You’re waking up in Virginia Beach today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and looking out the window. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Right now, it's roughly 51°F outside, but that southwest wind is kicking at about 8 mph, making it feel more like 47°F. Not exactly swimsuit weather, but for a mid-January day in the 757, it's actually pretty decent.
Most people assume January at the Oceanfront is just a gray, freezing void. Honestly, it’s more complex than that. We are currently sitting in what meteorologists at WVEC-TV call the historically coldest stretch of the year—the window between January 13 and January 24. Yet, here we are with a high of 56°F expected this afternoon.
The sky is doing that classic coastal thing where it’s partly sunny but looks like it could change its mind any second. If you’re planning to be out by the boardwalk or maybe grabbing a coffee at Three Ships, you’ve got a solid window of dry weather before things shift tonight.
Breaking Down the Weather for Virginia Beach Virginia Today
It’s easy to just check an app and see a sun icon, but the "real feel" out here is heavily dictated by the water and the wind. For the weather for Virginia Beach Virginia today, that 12 mph southwest wind is the real story. It’s keeping the air moving, which prevents that stagnant winter chill from settling in too deeply during the daylight hours.
Humidity is sitting around 37% right now, rising to about 45% later. It’s dry. Your skin probably feels it. But that low humidity also means the UV index is only at a 2, so while you won't need heavy sunscreen for a walk at First Landing State Park, you definitely need a decent moisturizer.
The Afternoon High and the Evening Drop
We are peaking at 56°F around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM.
Then, the floor drops out.
By tonight, we’re looking at a low of 31°F. That is a 25-degree swing in less than twelve hours. This is why locals always keep a "car jacket"—that spare puffer or fleece—tossed in the backseat. You’ll leave the house in a light sweater and come back needing a scarf.
Marine Conditions: Small Craft Warnings
If you own a boat, listen up. The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a Small Craft Advisory effective from 10:00 PM tonight through Wednesday morning.
Southwest winds are expected to ramp up to 15-20 knots, with gusts hitting 25 knots. We’re looking at waves between 2 and 3 feet in the Chesapeake Bay area, specifically from Little Creek over to Cape Henry. It’s going to get choppy. If you’re at the 1st Street Jetty, don't expect much in the way of surf—it’s basically flat, maybe 0-1 foot if you’re lucky, and staying "clean" but tiny.
Why Mid-January in Virginia Beach is Weird
We are currently living through a period of weather volatility. Historically, January 13 has seen everything from minus 3°F (back in the legendary 1985 freeze) to a balmy 77°F. Today’s 56°F is a comfortable middle ground, but it’s a reminder that the Atlantic is a chaotic neighbor.
The ocean temperature right now is a brisk 47°F.
According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, that’s actually about five degrees colder than the historical average for this specific date. If you see someone out there in the water without a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit, boots, and gloves, they’re either a pro or making a very questionable life choice.
Precipitation: Will it Rain?
The chance of rain during the day is tiny—about 5%.
However, as we head into tonight, that jumps to 10%. It’s not a washout, but there is a weak front moving through that could bring some drizzle or even a "dusting" of something whiter as temperatures approach freezing early Wednesday morning.
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Planning Your Day Around the Forecast
Since we know the temperature peaks early afternoon, that’s your time for outdoor errands.
- 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: This is the sweet spot. 50°F to 56°F. Perfect for a walk on the sand or hitting the outdoor shops at Hilltop.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The sun sets around 5:10 PM. You'll feel the temperature start to slide immediately once the sun dips below the horizon.
- 9:00 PM Onwards: The wind picks up. The Small Craft Advisory starts. If you’re driving on the Shore Drive or the Bay Bridge-Tunnel, expect some side-buffeting from those 25 mph gusts.
Looking Ahead to Wednesday
Don't get too used to the mid-50s. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan 14, looks cloudier. There’s a much higher chance of rain or even a rain-snow mix late Wednesday night into Thursday morning as that arctic air finally decides to make an appearance.
The volatility of the weather for Virginia Beach Virginia today is just a prelude. We’re heading into a stretch where the highs might not even break the 30s by the weekend. Basically, today is your "get it done" day before the real winter bite arrives.
Actionable Next Steps for Locals and Visitors
To stay ahead of the shifts today, you should focus on three specific things. First, if you have sensitive plants or outdoor pipes that haven't been insulated, do it before 8:00 PM tonight; that 31°F low is the first real hard freeze we've seen in a few days.
Second, if you're a mariner, secure your lines and check your bilge pumps before the Small Craft Advisory kicks in at 10:00 PM. Those 25-knot gusts in the Bay can do unexpected damage to loose canvas or poorly tied-down gear.
Finally, dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer shell. The 56°F high is deceptive because the 8-12 mph wind off the water will strip the heat right off you if you’re standing still on the boardwalk. Stick to the sunnier side of the street to take advantage of the 2 UV index and keep the "feels like" temp as high as possible.