If you’re planning a trip to the Historic Triangle, you’ve probably checked the standard 10-day outlook and figured you’re good to go. Honestly, though, the weather for williamsburg va is a bit of a trickster. One minute you’re walking down Duke of Gloucester Street in a light sweater, and the next, a humid wall of air hits you like a physical weight.
It’s a humid subtropical climate. That’s the official term. Basically, it means we get a "gentle" version of every season, but with enough humidity to keep things interesting year-round.
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, it’s a crisp 36°F outside. Clear skies. The wind is coming out of the southwest at 10 mph, which makes it feel more like 28°F. If you’re heading out tonight, you’ll definitely want the heavy coat. But stick around—Saturday is looking like a weird one with a high of 52°F before rain moves in at night.
The Humidity Factor Nobody Warns You About
Most people think about heat when they hear "humidity." In Williamsburg, humidity is a permanent resident.
Because the city sits on a ridge between the James and York Rivers, the air stays moist. In the summer, July temperatures average around 90°F, but the dew point often makes it feel significantly higher. It’s that "muggy" feel where the air feels thick enough to chew. Interestingly, the Williamsburg Inn was actually the first hotel in the U.S. to offer air conditioning, likely because the colonial-era heat was just that unbearable for visitors.
Winter humidity is different. It’s a damp cold. 28°F in a dry climate feels brisk; 28°F in Williamsburg feels like it’s seeping into your marrow.
Seasonal Reality Check
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. No debate.
- Spring (April to June): Highs range from 60°F to 80°F. The gardens at the Governor’s Palace are peaking, and the air is actually breathable.
- Fall (September to November): This is the windiest time of year. Those breezes help cut through the remaining summer moisture, making it perfect for carriage rides.
- Summer (July and August): It's hot. It's crowded. Thunderstorms pop up almost every afternoon.
- Winter (December to February): It’s the "cloudiest" time. January typically sees about 50% cloud cover.
The Snow Myth
Does it snow in Williamsburg? Kinda.
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We average about 5.1 inches a season, which isn't much. But when it does snow, the city transforms. There is something genuinely magical about seeing the colonial brickwork dusted in white. However, you're more likely to run into a "Nor’easter" style mix. These storms trap cold air against the Appalachian Mountains, leading to ice or "wintery mix" rather than fluffy snow.
In fact, the forecast for tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is calling for exactly that: a mix of rain and snow with a high of 38°F.
Rain Patterns and the July Peak
Don't let the "no dry season" label scare you. While it rains year-round, July is actually the wettest month, averaging about 5 inches of precipitation. Most of this comes from those sudden, intense afternoon thunderstorms.
If you're visiting and the sky turns black at 3:00 PM, don't panic. Usually, you just need to duck into the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for an hour. By the time you’ve looked at the folk art, the sun is usually back out.
Historical Weirdness and Extremes
Virginia weather has a long memory. Back in March 1841, a massive storm dropped nearly 30 inches of snow on the Tidewater area. More recently, in the winter of 1993-1994, the region was hammered by a series of unprecedented ice storms that paralyzed the peninsula.
On the flip side, the heat can be brutal. While the average high is 90°F in the summer, the all-time record for the state is a blistering 106°F.
Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
The "continentality" of Williamsburg is subcontinental. This is just a fancy way of saying we get a lot of temperature variation because we’re caught between the Atlantic Ocean and the interior of the continent.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Williamsburg Weather
If you want to beat the elements and actually enjoy your trip, follow these steps:
- Pack in "Layers of Three": A moisture-wicking base (for that humidity), a warmth layer (fleece or wool), and a waterproof shell. This handles 90% of Virginia's mood swings.
- The "Rainy Day" Pivot: Keep the Governor’s Palace or the Capitol tours for the afternoons when thunderstorms are most likely. They are indoor and climate-controlled.
- Check the UV Index: Even on "mostly cloudy" days in May or June, the UV index hits 3 or higher. The reflection off the white-painted colonial buildings can give you a sneaky sunburn.
- Early Morning is King: During the summer "muggy" months, do your outdoor walking before 11:00 AM. The dew point is usually lower, and the heat hasn't settled into the brick paths yet.
- Track the Wind Direction: If the wind is coming from the North (like it will this Sunday), expect temperatures to drop fast. A North wind usually brings that biting cold, while a South/Southwest wind (like today) brings the milder, moisture-heavy air.
The weather here is rarely "extreme" enough to cancel a trip, but it’s just quirky enough to ruin a day if you aren't prepared for the dampness. Whether it's 36°F today or 52°F tomorrow, the key is knowing that in Williamsburg, the forecast is more of a suggestion than a rule.