The Cold Reality of the Coast Today
Waking up in Virginia Beach this morning, specifically around the Oceana area, felt like a slap in the face from the Atlantic. It’s cold. Honestly, it’s the kind of cold that makes you question why humans ever left the indoors. Right now, the mercury is sitting at a crisp 29°F, but if you step outside, it feels more like 19°F.
That 10-degree "feels like" gap is thanks to a biting 11 mph wind coming straight out of the west. If you're planning on being anywhere near the water, that wind is going to cut right through a light jacket. You’ve basically got to dress like you're heading to the tundra, not the beach.
The sky is currently clear, which is a bit of a silver lining, but don't let the lack of clouds fool you into thinking it's warming up anytime soon.
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Weather Forecast Virginia Beach Today: The Midday Shift
So, what does the rest of the day look like? We are looking at a high of 41°F later this afternoon. It’s going to be sunny, which usually helps things feel a bit more manageable, but the wind is shifting slightly to the southwest at the same 11 mph.
Basically, it’s a standard mid-January day in the 757. You’ll see the sun, you’ll think "maybe I don't need the scarf," and then you'll hit a wind tunnel between the hotels on Atlantic Avenue and immediately regret your life choices.
The UV index is low (at a 2), so you don't really need to worry about a "winter burn" unless you have extremely sensitive skin. Humidity is hovering around 41%, keeping the air feeling dry and sharp.
What to Actually Do When It's This Cold
Most people think Virginia Beach shuts down when the temperature drops below fifty. That’s just not true. Honestly, this is the best time to see the "real" side of the city without dodging thousands of tourists and their giant umbrellas.
If you’re brave enough to head to the boardwalk, it’s a ghost town in the best way possible. You can walk from 1st Street all the way to the Neptune Statue at 31st and maybe see five other people. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful.
1. Whale Watching is the Move
January is peak season for humpback whales. They’re migrating right now, and boats like the ones from Rudee Tours at the Inlet are heading out because the water is where the action is. Even if it's 29°F on land, it’s going to feel colder on the water, so if you go, wear every layer you own.
2. First Landing State Park
The trails at First Landing are actually great on a sunny, cold day. The cypress swamps look hauntingly beautiful when the sun hits the water through the bare trees. Since the wind is coming from the west/southwest today, some of the interior trails will be much more shielded than the actual oceanfront.
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3. The Indoor Escape
If you’re over the cold, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the obvious choice. It’s warm, it’s huge, and the Komodo dragon doesn't care that it’s freezing outside. Plus, Restaurant Week is often right around the corner this time of year (usually late January), so keep an eye out for those pre-fixe menus at places like Rockafeller’s or The Hunt Room.
The Nightly Outlook: Heading Into the Weekend
As we move into tonight, the temperature is going to drop back down to 29°F. The sky will shift from clear to partly cloudy.
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Interestingly, there’s a tiny 5% chance of rain tonight. It’s not much, but with the temps hovering right at the freezing mark, things could get a little damp and slick if that moisture actually hits. The wind stays consistent at 11 mph from the southwest.
Actionable Tips for Today
- Layer Up: Don't trust the sun. Use a windbreaker as your outer shell to block that 11 mph west wind.
- Check the Tides: If you're walking the beach, high tide hit around 6:38 AM, and the next one is at 6:53 PM. Low tide is at 1:03 PM, which is your prime window for beachcombing for shells or sea glass.
- Tires Matter: Cold snaps like this cause tire pressure to drop. Check yours before you head out for a long drive down to Sandbridge or Pungo.
- Stay Hydrated: It sounds weird, but the 41% humidity means the air is dry. You’ll lose moisture just by breathing in the cold air.
The weather forecast virginia beach today might not be a "beach day" in the traditional sense, but if you're into crisp air and no crowds, it's actually a pretty solid time to explore the coast. Just keep the heater on and the coffee hot.