Greetings fellow /out/ists

I'm planning an action packed hiking trip to the US to celebrate me finishing college, and because of the fact that this might be my last 3 month vacations since I'd have to find a job once I'm back and also start my post graduate.

Problem is I'm from the southern hemisphere, so I can only take this vacations from late december to late march, which of course means winter. Since during winter doing the PCT is not an option, I thought of doing the southern half of the AT.

Is this a good idea? if so then:

>How far can I get in 2 months if I start from Georgia?
>How much money should I bring?
>How will the climatic conditions be in january-february? (cold, snow, rain, etc)
>Should I be worried about the wildlife I might encounter?
>How many people might I encounter on the trail in that time of the year?

Thanks in advance and please advice me on anything I might not be considering.