You’re looking at the forecast for Virginia Beach and thinking, "Okay, standard January, right?" Well, not exactly. This coming weekend, January 17th and 18th, is shaping up to be a bit of a meteorological rollercoaster that might catch you off guard if you're just glancing at the high-level numbers.
Honestly, the weather in va beach va this weekend is doing that classic coastal thing where it teases you with a mild Saturday before dropping a hammer of cold, messy reality on Sunday.
If you’ve lived around the 757 for more than a minute, you know the drill. But for those planning to hit the Oceanfront or heading to the Convention Center, the shift is going to be aggressive.
The Saturday Tease: 55 Degrees and False Hope
Saturday, January 17th, is basically a "get out while you can" day. We are looking at a high of 55°F with partly sunny skies. Compared to the 41°F we’re seeing on Friday, that’s a massive jump.
It’s the kind of day where you might be tempted to leave the heavy parka at home and settle for a light fleece. The winds will be coming out of the southwest at about 17 mph, which is brisk but helps pull in that slightly warmer air.
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Humidity is sitting around 55%. It’s comfortable. It’s the perfect window for the Tidewater RV Show or the Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show at the Convention Center. If you have outdoor errands or just want to walk the boardwalk without your face freezing off, Saturday is your only real shot.
But don't let the sun fool you. The overnight low drops to 40°F, and the clouds will start stacking up late.
Sunday’s Reality Check: Rain, Snow, and the 30-Degree "Feels Like"
Then comes Sunday, January 18th.
Everything changes.
The high temperature crashes to 44°F, but honestly, it’s going to feel much colder. We’re looking at a 25% chance of light rain during the day, which might not sound like much until you factor in the shift in wind direction. The breeze flips to the northwest at 12 mph, and by Sunday night, the mercury hits a low of 31°F.
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Here is the kicker: that 20% chance of snow late Sunday night into Monday morning.
In Virginia Beach, the word "snow" usually means one of two things: absolutely nothing happens, or the entire city forgets how to drive. Current data suggests it'll be a light mix, but with the humidity spiking to 75%, it’s going to be a damp, bone-chilling kind of cold.
If you're heading out to the Winter Wildlife Festival events or trying to catch the tail end of Restaurant Week, Sunday is the day for layers. Lots of them.
What’s Actually Happening Out on the Water?
For the boaters and surfers, the story is even more intense.
The National Weather Service has been keeping a Small Craft Advisory in effect. If you’re thinking about taking a boat out near Cape Henry or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, rethink it. We’re seeing west winds gusting up to 30 knots and waves in the 3 to 4-foot range, occasionally hitting 5 feet.
The surf isn't exactly "epic" either.
On Saturday evening, we might see a small swell around 2 feet, but Sunday brings "choppy" conditions as the wind shifts to the North-Northeast at 21 mph. It’s messy. The sea temperature is hovering around 46.4°F—which is actually about five degrees colder than the historical average for mid-January.
Basically, if you aren’t in a thick wetsuit with a hood and booties, stay on the sand.
Surviving the Weekend: Actionable Local Advice
So, how do you handle the weather in va beach va this weekend without ruining your plans?
First, split your itinerary. Do your boardwalk walks, outdoor photography, or pet-walking on Saturday afternoon. The light will be decent, and the 55-degree peak is the warmest we’ll be for at least another week.
Second, prep for the Sunday "mush." If that 20% snow chance realizes, it usually manifests as a slushy mess on the roads by Monday morning. Check your tire pressure now; the 20-degree drop from Saturday to Sunday night is exactly what triggers those annoying dashboard warning lights.
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Third, take advantage of the indoors. Since Sunday looks gray and damp, it's the perfect time to hit the local spots for Restaurant Week. Places like Eurasia Cafe or 1608 Craft House are going to be much more appealing when it's 42 degrees and raining outside.
Keep an eye on the wind. The 17 mph gusts on Saturday might make the boardwalk feel a bit more "active" than the 55-degree reading suggests.
Secure your outdoor furniture or trash cans by Sunday evening. That northwest wind shift can be surprisingly punchy.
Pack a heavy coat for anything after 4 PM on Sunday. Once that sun goes down at 5:14 PM, the temperature is going to plummet fast.
Stay warm out there.