The climate of Chesapeake
Situated in the mid-southern region of
Virginia,
Chesapeake's climate is classified as Cfa, according to the Köppen climate classification. This indicates a humid subtropical climate with no significant dry season. The area sees a broad range of monthly averages in terms of climatic variables.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate between a low of about 34.7°F (1.5°C) in the coldest month to a high of 86.4°F (30.2°C) during the warmest month. The recorded relative humidity averages 75%, exhibiting minor variations throughout the year. Precipitation also varies, ranging from a low of 1.3" (33mm) in the driest month to a peak of 2.52" (64mm) in the wettest month. Chesapeake experiences only minor snowfall, reaching a maximum of 0.47" (12mm) in the snowiest month.
City is blessed with approximately 5.5 hours to 10.9 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year and has long daylight hours ranging from 9.7 hours to 14.7 hours. With a medium UV index ranging from 2 to 7, and a fair visibility of 6 miles, it can be inferred that the weather in Chesapeake is generally clear and sunny.
The best time to visit Chesapeake
The best period to visit
Chesapeake is typically during late spring to early summer. During this time, temperatures range from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 81.9°F (27.7°C), providing optimum weather conditions suitable for outdoor activities. In addition, rainfall is comparably less during these months, averaging between 1.46" (37mm) and 1.81" (46mm), making it an ideal period for touring and sightseeing without any significant rainfall interruption.
The worst time to visit Chesapeake
Potentially less favourable for tourism, the months from
July to
August witness the highest temperatures in
Chesapeake, reaching up to 86.4°F (30.2°C). Moreover, these are also the months experiencing the maximum rainfall, potentially causing disruptions to outdoor activities. Therefore, if the objective is a visit filled with outdoor experiences, these months may prove to be less than ideal.
Spring weather in Chesapeake
Chesapeake's spring months, shifting from chilly to mildly warm, observe temperatures between 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C). Spring also indicates relatively low rainfall, beginning with an average of 1.3" (33mm) in
March and culminating at an average of 1.46" (37mm) in
May. Sunshine hours increase starting from 6.9 hours in March to 9.6 hours in May, complimented by longer daylight hours, ranging between 12 hours and 13.2 hours during this period.
Summer weather in Chesapeake
Summers in
Chesapeake stretch from
June to
August, characterised by rising temperatures and increased humidity. The temperature during these months varies between 81.9°F (27.7°C) and 86.4°F (30.2°C), arguably the warmest period of the year. Despite the high temperatures, the region enjoys long hours of sunshine from 10.8 hours to 10.9 hours, and extended daylight hours, from 14.4 to 14.7 hours. However, these sunny days come with a significant increase in rainfall, reaching a peak of 2.52" (64mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Chesapeake
Autumn in
Chesapeake witnesses a decline in temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. This period sees temperatures averaging between 69.8°F (21°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C) while the rainfall averages reduce from 2.28" (58mm) in
September to 1.1" (28mm) towards late
November. The city receives sunlight for about 9.4 hours to 5.7 hours with shorter daylight hours, descending from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Chesapeake
Winter in
Chesapeake, between
December and
February, is characterised by the lowest temperatures of the year, fluctuating within the range of 34.7°F (1.5°C) to 49.1°F (9.5°C). Rainfall averages somewhat steady during these months, ranging from 1.42" (36mm) to 1.46" (37mm). Despite the reduced temperatures, this season still receives a respectable amount of sunshine, from 5.4 hours to 5.5 hours per day, alongside shorter daylight hours, between 9.7 hours and 10.9 hours. Winter also brings minimal snowfall in Chesapeake, peaking at 0.47" (12mm) in December.
Weather in January
The onset of the year in
Chesapeake,
Virginia, USA finds the weather decidedly in winter's grip. Temperatures edge between 34.7°F (1.5°C) and 45.9°F (7.7°C), the month's characteristic chills contributing to an overall sense of crispness.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Chesapeake continues to experience winter weather, although conditions gradually begin to change. Average temperatures do rise slightly, yet the atmosphere retains its inherent chilliness from the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the start of meteorological spring, introducing noticeably warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours to
Chesapeake. The presence of winter continues its steady retreat, giving way to an increasingly temperate climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Chesapeake's weather in
April demonstrates significant signs of transition from a cooler to a warmer environment. The month arrives without any snowfall, effectively marking an end to the winter season. Temperatures rise consistently, and notably, rainfall begins to increase.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As spring progresses further in
Chesapeake,
May brings mild temperatures, creating an inviting outdoor environment. The effect of the Atlantic's warming waters is felt inland, thanks to a significant jump in sea temperatures up to 61.6°F (16.4°C).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June demonstrates classic
Chesapeake summer weather with warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. The increase in heat is matched by a corresponding rise in humidity, creating the familiar muggy summer ambience. Additionally, the UV index steps up to a strong 6, tying with
May and joining the summer triumvirate of UV-peak months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the quintessential
Chesapeake summer, registering as the month with the highest average temperature at a scorching 86.4°F (30.2°C). Balmy days, heavy with heat, create the perfect backdrop for all manner of summer outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Chesapeake’s weather in
August carries on the high-caliber heat of
July, with lofty temperatures encompassing this month. The sea temperature reaching its yearly zenith at 80°F (26.7°C) provides an appealing antidote to the omnipresent heat on the land.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Chesapeake marks the onset of meteorological fall, soothing the summer's heat with milder temperatures. Yet, it is notable for its ideal blend of weather elements, with both the land and sea temperatures in the comfortably warm 70s°F region.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, autumn establishes itself more firmly in
Chesapeake, bringing about an evident drop in temperatures. The onset of a visibly cooler climate is complemented by the city's scenic transformation, as flora explodes into rockstar hues of orange, red, and yellow.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Chesapeake ushers in a noticeably cooler climate, pushing temperatures further towards winter's realm. The abrupt departure from milder temperatures that started in
October leads to a muted landscape, as autumn's color palette slowly fades away.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December in
Chesapeake witnesses the onset of winter, with a marked decline in temperatures. Steep dips in the mercury and shorter daylight hours firmly establish the wintry milieu, with the city preparing for year-end festivities.
Weather in December »