Major city · United States
Cordele
Skip Cordele unless you need a quick I-75 stop or are visiting Lake Blackshear. Half a day is enough: see the Titan missile and Georgia Veterans State Park.
Cordele is a small town on I-75 in central Georgia, known as the 'Watermelon Capital of the World.' Its main draws are a Cold War Titan I missile display and Georgia Veterans State Park on Lake Blackshear. Most travellers pass through without stopping; it works as a 30-minute break or a picnic lunch stop.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid)
- Airports
- MCN · ABY
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cordele911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cordele, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCordele is generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMCN Middle Georgia Regional Airport (About 35 min north; limited flights.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner$15–25
- Budget bedBudget chain hotel (e.g., Suburban Studios), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBudget chain hotel (e.g., Suburban Studios), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedBudget chain hotel (e.g., Suburban Studios), a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MCN Middle Georgia Regional Airport (About 35 min north; limited flights.) · ABY Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (About 40 min south; limited flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Oct (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cordele: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. I-75 runs north–south; US-280 goes east–west. Parking is free at all sights.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Drive west on US-280, about 30 min
Visit the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
Door to door: About 35 min
Drive west on US-280, about 25 min
Historic downtown and Habitat for Humanity Global Village.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive north on I-75, about 45 min
Cherry blossoms, museums and the Ocmulgee Mounds.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive west on US-280, about 1 h
Whitewater rafting and the National Infantry Museum.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
I-75 corridor
Chain hotels near exit 101; best for a one-night stop.
Georgia Veterans State Park
Campground and cabins on Lake Blackshear; book ahead.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range chain hotel (e.g., Best Western)1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$37 |
| Trip total≈ US$204 per person per day, bed included | US$407 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Fast-food meal | $8–12 |
| Sit-down dinner | $15–25 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3–4 |
| Georgia Veterans State Park parking | $5 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity can be intense; carry water.
- Georgia Veterans State Park charges a parking fee (check).
- The Watermelon Festival in June draws crowds; book accommodation early.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CordeleCordele
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest US consulate is in Atlanta (check). Most foreign embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I-75 exit 101 to downtown: About 2 miles, free parking.
- Cordele to Plains (drive): About 30 min, US-280 west.
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (hello)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (where is the restroom)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cordele. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Georgia Veterans State Park and the Titan I Missile with hours and fees.
- Eat pages for local barbecue and watermelon stands.
- Seasonal event page for the Watermelon Festival.
Sources
Ask about Cordele
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