Climate and monthly weather forecast
Virginia, USA

Virginia has a humid subtropical type of climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) in the majority of the state. The climate is humid continental (Köppen Dfa) and oceanic (Köppen Cfb) in the mountains west of the Blue Ridge. Virginia lies in the southeastern part of the United States and is a Mid-Atlantic state. North Carolina to the south, Tennessee to the southwest, Kentucky to the west, West Virginia to the north and west, Maryland and Washington D.C. to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east share borders with the state. The Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream, and the Appalachian and the Blue Ridge Mountains wield significant influence on the climate.

Virginia, the Old Dominion State, has an average elevation of 290 meters, with the highest elevation of 1746 meters at Mount Rogers. The Chesapeake Bay separates the Eastern Shore from the contiguous portion of the state and drains major rivers, including the Potomac and the York. The Tidewater region is a coastal plain between the Atlantic coast and the Bay Area. The Piedmont region lies to the east of the mountains and consists of rocky foothills. Towards the west of the Appalachians, lies the Ridge and Valley region. The southwest corner of Virginia hosts the Cumberland Plateau and the Cumberland Mountains.

The best time to visit Virginia is usually from April in mid-spring to October in autumn, including the summer. April is drier than May, and the snowfall is negligible in the majority of the state by the end of March. Summers are hot and humid, and thunderstorms contribute a high percentage of the rainfall. The bright sunshine and long days attract many tourists, and the growing season is in full swing. Autumn is colorful and mild in the first half, with fewer incidences of hurricanes and storms. There are many festivals in the bright summer and mild fall seasons.

The worst time to visit Virginia is during the cold winter season from December to February. The cold is numbing, and mercury readings below 15°F (-9.4°C) are common in the mountains. The snowfall is significant, if not massive, especially in the western Blue Ridge Mountains. The coastal plains are warmer than the interior but regularly record freezing nights. Snowstorms occasionally occur in the cold season and deposit heavy snow. Wind speeds cross 70mph (112.7km/h) during the Nor'easters that sweep the coast. The winter season sees the lowest number of visitors in the year.

Spring in Virginia is a season of transition. Early spring can be wet and chilly, but as the season progresses, temperatures begin to rise, providing a reprieve from the winter cold. Late May is characterized by a second peak in rainfall. Flora across the state starts to bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant hues. While occasional rainy days are expected, the weather is generally conducive for outdoor activities.

Virginia's summers are synonymous with warmth and humidity. In July, the temperatures can soar, with the mercury often reaching a sweltering 86°F (30°C). Southern and eastern regions are particularly susceptible to these higher temperatures. Though summer is the wettest season, it's interspersed with long, sunny days. Thunderstorms frequently contribute to the seasonal precipitation, occasionally offering a brief respite from the heat.

Autumn ushers in a symphony of colors across Virginia. The early part of the season remains mild, but as weeks pass, temperatures begin to dip, introducing the forthcoming winter chill. Rainfall decreases during this period, making outdoor explorations more enjoyable. Virginia's foliage during this season is nothing short of spectacular, with trees donning shades of orange, red, and gold.

Winters in Virginia can be a stark contrast to its warm summers. Temperatures regularly plummet, reaching a frigid 26°F (-3.3°C) during January's peak. While coastal regions experience milder conditions, areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains bear the full force of winter, often facing temperatures below the freezing mark. Snow is a regular feature from December to March, with the amount varying greatly based on the region. The Appalachians, for instance, can record over 100" (2540mm) of snow in a year.

January in Virginia is characterized by its cold and often frigid temperatures, standing out as one of the coldest months of the year. While coastal areas may experience slightly milder conditions, the mountains, especially the northern Blue Ridge Mountains, are exposed to the most intense cold. Weather in January »

February in Virginia, similar to January, is marked by its cold conditions. The wintry grip remains firm over the state, although the end of the month might hint at the approaching change of seasons. The state's diverse topography ensures varied weather patterns across its regions, with colder temperatures persisting in the mountainous areas. The average low temperature in February slightly increases from January, although not by much. Weather in February »

March signals the onset of spring in Virginia, bringing with it a gradual warming trend. The month stands as a transitional period, a bridge between the cold winter days of January and February and the upcoming mildness of April. Weather in March »

April in Virginia is synonymous with a full-fledged spring. The state, which has by now largely left behind the coldness of winter, witnesses an increasingly warmer and vibrant landscape. It's a month of renewal, with nature fully awakening and showcasing its myriad colors. In April, temperatures see a more significant jump. Weather in April »

Virginia's progression into late spring during May is evident through its warmer days, blossoming landscapes, and occasional rain showers. The state, bathed in sunlight and alive with the sounds of nature, exudes an allure that attracts both residents and visitors to its outdoor attractions. The temperature in May sees another uplift from April. Weather in May »

June marks the beginning of summer in Virginia, introducing warmer temperatures, longer days, and the anticipation of summer vacations. As the gateway to the hottest season of the year, the state's climate changes noticeably, favoring sun-soaked days interspersed with occasional rain showers. In June, temperatures take a definitive leap towards the hotter spectrum. Weather in June »

July in Virginia sits at the heart of summer, showcasing the state in its most heated and lively phase. Sunlit days dominate, bringing with them an atmosphere of festivity and outdoor adventure. It's a time when Virginia's landscapes, from its beaches to its mountains, are abuzz with activity. Temperature-wise, July stands as one of the hottest months for Virginia. Weather in July »

August in Virginia, much like July, is bathed in the warmth of summer but starts hinting at the approaching transition to fall by its end. The state's landscapes, whether coastal or mountainous, resonate with the hum of summer activities, though there's a gradual slow down as the month progresses. Temperatures in August are still relatively high, but they begin to show a slight decrease as the month advances. Weather in August »

September in Virginia is a month of transition, a beautiful amalgamation of summer's end and the dawn of autumn. As the month progresses, the sweltering heat begins to wane, replaced by crisper air and an emerging kaleidoscope of fall colors in the state's diverse landscapes. The temperature in September sees a significant shift. Weather in September »

October in Virginia heralds the true essence of fall, bringing with it a tapestry of vibrant hues, cooler temperatures, and a certain tranquility that contrasts with the fervor of summer. As deciduous trees turn shades of amber, crimson, and gold, the state’s landscapes transform into a painter's palette. The drop in temperature is more pronounced during October. Weather in October »

As Virginia steps into November, the fall colors reach their zenith before giving way to the impending winter. The atmosphere is imbued with a mix of nostalgia for the fading autumn and anticipation for the approaching cold season. Weather in November »

With December's arrival, Virginia fully immerses itself in the winter season. The landscape is dominated by barren trees, frost-kissed mornings, and, in certain areas, a blanket of snow that lends a silent beauty to the surroundings. Weather in December »