So, you're looking at the 5 day weather forecast virginia beach and wondering if you should pack that heavy puffer coat or if a light hoodie will cut it. Honestly, Virginia Beach in mid-January is a bit of a mood. One minute you're standing on the boardwalk with the sun on your face, feeling like spring might actually be a thing, and the next, the wind off the Atlantic hits you and reminds you that, yeah, it’s still very much winter.
Right now, as of Friday, January 16, 2026, the vibe is crisp and sunny. We’re sitting at a cool 41°F, though the southwest wind at 10 mph makes it feel more like 36°F. It’s that kind of bright, "fake-out" winter day where the sky is a perfect blue, but you’ll definitely regret leaving your gloves at home if you’re out for more than ten minutes.
The Rollercoaster: What to Expect Through Tuesday
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or just trying to figure out when to run your errands, buckle up. The next few days are doing the most.
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Saturday, January 17 is looking like the absolute winner of the week. We’re talking a high of 58°F. That’s nearly 20 degrees warmer than today! It’ll be partly sunny, and while the wind picks up to about 15 mph, it’s coming from the southwest, which usually brings that milder air we all crave this time of year. If you’ve been wanting to hike the trails at First Landing State Park or take the dog to the beach, Saturday is your window. Do it. Don't wait.
Because Sunday, January 18 is when the plot thickens. The temperature drops back down to a high of 44°F, and things get messy. We’re looking at a 75% chance of a rain and snow mix during the day. It’s that classic Virginia "winter slush" situation. By Sunday night, the low hits 28°F, and the precipitation chance stays around 35%. Basically, if you have to travel Sunday evening, keep an eye on the bridges and overpasses. They get slick fast around here.
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Clearing Out and Freezing Up
Once that Sunday system moves through, the sky clears out, but the "Arctic revenge" (as some meteorologists love to call it) settles in.
- Monday, January 19: Expect full sun but a high of only 46°F. The low drops to 27°F. It’s the kind of cold that feels "hollow"—bright and pretty to look at from inside a coffee shop, but biting if you're stuck at a light with the window down.
- Tuesday, January 20: This is the day that’ll test your resolve. The high is struggling to even reach 32°F. With northwest winds at 15 mph, the wind chill is going to be brutal. It’ll be sunny, sure, but it’s "stay inside and make soup" kind of sunny.
The Coastal Reality vs. The App Forecast
People often get the 5 day weather forecast virginia beach wrong because they don't account for the water. Being sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay means we have this weird microclimate. The ocean is currently hovering in the 40s, which acts like a giant ice pack or a space heater depending on which way the wind is blowing.
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On Saturday, that southwest wind avoids the cold water, letting us hit those 50s. But by Tuesday, that northwest wind is coming over land and bringing the chill of the interior straight to the boardwalk. It’s why you’ll see people in shorts on Saturday and full-on parkas by Tuesday. It’s not indecisiveness; it’s survival.
Making the Most of the Next 5 Days
If you're visiting or live here, here’s the game plan for this specific stretch:
- Saturday is for the Outdoors: Hit the boardwalk or the Virginia Aquarium. It’s going to be the most comfortable day by a long shot.
- Sunday is for Indoor Prep: Since the rain/snow mix starts in the morning, it's a great day for the indoor Reach Tower or catching a movie. If you’re driving back toward Richmond or D.C., try to head out Saturday night or very early Sunday to avoid the slush.
- Monday/Tuesday Layering: You need a windbreaker over your fleece. The wind off the ocean on Tuesday will cut right through a knitted sweater.
Keep an eye on the sky Sunday morning. In Virginia Beach, a forecast for "a coating to an inch" of snow can either turn into a total non-event or a city-wide standstill depending on exactly when that rain-to-snow flip happens. Stay warm out there!
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the local Small Craft Advisories if you're planning any fishing, as winds are expected to gust near 25-30 mph over the weekend. For road travel, monitor the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) status on Sunday, as high winds and wintry mix often lead to level-restrictions for high-profile vehicles.