexpensive direct flights. The metro also ranks in the top half of destinations when it comes to vacation safety.
The runner-up this year, Chicago, shines in the realms of overall attractions (No. 1) and cold-weather activities (No. 2), but the weather ranking (No. 23) wasn’t top-notch.
Metro Las Vegas, meanwhile, took the top spot for winter U.S. destinations considered warm weather.
WalletHub
As far as a method for weather designations, WalletHub set the bar for “cold” places at 50-year average December temperatures at or below 46 degrees, and “warm” with the same temps at or above 57 degrees.
When you combine average highs and overnight lows in December, Atlanta squeaks into the “cold” category—believe it or not. Although, yes, Christmas shopping in T-shirts isn’t uncommon here.
In the gallery above, take a quick trip down a snowy, intown ATL memory lane after the city’s last serious snowfall.
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