Climate - Virginia Beach (Virginia)

The climate of Virginia Beach 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. A little to the north is Cape Henry, where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Beyond the bay lies the southernmost part of the Delmarva peninsula with its barrier islands.
We are in the area called Hampton Roads, which was the first settlement of English colonists in North America and which includes, in addition to Virginia Beach, the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 4.9 °C (41 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 26.1 °C (79 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation amounts to 1,185 millimeters (46.6 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 70 mm (2.8 in) in the driest month (February) to 145 mm (5.7 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, 9 centimeters (3.4 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 36/37 °C (97/99 °F). The record of the last decades is 39.5 °C (103 °F), recorded in August 1980.
Occasionally, between late summer and early autumn, Virginia Beach 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 on the coast, and therefore in theory it is at risk, it is rarely hit directly because hurricanes typically pass further south. However, in September 2003, Hurricane Isabel hit Virginia directly, although it did more serious damage to other areas, which lie northwest of Virginia Beach.

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 12 °C (53 °F) and 26.5 °C (80 °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 Virginia Beach 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).

Virginia Beach - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.0 °C (41 °F), with a minimum of -0.2 °C (31.6 °F) and a maximum of 10.2 °C (50.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -8 °C (17 °F). However, it dropped to -18.3 °C (-0.9 °F) in January 2014.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (72 °F). However, it reached 27 °C (80.6 °F) in January 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 10 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 66%.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (55 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 6.1 °C (43 °F), with a minimum of 0.7 °C (33.2 °F) and a maximum of 11.4 °C (52.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6.5 °C (20 °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 28 °C (82.4 °F) in February 1997.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 10 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 12 °C (53 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.3 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 3.8 °C (38.9 °F) and a maximum of 14.8 °C (58.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3.5 °C (26 °F). However, it dropped to -7.2 °C (19 °F) in March 2015.
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 32.8 °C (91 °F) in March 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 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 63%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (54 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 8.7 °C (47.7 °F) and a maximum of 20.3 °C (68.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (34.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1 °C (30.2 °F) in April 2007.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86 °F). However, it reached 33 °C (91.4 °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 (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm. The average temperature is of 18.8 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 13.5 °C (56.3 °F) and a maximum of 24.2 °C (75.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7 °C (44.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) in May 2020.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) in May 2019.
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 70%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18.5 °C (65 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 23.6 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 18.6 °C (65.5 °F) and a maximum of 28.5 °C (83.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (53 °F). However, it dropped to 7.2 °C (45 °F) in June 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in June 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 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 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In July, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.0 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 21.3 °C (70.3 °F) and a maximum of 30.8 °C (87.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.8 °C (55 °F) in July 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 39 °C (102.2 °F) in July 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 145 mm (5.7 in), distributed over 12 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 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In August, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 25.1 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.6 °C (69.1 °F) and a maximum of 29.7 °C (85.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16 °C (61 °F). However, it dropped to 12.8 °C (55 °F) in August 2013.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in August 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 11 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 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In September, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm. The average temperature is of 22.2 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 17.8 °C (64 °F) and a maximum of 26.6 °C (79.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (53 °F). However, it dropped to 8 °C (46.4 °F) in September 2000.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in September 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 8 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 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24.5 °C (76.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.6 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39 °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 (85.5 °F). However, it reached 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) in October 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 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 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21 °C (70 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.8 °C (51 °F), with a minimum of 5.3 °C (41.5 °F) and a maximum of 16.3 °C (61.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28.5 °F). However, it dropped to -4.4 °C (24.1 °F) in November 2000.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 29.4 °C (84.9 °F) in November 2020.
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 70%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17.5 °C (63 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 7.1 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 1.9 °C (35.4 °F) and a maximum of 12.2 °C (54 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -5 °C (22.5 °F). However, it dropped to -10 °C (14 °F) in December 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (73.5 °F). However, it reached 28.3 °C (82.9 °F) in December 1991.
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 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.