If you’re moving to Central Virginia or just planning a weekend trip to see the James River, you’ve probably heard people joke that Richmond has twelve seasons instead of four. It's kinda true. One day you’re wearing a parka, and forty-eight hours later, you’re looking for a patio with a misting fan.
Understanding the monthly weather Richmond VA offers is less about looking at a single thermometer reading and more about preparing for "The Big Humidity." Richmond sits in a humid subtropical climate zone. Basically, that means we get the best of all four seasons, but summer tends to overstay its welcome while winter usually just teases us with a couple of "bread and milk" snow scares.
The Rollercoaster: Richmond VA Weather by Month
Honestly, looking at averages can be a bit of a trap. A 50°F day in January feels like a tropical vacation, while 50°F in October feels like the end of the world. Here is how the year actually unfolds on the ground.
Deep Winter: January and February
January is officially the coldest month in Richmond. We’re talking average highs around 47°F and lows that hover right near the freezing mark at 30°F. If we’re going to get snow, it’s usually now or in February.
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But here’s the thing: Richmond doesn't really "do" snow well. We average about 11 inches a year, but it usually comes in one or two big "events" that shut down the city for two days, followed by a rapid melt. February is slightly warmer, with highs hitting 51°F, but it's often the grayest time of year. If you’re visiting now, stick to the museums like the VMFA—staying indoors is your best bet.
The Great Awakening: March and April
March is a wild card. You’ve got a daily mean of 49°F, but the swings are intense. It marks the end of the consistent hard freezes, which is great for the gardens but terrible for your sinuses.
April is, in my opinion, one of the best months to be here. The high hits a comfortable 71°F. This is when Monument Avenue explodes with cherry blossoms and dogwoods. It's also the peak of "Tree Pollen Hell." Richmond consistently ranks as one of the most challenging cities for allergy sufferers in the United States, often landing in the top 10 on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) annual list. If you're coming in April, bring your Flonase.
The Descent into Humidity: May and June
May is the "Goldilocks" month. Highs are around 78°F, and the humidity hasn't quite reached its peak "soup" status yet. It’s the best time for festivals like RiverRock.
Then comes June. The humidity starts to climb. You’ll notice the air feels "heavier." Average highs jump to 86°F. This is when the afternoon thunderstorms start. They aren't usually all-day washouts; instead, they are these massive, cinematic downpours that last 30 minutes, drop the temp by ten degrees, and then leave everything even steamier than before.
The Dog Days: July and August
July is the hottest month, hands down. We average 90°F for highs, but with the humidity, the "heat index" (what it actually feels like on your skin) regularly clears 100°F. It is sticky. It is muggy.
August isn't much better at 88°F, but it holds a special title: the wettest month in Richmond. We get about 5.02 inches of rain on average in August. A lot of this is driven by tropical moisture pushing up the coast. If a hurricane or tropical storm is heading toward the East Coast, Richmond usually feels the rainy side of it.
The "False Fall" and Real Autumn: September and October
September is a liar. The average high is 81°F, but it often stays much hotter through the first half of the month. Locals call this "Second Summer."
October, though? October is the prize. It’s the driest month of the year and arguably the most beautiful. With highs around 71°F and lows near 50°F, the air finally crisps up. The humidity vanishes. If you want to hike Belle Isle or go leaf-peeping, this is your window.
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The Fade: November and December
November is when the "stick season" starts. Highs drop to 61°F. It’s surprisingly sunny, though, which helps with the shorter days. December brings us back to 52°F. We don't get much "White Christmas" action here; usually, December is just chilly and damp, with a daily mean of about 42°F.
Real Numbers: Averages and Extremes
While the vibe tells one story, the data from the National Weather Service (NWS) tells another. Here is a breakdown of what to expect statistically.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Rain (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 29°F | 3.22 |
| February | 51°F | 31°F | 2.85 |
| March | 60°F | 37°F | 3.95 |
| April | 71°F | 47°F | 3.21 |
| May | 78°F | 56°F | 4.06 |
| June | 86°F | 65°F | 4.49 |
| July | 90°F | 70°F | 4.42 |
| August | 88°F | 68°F | 5.02 |
| September | 82°F | 62°F | 4.72 |
| October | 71°F | 50°F | 3.44 |
| November | 61°F | 39°F | 3.08 |
| December | 52°F | 32°F | 3.41 |
Note: These are based on 1991-2020 climate normals.
What Most People Get Wrong About Richmond Weather
People think Virginia is "The South," so they assume it doesn't get cold. Wrong. We've seen record lows of -12°F (back in 1940, admittedly). Even recently, in January 2018, we hit -3°F. It gets bone-chillingly cold because of the moisture in the air.
Conversely, people assume we're far enough north to avoid the worst of the heat. Also wrong. Richmond has hit 107°F before. The James River creates a localized humidity pocket that can make 92°F feel like 105°F. It’s a "wet" heat that ruins a good hair day in about four seconds.
Climate Change and the "New Normal"
It’s worth noting that Richmond is getting warmer. According to Climate Central, our winter average temperatures have risen about 4.2°F since 1970. We have about 22 fewer freezing nights per year than we used to. This means our "growing season" is longer, which is great for the local breweries with outdoor seating, but it's also why our pollen season is starting earlier and hitting harder.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Richmond's Climate
- The "Three-Layer" Rule: Especially in March and November, you need a base layer, a light sweater, and a jacket. You will likely go through all three stages between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- July is for the River: If you’re here in the summer, do not try to hike at noon. Go to the James River (Pony Pasture or 42nd Street) and get in the water.
- Allergy Defense: Start taking your antihistamines in late February. If you wait until the yellow dust is on your car in April, it’s already too late.
- Check the Dew Point: In the summer, ignore the temperature. Look at the dew point. If it’s over 70°F, it’s going to be "sticky." If it’s over 75°F, it’s going to be oppressive.
- Snow Protocol: If the forecast calls for more than two inches of snow, go to the grocery store immediately. It’s a local tradition to buy all the milk and bread, even if you don't actually drink milk.
Richmond's weather is a bit of a mood ring. It changes fast, it’s occasionally intense, but for the most part, it offers a pretty gentle transition through the year that lets you experience every season without the extreme "perma-frost" of the North or the year-round "kiln" of the Deep South.
To prepare for your visit, check the current 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service's Wakefield office, as they provide the most localized data for the Richmond metro area.