Honestly, if you're looking at the Virginia Beach forecast right now and thinking about a casual stroll on the Sandbridge shore, you might want to grab the heavy parka. The Atlantic is beautiful, sure. But it's biting.
Sunday, January 25, 2026, is looking like a bit of a reality check for anyone who thinks the Virginia coast stays mild all winter. We are looking at a high of 38°F and a low of 27°F. That’s a sharp contrast to some of the milder days we've seen earlier this month.
Basically, it's going to be cold. Really cold.
The Specifics You Actually Need
Let's get into the nitty-gritty. The sky is going to be mostly cloudy throughout the day and into the night. If you were hoping for a crisp winter sunrise, the 49% humidity and thick cloud cover might make that a bit of a gamble.
The wind is the real kicker here.
It’s coming from the north at 14 mph. On the boardwalk, that’s going to feel like a needle against your face. When that northern wind hits the coastline, the "feels like" temperature is going to drop significantly below that 38°F high.
What’s the deal with the snow?
You’ve probably heard some rumors about flurries. Here’s the actual data from the current Virginia Beach forecast:
- Daytime: There is a 10% chance of snow.
- Nighttime: That probability jumps up to 25%.
It’s not exactly a blizzard scenario. However, in a city that historically averages only about 1.3 inches of snow for the entire month of January, a 25% chance of evening snow is enough to make locals head for the milk and bread aisles.
Living with the January Chill
The UV index is sitting at a 2. You won't need sunscreen, but you will need layers. The humidity is hanging around 49%, which is actually quite dry for our neck of the woods. It’s that dry, biting cold that makes your knuckles crack.
If you’re planning to check out the Winter Wildlife Festival or grab a bite during Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, most of those activities are moving indoors or require some serious gear. The ocean temperature is currently hovering around 47°F. Even the most dedicated surfers at the 1st Street Jetty are rocking 5/4mm hooded wetsuits right now.
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Is it always like this?
Not really. Historically, Virginia Beach averages a high of about 50°F in January. Seeing a high of only 38°F means we’re running about 12 degrees below the seasonal norm. It’s a "stay inside and drink hot chocolate" kind of forecast.
The northerly wind at 14 mph is pretty standard for this time of year, as March is usually our windiest month, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant when you're walking from your car to the Virginia Aquarium.
What to do next
If you are heading out, focus on wind protection. A wool coat won't cut it against a 14 mph north wind; you need a shell.
Actionable Steps:
- Check the evening transition: Since the snow chance climbs to 25% after dark, if you're out for Restaurant Week, keep an eye on the radar starting around 6:00 PM.
- Protect your pipes: With a low of 27°F, it's not a deep freeze, but if you have exposed outdoor spigots, it's a good night to make sure they're covered.
- Plan for indoor alternatives: The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) or the indoor exhibits at the Aquarium are much better bets than a long hike at First Landing State Park this Sunday.
Stay warm out there. The Virginia Beach forecast is definitely leaning into the "winter" part of winter this week.