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Atlanta's location about 1,000 feet above sea level and 33 degrees north of the Equator makes for a generally moderate climate, seldom bitterly cold in winter, generally pleasant (often gloriously so) in spring and fall. The period from June to September, however, can bring stifling subtropical heat and humidity, particularly in July and August when average daytime temperatures climb into the high 80s. The city's rapid growth in recent decades has made Atlanta summers even more oppressive as roads and buildings absorb and hold the heat.

If you have a choice, it's best to avoid visiting during the hottest summer months unless you're prepared to brave the sticky conditions outdoors, or don't mind spending much of your time in air-conditioned indoor spaces. If your visit does coincide with summer weather, it's important to plan your transportation carefully. MARTA trains do have air conditioning, but an otherwise pleasant walk from the station to your hotel or other destination can leave you drenched in sweat on a typical summer day. Alternatives include renting a car, shelling out for taxis or simply avoiding outdoor excursions when the sun is most intense.

Fortunately the city offers plenty of shopping malls (including the subterranean Underground Atlanta complex), museums and other places where you can seek refuge from the midday sun. There's also a fun public fountain at Centennial Olympic Park where you can splash through 251 water jets laid out like the interlaced rings of the Olympic Games logo. But check their web site (www.centennialpark.co) to make sure the fountains are operating before you set off, as drought conditions may halt the water.

Summer is also a great time to explore Atlanta's active nightlife, as locals and visitors alike emerge around suppertime to enjoy the warm summer evenings out on the town.