Honestly, if you’re looking at the forecast for Virginia Beach and thinking about a casual beach day, you’ve got to check the calendar. It’s mid-January. The oceanfront is beautiful, sure, but it’s currently a world of winter coats and brisk Atlantic winds rather than bikinis and surfboards.
The weather next week in Virginia Beach is shaping up to be a classic mid-winter mix. We're talking about a rollercoaster of temperatures that’ll have you reaching for a heavy parka one morning and maybe just a light fleece by the weekend.
The Immediate Outlook: Bracing for the Chill
Right now, as of Thursday, January 15, things are pretty crisp. We’re sitting at 42°F, but with a 14 mph wind coming off the west, it feels more like 34°F. That’s the "real feel" that locals know all too well. If you’re heading out tonight, expect it to stay cloudy with a very slim 10% chance of a stray shower.
For the rest of today, the high is holding at 42°F, dropping down to a bone-chilling 26°F tonight. The sky will clear up, but that just means the heat escapes even faster.
Friday and Saturday: The Shift Begins
Friday, January 16, looks like a carbon copy of today at first glance. Another high of 42°F and a low of 26°F. It’ll be sunny during the day, which is great for a walk at First Landing State Park, but don't let the sun fool you. That 13 mph southwest wind will keep the air sharp.
Then, Saturday happens.
Saturday, January 17, is where the "rollercoaster" part of the weather next week in Virginia Beach really kicks in. We’re looking at a significant jump to a high of 55°F.
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- Condition: Partly sunny
- Evening: Clouds roll in
- Overnight Low: A much more manageable 42°F
- Wind: Stepping up to 16 mph from the southwest
What About the Ocean?
Thinking about a polar plunge? You might want to reconsider unless you’re rocking a serious 5/4mm winter wetsuit with a hood and booties. The sea temperature right now is hovering around 45°F to 47°F.
That is "very cold" by any standard. While the air might hit 55°F on Saturday, that water is still a thermal shock waiting to happen. Most surfers in the area are fully geared up this time of year, and even then, they aren't staying in for hours.
Planning Your Week: Events and Logistics
If you're in town, there's actually a lot going on regardless of the cold.
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Virginia Beach Restaurant Week kicks off on January 16 and runs through the 25th. It’s basically the perfect way to handle the January blues. Since the weather is going to be chilly, moving the party indoors to some of the best culinary spots in the city is a pro move.
Quick Tips for the Next Few Days:
- Bundle Up: Layers are your best friend. The transition from a 26°F morning to a 42°F afternoon feels bigger than it sounds.
- Wind Protection: West and southwest winds are dominant right now. If you're walking the boardwalk, that wind can bite.
- Check the Tides: If you're planning a beach walk, keep an eye on the shrinking oceanfront near the main resort area. Local leaders have been discussing the ongoing sand replenishment needs, as some areas are notably narrower than usual this winter.
Looking further into next week, the National Weather Service is keeping an eye on a transition toward more neutral ENSO conditions. For us, that generally means we stay in this pattern of "near normal" temperatures, which for January in Virginia Beach means staying mostly in the 40s.
Basically, keep the winter gear accessible. You’ll need the heavy stuff for the morning commute and the lighter jacket for those oddly pleasant Saturday afternoon hours.
Next steps for your trip:
Check the specific participant list for Virginia Beach Restaurant Week to snag a reservation before the weekend rush. Keep an eye on the Saturday evening cloud cover if you're planning any outdoor photography, as the transition from sun to overcast will happen fairly quickly after 2:00 PM.