Climate and monthly weather forecastNorfolk, VA

The climate of Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia finds itself within the Humid subtropical climate zone, also known as the Cfa region according to the Köppen climate classification. Being a populous city resting at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, its placement in Chesapeake Bay gifts Norfolk with a yearly humid subtropical climate. Decoding the weather trend reveals an extensive variation in temperature, from the lowest of 34.7°F (1.5°C) in January to peaking at 86.4°F (30.2°C) in the sweltering month of July.

Considerably moderate rainfall is a year-round happening in Norfolk, with July receiving the highest amount of rainfall, amounting to 2.2" (56mm). Snowfall is relatively scarce, only noticeable in January and December with 0.47" (12mm) and 0.24" (6mm) respectively. The realm of humidity remains rather parallel throughout the twelve months, sticking close to an average of 75%. Furthermore, the hours of sunshine vary from 5.5 hours in the colder months to a satisfying 10.9 hours during the summer time. Winds in this region of Virginia remain comparatively mild, topping at an average speed of 10.5mph (16.9km/h) during March and April.

The Best Time to Visit Norfolk

A trip to Norfolk can be most fully enjoyed during the transitional seasons. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, sufficient day-light hours, and moderate rainfall which make these seasons most ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Specifically, the months from April to June in spring and the months of September and October in fall provide conditions optimal for exploring the city’s historical landmarks, enjoying the seaport, and participating in various local festivals.

The Worst Time to Visit Norfolk

While the final judgment largely depends on specific preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions, most travelers might find Norfolk's humid summers challenging. The combination of temperatures ranging from 73.4°F (23°C) to 86.4°F (30.2°C) from June to August coupled with higher than average rainfall, particularly in July at 2.2" (56mm), can make this period less conducive to outdoor activities. In addition, the winter months of December and January, despite boasting an alike average rainfall and fair day-light hours, might deter visitors due to colder temperatures and occasional snowfall.

Spring Weather in Norfolk

Spring in Norfolk unfolds a spectacle of increasing temperatures, from 54.5°F (12.5°C) in March gradually to a warmer 73.4°F (23°C) in May. Rainfall during this season is moderate, ranging from 1.34" (34mm) to 1.89" (48mm), while the city enjoys increasing daylight hours from 12 to 14.2 hours. The increase in temperatures during spring offers blooming of flora and thus, offers a picturesque landscape, making it a favored season for tourists.

Summer Weather in Norfolk

Summers; from June to August, in Norfolk are predominantly characterized by heat and humidity. During this season, temperatures can vary from 73.4°F (23°C) to a peak of 86.4°F (30.2°C). This period experiences the longest hours of daylight, from 14.2 to 14.7 hours, allowing more time for outdoor activities. Coupled with the relatively less cloud cover, around 27%, Norfolk's summers can indeed be scorching.

Autumn Weather in Norfolk

Autumn months in Norfolk, from September to November, bring a decrease in temperature from the summer's peak, sliding down from 79.2°F (26.2°C) to a cool 58.3°F (14.6°C) in November. Rainfall during this time is less frequent, with an average of 1.57" (40mm) in October, while daylight hours tend to decline from 12.4 hours to approximately 10.2 hours.

Winter Weather in Norfolk

Winters might bring a chill to Norfolk with temperatures dipping to the year's low at around 34.7°F (1.5°C) in January and slowly ascending to 42.4°F (5.8°C) by February's end. Rainfall stays relatively constant, averaging between 1.1" (28mm) and 1.46" (37mm), while snowfall becomes apparent mainly in January with 0.47" (12mm). The shortest daylight hours are observed during this period, from 9.7 hours to 10.9 hours, whilst sunshine hours range from 5.5 to 5.7 hours. Despite the cold, the beauty of Norfolk in winter is undeniable, with clear skies and quiet, serene landscapes.

Weather in January

January is noted as the chilliest month in Norfolk, Virginia with the average high and low temperatures dipping to 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 34.7°F (1.5°C) respectively. The clear, crisp skies of January interestingly coincide with low sea temperatures. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, Norfolk experiences a slight temperature increase while maintaining a similar climatic pattern to January. Rain is more frequent, with clouds making their presence felt more often than in the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Norfolk welcomes the spring season in March with rising temperatures and a spike in rainfall from 1.42" (36mm) in February to 1.34" (34mm). Despite the slight increase in precipitation, rainfall days increase markedly, signalling that prolonged rain pours are infrequent. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The city of Norfolk begins to experience the first touches of warmth as April rolls around. The average rainfall inches up a bit as guardrails of the rainy season. As daylight further increases, so does the amount of sunshine the city receives, a testament to the progressively clearing skies. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Known for its balmy afternoons, May showcases Norfolk’s year-round mild weather but the high humidity of 78% does contrast with the moderately high temperatures. May is intriguing as it starts to feel significantly less windy. Even though there is an uptick in rainfall to be expected, the increase is not marked enough to qualify May as the rainiest month. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the start of Summer in Norfolk, characterized by the highest sea temperature of the year at 72.5°F (22.5°C). The mild to warm temperatures paired with the increased sunshine hours signal the arrival of the summer solstice. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Norfolk holds the title for the warmest month march, with the mercury soaring to an impressive high of 86.4°F (30.2°C). There is an increased likelihood of occasional thunderstorms, given that this month has the highest rainfall. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August generally offers a continuation of July’s weather traits. The sweltering weather modifies marginally however, with a slight decrease in average temperature. The sea temperature peaks this month, then begins its slow descent into cooler figures. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, Norfolk begins its transition into autumn. The month does experience significant amounts of rain, but it is less frequent compared to August, resulting in a lower number of rainfall days. The sea temperature remains welcomingly warm luring visitors to Virginia's stunning beach vistas. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As Norfolk's foliage begins to transform in October, the temperatures follow suit. The climate becomes noticeably cooler following the heat of the Summer months and the mild warmth of early Autumn. The weather undergoes a transformation, moderate rainfall with an appreciable drop in sea temperatures becomes evident. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks a clear departure from the warm seasons as temperatures in Norfolk continue to trend downwards. Rainfall decreases, ushering in the onset of the cooler and drier winter season. Despite these dropping temperatures, November experiences close to the same amount of sunshine hours as October. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December signals the arrival of the Winter holiday season in Norfolk. The weather is similar to January but includes a moderate amount of rainfall. The sea temperature plummets, discouraging ocean visits. The shorter daylight hours and decreasing sunshine hours add to the overall chill. Weather in December »