Virginia Beach is a beachside city located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay, offering coastal charm and a big military presence. Home to over 450,000 people, it’s the most populous city in Virginia and a popular choice for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. Known for its scenic shorelines and welcoming Virginia Beach neighborhoods, it’s a city that balances beach living with year-round activity.
So, what is the weather like in Virginia Beach? The answer is tied to its location. Positioned along the southeastern coast of Virginia and bordered by both the Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay, this large body of water plays a major role in shaping the area’s climate. The climate in Virginia Beach falls under the humid subtropical category, according to the Köppen climate classification. This means that residents experience hot, humid summer months and mild winters, with all four seasons making an appearance.
Because of this climate, Virginia Beach weather year round includes a wide range of conditions, from sun-drenched beach days in July to cooler, crisp air in January. The Virginia Beach weather by month varies, with July being the hottest and January the coldest on average. Understanding the Virginia Beach weather year round is key to deciding if this coastal city aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
The city is also known for its sunshine hours, especially appealing to those who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring the Boardwalk, kayaking in the Bay, or commuting to Newport News, the generally mild climate is a perk of living in the area. We’ll break down the Virginia Beach weather by month, highlight average temperatures, and help you decide whether this coastal city fits your ideal lifestyle.
Climate vs. Weather
Before we go further, it’s important to distinguish between weather and climate. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, weather is the mix of events that happen every day in our atmosphere. Even though there’s only one atmosphere on Earth, the weather isn’t the same all around the world and changes over minutes, hours, days, and weeks.
On the other hand, climate refers to what the average weather is like over a long period of time in a specific area. When researching the Virginia Beach cost of living or comparing Virginia Beach suburbs, it’s helpful to look at long-term climate data to get a better sense of what to expect through the seasons.
Virginia Beach Seasons
One of the most appealing aspects of living in Virginia Beach is experiencing all four seasons without the extremes seen in some other parts of the country. The Virginia Beach climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means you’ll get a taste of everything: blooming flowers in the spring, warm ocean breezes in the summer, colorful leaves in the fall, and cool but mild winters. This makes the Virginia Beach weather year round both dynamic and enjoyable.
While the city doesn’t have a dry and wet season like typical tropical climates, it does see more rainfall during the warmer months. Located in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach is not a part of Tornado Alley, so tornadoes are rare, but it is vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity occurring in late summer and early fall. Still, most weather-related concerns are limited to occasional heavy rains and wind, especially near Cape Henry and other coastal areas.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what Virginia Beach weather year round really feels like, season by season.
Spring in Virginia Beach
Spring in Virginia Beach starts in March and brings a welcome shift from the chill of winter. The average temperature in Virginia Beach during spring ranges from the high 50s in March to the low 70s in May. Virginia Beach weather averages show moderate rainfall during this season, often in the form of brief afternoon showers.
With rising relative humidity and longer days, it’s a great time to enjoy blooming gardens and waterfront events. Spring also marks the beginning of farmers’ markets, art festivals, and the return of open-air dining. For those considering 55+ communities in Virginia Beach, spring offers comfortable temperatures for home shopping and neighborhood tours.
Summer in Virginia Beach
Summer in Virginia Beach is all about sunny days. Starting in June, the Virginia Beach VA average temperature climbs into the 80s and sometimes 90s, with July typically bringing the hottest days of the year.
While the relative humidity can make summer feel muggy, ocean breezes help to keep the coast more comfortable. Summer is also when hurricane season kicks into gear, though major storms are infrequent. Generally, summers are sunny and are perfect for exploring top-rated attractions like the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium.
Fall in Virginia Beach
The fall season in Virginia Beach begins in September and is often described as the locals’ favorite season. The Virginia Beach weather averages during fall show temperatures dropping from the 70s into the 60s and high 50s in November.
It’s a perfect time to explore Cape Henry, hike local trails, or enjoy the beaches without the summer crowds. Fall also brings community festivals like the Fall Wine Festival and the Neptune Festival.
Winter in Virginia Beach
Winter in Virginia Beach is relatively mild compared to much of the country. Virginia Beach winter weather typically starts in December, with the Virginia Beach VA average temperature hovering in the upper 30s to mid-50s. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of (just enough to dust the rooftops once or twice a season).
The Virginia Beach weather year round remains inviting even in winter, making it a great time to explore indoor attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Military Aviation Museum. More things to do in Virginia Beach in winter include attending seasonal events or bundling up for beach walks. Virginia Beach winter activities are quieter, but still plentiful, especially for those who don’t mind a slower pace.
Virginia Beach Weather By Month | Virginia Beach Average Temperatures
Whether you’re planning a visit or considering a move, understanding the Virginia Beach weather by month can help you prepare for what life is really like in this coastal city. The Virginia Beach climate delivers a little bit of everything throughout the year. Below, we break down the Virginia Beach weather monthly, including the Virginia Beach average temperature by month, rainfall, and sunshine, to give you a detailed picture of what to expect.
January
January in Virginia Beach is typically the coldest month of the year. The average temperature in Virginia Beach in January hovers around 42ºF, with highs around 50ºF and low temperatures dipping into the mid-30s. Precipitation is moderate, mostly rain with the occasional dusting of snow.
February
Virginia Beach weather in February begins to warm slightly, with average temperatures rising to 43ºF. Expect highs near 52ºF and lows around 36ºF. Rain is more common than snow, and sunshine hours start to increase. February is quiet and ideal for off-season travelers.
March
Spring starts to show itself in March, with the Virginia Beach average temperature by month climbing to about 49ºF. Highs can reach the upper 50s, while low temperatures remain in the 40s. Rainfall increases, but sunny afternoons become more frequent.
April
April in Virginia Beach brings full spring weather, with temperatures averaging 58ºF. Highs can hit the high-60s, while lows typically hover around 50ºF. Spring festivals and outdoor markets begin popping up across the city, even though rainfall remains steady during this time.
May
By mid May, the Virginia Beach climate becomes pleasantly warm, with average temperatures around 66ºF. Highs climb into the mid-70s and lows hover in the upper 50s. Rainfall decreases slightly during this time, making it a great time for beach outings and outdoor dining.
June
June kicks off summer with average temperatures of 75ºF. Highs reach into the low 80s, and lows stay near 68ºF. The weather becomes more humid, and occasional thunderstorms roll in. June is an ideal time to enjoy the beach before peak crowds hit in July.
July
July is the hottest month in Virginia Beach, with an average temperature of 79ºF. Daytime highs often climb into the upper 80s, and low temperatures stay in the 70s. It’s also one of the most humid months. Despite the heat, it’s a popular time to visit, especially during events like the 4th of July fireworks on the beach.
August
August continues the warm trend, with average temperatures at 78ºF. Highs remain in the mid-to-upper 80s, and humidity stays high. Occasional storms bring relief from the heat. It’s still beach season, though locals begin to look forward to cooler weather in mid September.
September
September signals a subtle shift in the Virginia Beach climate, with average temperatures around 72ºF. Highs are in the low 80s early in the month but drop into the 70s later on. Rain remains possible due to hurricane season, but the Virginia Beach weather by month becomes more comfortable and less humid.
October
Fall arrives in full by mid October, with temperatures averaging 63ºF. Highs are usually in the low 70s, and low temperatures drop to the low 50s. October is often the driest month, with lower rainfall and crisp days.
November
November cools quickly, averaging 53ºF, with highs near 62ºF and lows in the 40s. It’s a quieter time in the city, perfect for cozy outings and cool outdoor activities.
December
The Virginia Beach weather year round comes to an end in December, with an average temperature of 46ºF. Holiday lights and events light up the city, adding charm despite the cooler weather.
Annual Virginia Beach Climate Statistics
- Average number of sunny days: 213
- Virginia Beach Average rainfall: 47 inches
- Average snowfall in Virginia Beach: 5.5 inches
- Coldest month: January
- Hottest month: July
- Driest month: October
- Wettest month: August
- Rainiest month: July
- Most humid month: July
- Snowiest month: February
- Sunniest month: October
- Virginia Beach record cold temperature: -3ºF (January 21, 1985)
- Virginia Beach record high temperature: 105ºF (July 25, 2010)
- Average sunshine hours annually: 2,707
- Average humidity in Virginia Beach: 68%
Extreme Weather in Virginia Beach
While Virginia Beach weather year round is generally mild and pleasant, the area is not immune to occasional extreme weather. Being a coastal city, Virginia Beach is most vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Nor’easters are another weather concern, especially in the winter months. Nor’easters are large-scale extratropical cyclones in the western North Atlantic Ocean. These powerful storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and occasionally snow, though significant snowfall is rare.
Best Time to Visit Virginia Beach
The best time to visit Virginia Beach is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the ocean is inviting. During these months, Virginia Beach weather year round peaks, offering sunny skies and longer days that are ideal for beach days and water sports.
If you want to enjoy the sunshine without the peak summer crowds and humidity, June and early September are ideal. You’ll skip the humid month of July, when average temperatures reach into the high 80s and the heat is at its most intense.
Give Off Load Moving a Call For Your Virginia Beach Move
The Virginia Beach weather year round is ultimately nice and pleasant. Now that you know the Virginia Beach weather by month, are you ready to make your move to the area? The Virginia Beach movers at Off Load Moving are ready to get you settled into your new home. Give our team a call at (757) 749-7212 to get started with a free quote.
