Climate - Norfolk (Virginia)

The climate of Norfolk is temperate, with relatively cold winters and hot, muggy summers, during which there are quite frequent thunderstorms.
The city is located in the eastern United States, along the Elizabeth River, and overlooks the canal called Hampton Roads, beyond which lies the Virginia peninsula, while to the north-east we find the Chesapeake Bay, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. North of the city and overlooking the bay is a small peninsula called Willoughby Spit, where a long sandy shoreline begins, which continues into the coastal area called Ocean View.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 5.7 °C (42 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 27.3 °C (81 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation amounts to 1,250 millimeters (49.2 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 75 mm (3 in) in the driest month (February) to 155 mm (6.1 in) in the wettest (July). Here is the average precipitation.

The winter, from December to February, is quite cold, however, different situations arise. There are mild periods, in which subtropical air masses prevail, and the temperature can even exceed 20 °C (68 °F).
On the other hand, there can be intense cold waves, during which the temperature can drop to -8/-10 °C (14/18 °F) or even below.
The record is -19.5 °C (-3 °F), recorded in January 1985.
Snow occurs every year, even though it snows less than in inland areas, and it takes several years to see a heavy snowfall. On average, 16 centimeters (6.2 inches) of snow fall per year.

The summer, from June to August, is hot and muggy, with an often unpleasant combination of temperature and humidity, although fortunately the breeze blows from the sea. The sun often shines, although cloud coverings can form, which can produce thunderstorms.
On the hottest days of the year, the temperature typically reaches 37/38 °C (99/100 °F). The record of the last decades is 40.5 °C (105 °F), recorded in July 2010.
Occasionally, between late summer and early autumn, Norfolk can be affected by hurricanes or their remnants. Hurricane season runs from June to November, although the period in which they are most likely is from August to October.
Although the city is located near the coast, and therefore is in theory at risk, it is rarely hit directly because hurricanes typically pass further south. However, in September 2003, Hurricane Isabel hit Virginia directly, bringing torrential rains and storm surges that damaged the coast.

In spring and autumn, from March to May and from September to November, the weather is variable. Spring is more unstable and rainier, while autumn is calmer.
At the end of May it can already be very hot, and in the first half of September there is often still summer-like heat.



On average, there are around 2,695 sunshine hours per year. The city receives a good amount of sunshine. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea temperature ranges between 9.5 °C (49 °F) and 26 °C (79 °F). The sea is warm enough for swimming from July to September, and it is all in all acceptable in June. Here are the average sea temperatures.

Best Time

The best periods to visit Norfolk are spring and autumn, to avoid both the winter cold and the summer heat, and in particular, from mid-April to mid-May and from mid-September to mid-October. In April, it can sometimes get cold and the weather can be unstable, especially at the beginning of the month, while the second half of the month is generally mild.
In autumn (usually, around late October), you can admire the beautiful colors of the trees losing their leaves (the phenomenon called fall foliage).

Norfolk - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

---

In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Norfolk is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.6 °C (42 °F), with a minimum of 0.9 °C (33.6 °F) and a maximum of 10.4 °C (50.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -7.5 °C (19 °F). However, it dropped to -15 °C (5 °F) in January 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it reached 27 °C (80.6 °F) in January 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 55% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In February, the weather in Norfolk is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 6.8 °C (44 °F), with a minimum of 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) and a maximum of 11.9 °C (53.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6 °C (21.5 °F). However, it dropped to -12.8 °C (9 °F) in February 2015.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 27.8 °C (82 °F) in February 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 57% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9.5 °C (49 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In March, the weather in Norfolk is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.4 °C (51 °F), with a minimum of 5.2 °C (41.3 °F) and a maximum of 15.6 °C (60.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2.5 °C (27.5 °F). However, it dropped to -8 °C (17.6 °F) in March 2009.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (80.5 °F). However, it reached 31.1 °C (88 °F) in March 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In April, the weather in Norfolk is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.6 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 10.1 °C (50.1 °F) and a maximum of 21.1 °C (70 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in April 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (87 °F). However, it reached 34 °C (93.2 °F) in April 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 64% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

---

In May, the weather in Norfolk is usually warm. The average temperature is of 20.1 °C (68 °F), with a minimum of 15.1 °C (59.1 °F) and a maximum of 25.2 °C (77.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.9 °C (39 °F) in May 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 37.2 °C (99 °F) in May 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (63 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In June, the weather in Norfolk is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 24.8 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.1 °C (68.1 °F) and a maximum of 29.6 °C (85.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13.5 °C (56 °F). However, it dropped to 10.6 °C (51.1 °F) in June 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (96 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in June 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 64% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (72 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

---

In July, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Norfolk is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.3 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 22.7 °C (72.8 °F) and a maximum of 31.9 °C (89.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18 °C (64.5 °F). However, it dropped to 13.9 °C (57 °F) in July 2001.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 37 °C (98.5 °F). However, it reached 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) in July 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 155 mm (6.1 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

---

In August, the weather in Norfolk is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.2 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 22 °C (71.6 °F) and a maximum of 30.5 °C (86.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it dropped to 13.9 °C (57 °F) in August 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95.5 °F). However, it reached 38.9 °C (102 °F) in August 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 150 mm (5.9 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (79 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

---

In September, the weather in Norfolk is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 23.3 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F) and a maximum of 27.4 °C (81.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13 °C (55.5 °F). However, it dropped to 9.4 °C (48.9 °F) in September 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 37.2 °C (99 °F) in September 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 135 mm (5.3 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

---

In October, the weather in Norfolk is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 12.8 °C (55.1 °F) and a maximum of 22.4 °C (72.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1 °C (33.8 °F) in October 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in October 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

---

In November, the weather in Norfolk is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.8 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 6.9 °C (44.4 °F) and a maximum of 16.7 °C (62.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30 °F). However, it dropped to -5 °C (23 °F) in November 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in November 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 58% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (61 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

---

In December, the weather in Norfolk is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 7.9 °C (46 °F), with a minimum of 3.1 °C (37.6 °F) and a maximum of 12.6 °C (54.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -4.5 °C (24 °F). However, it dropped to -9.4 °C (15.1 °F) in December 2004.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (73.5 °F). However, it reached 27.8 °C (82 °F) in December 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.