If you’re planning a move to Central Virginia or just passing through, you’ve probably heard the rumors. People say Richmond is "muggy." They say the winters are "weak." Honestly? They’re mostly right, but that's only half the story. The average weather Richmond VA is a weird, oscillating beast that can give you four seasons in a single Tuesday.
I’ve seen January mornings where I needed a heavy parka at 7:00 AM, only to be eating lunch outside in a t-shirt by noon. It’s that kind of place. Situated right on the fall line of the James River, Richmond sits in a humid subtropical transition zone. This means we get the sticky heat of the South and just enough of the Mid-Atlantic chill to keep things interesting.
The Sticky Truth: Summer in the River City
Let's not sugarcoat it. July in Richmond is an experience. The average high is roughly 90°F, but that number is a liar. It doesn’t account for the "Richmond Humidity," which clings to you like a wet wool blanket the second you step out of the AC.
July and August are consistently the most humid months, with dew points frequently climbing into the 70s. When you combine that moisture with the "Urban Heat Island" effect—where all the brick and asphalt in neighborhoods like The Fan or Scott’s Addition soak up solar radiation—the "real feel" temperature easily hits 100°F or higher.
Interestingly, August is actually the wettest month on average, bringing in about 5.02 inches of rain. But don’t expect refreshing drizzles. These are usually violent, late-afternoon thunderstorms that dump two inches of water in twenty minutes and then vanish, leaving the air even steamier than before. If you're visiting in the summer, your best bet is to hit the James River early or find a brewery with a very powerful HVAC system.
Winter: The City That Panics at a Flurry
Richmond winters are... confused. The average high in January is about 48°F, while the lows hover around 29°F. On paper, it looks mild. In reality, it’s a season of gray skies and "will it or won't it" snow forecasts.
We don't get a lot of the white stuff. The annual average snowfall is only about 11 inches, which is pittance compared to places just two hours north. However, because we sit so close to the freezing line, we often get "wintry mixes"—that lovely combination of sleet and freezing rain that turns I-95 into a skating rink.
- Coldest Month: January (Daily mean of 39°F)
- Record Low: -12°F (set way back in 1940)
- The "Richmond Special": A 60-degree day in February followed by three inches of slush the next morning.
When it actually does snow, the city effectively shuts down. It’s not because people are soft; it’s because the hilly cobblestone streets of Church Hill weren’t exactly designed for icy conditions.
The "Sweet Spots": Spring and Fall
If you want to see the best version of the average weather Richmond VA, you have to aim for the windows.
Spring (March to May)
March starts out moody and windy, but by April, the city explodes. The high temperatures climb into the 70s, and the humidity hasn't woken up yet. This is prime time for festivals like Riverrock or visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Just be warned: the pollen count in Richmond is legendary. By mid-April, every black car in the city will be neon yellow.
Fall (September to November)
Honestly, October might be the best month in Virginia. The average high is 71°F, it’s the driest month of the year, and the air finally feels crisp. The humidity breaks usually in mid-September, offering a massive sigh of relief to everyone who’s been sweating since May.
By the Numbers: Monthly Averages
If you're a data person, here is the raw breakdown of what to expect throughout the year. These aren't just guesses; they're based on long-term climate normals from the National Weather Service.
January: High 48°F / Low 29°F (Coldest, occasional snow)
February: High 51°F / Low 31°F (Often the most unpredictable)
March: High 60°F / Low 37°F (Very windy, beginning of spring)
April: High 71°F / Low 47°F (Peak blooms, moderate rain)
May: High 78°F / Low 56°F (Perfect weather, start of "sticky" season)
June: High 86°F / Low 65°F (Hot, long days)
July: High 90°F / Low 70°F (Sweltering, peak humidity)
August: High 88°F / Low 68°F (Wettest month, tropical moisture)
September: High 82°F / Low 62°F (Hurricane season peak, but often pleasant)
October: High 71°F / Low 50°F (Driest month, best foliage)
November: High 61°F / Low 39°F (Crisp, clear skies)
December: High 52°F / Low 32°F (Chilly, start of the gray)
💡 You might also like: Ralph B Clark Park: What Most People Get Wrong About This Hidden Fossil Bed
Survival Tips for the Richmond Climate
Living with the average weather Richmond VA requires a specific kind of wardrobe strategy. You can't just have a "summer" and "winter" closet. You need layers.
- The "Mid-Weight" Jacket is King. You’ll use it from October through April.
- Dehumidifiers are a Must. If you live in one of the city's historic 1920s houses, your basement or crawlspace will turn into a swamp in July without one.
- Pollen Protection. If you have allergies, start your meds in February. Don't wait until you see the yellow dust; by then, it’s too late.
- The James River Gauge. Local tip: keep an eye on the river levels. Heavy rains upstream in the mountains can make the river dangerous for days, even if it’s sunny in the city.
Is the Climate Changing?
If you talk to locals who have been here for forty years, they'll tell you the winters aren't what they used to be. Data from the 1991-2020 climate normals shows that Richmond is getting slightly warmer and wetter. We see fewer "big" snows and more frequent "nuisance" flooding from intense rain events. The growing season has also extended, which is great for the garden but tough for anyone with seasonal allergies.
Ultimately, Richmond's weather is a reflection of its personality: a little rugged, a little refined, and occasionally very dramatic.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the 10-day forecast: If you're visiting in the "shoulder" months (April or October), check the highs and lows daily, as they can swing by 30 degrees.
- Pack for humidity: Even if the temp says 85°F, pack light, breathable fabrics for any summer trip.
- Book for Fall: If you want the most reliable outdoor experience, target the second or third week of October.