Right now, if you step out onto the Sandbridge or the Boardwalk, it feels like a total lie. The current temperature is a balmy 60°F with a light 10 mph breeze coming off the west. It’s mostly cloudy, and honestly, it feels more like an early spring afternoon than mid-January in Virginia.
But don't get comfortable.
The Atlantic has a way of playing tricks on you. This "weather va beach 7 day" outlook is about to take a sharp, aggressive turn into real winter, and most people aren't ready for the Sunday slap in the face.
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The Saturday Setup: Calm Before the Chaos
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is going to hold steady with a high of 63°F. You’ve got a southwest wind around 15 mph keeping things mild. It’s the kind of day where you see locals walking the dog in hoodies, thinking winter is over.
It’s not.
As the sun sets, things start to get messy. We’re looking at a 40% chance of rain tonight as the temperature bottom drops to 36°F. That rain is just the opening act for what’s coming tomorrow.
Sunday’s Reality Check: Rain, Snow, and Shivering
If you have plans for Sunday, January 18, change them. Or at least buy some heavy wool socks. We’re looking at a high of only 44°F, which is nearly twenty degrees colder than today.
The morning starts with rain—a 75% chance of it. But as the day progresses and that northwest wind picks up to 18 mph, things get interesting. By Sunday night, that rain is expected to transition into snow. The low will hit 27°F.
Wait, snow in Virginia Beach?
Yeah, it happens. Usually, it’s just a "dusting" that melts the second it touches the pavement because the ocean is still relatively warm (around 47°F right now). But with a 45% chance of snow Sunday night, don't be shocked if you wake up Monday morning to white rooftops.
Monday Through Wednesday: The Deep Freeze
Once the Sunday system clears out, we’re left with the cold. Monday, January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), will be sunny but crisp. The high is 45°F, and the low stays at a biting 27°F.
Tuesday is the real winner for "coldest day of the week."
- High: 36°F
- Low: 26°F
- Condition: Pure, bright sun.
It’s that deceptive winter sun. It looks beautiful through a window, but the moment you step outside, the 12 mph northwest wind reminds you that you're in the middle of January.
Wednesday, January 21, starts to see a tiny bit of recovery with a high of 45°F, but it brings clouds back into the mix. There's a slight 25% chance of light rain overnight as the wind shifts to the south.
The Back Half: Humidity and Gray Skies
By the time we hit Thursday, January 22, the "weather va beach 7 day" cycle returns to the gray, damp feel we know so well. We're looking at a high of 46°F with a 25% chance of light rain during the day.
Friday, January 23, rounds out the week with a high of 45°F and a low of 32°F. It’s basically a carbon copy of the days before, just with a bit more sun peeking through.
Why VB Weather is So Weird
You’ve probably heard people say, "If you don't like the weather in Virginia, wait five minutes." In the Beach, that's actually due to the jet stream interaction and the ocean's thermal mass.
According to recent data from the NWS Wakefield office, we're currently in a transition from a weak La Niña to ENSO-neutral conditions. This usually means our winters are "variable but active." We don't get the locked-in arctic freezes like New England, but we get these "nickel-and-dime" systems—little bursts of cold and moisture that keep you guessing.
The ocean temperature is a massive factor. Even when the air is 30°F, the water is sitting at 47°F. This creates a "buffer zone" near the coast. It’s why it can be snowing in Chesapeake but just raining at the Oceanfront.
Actionable Next Steps for the Week
- Drip those pipes: On Tuesday night when we hit 26°F, make sure your outdoor spigots are covered. It’s the first real hard freeze of the week.
- Check your tire pressure: This 63-to-36 degree drop in 24 hours will trigger every "low tire pressure" light in the 757.
- Wetsuit check: If you’re a surfer hitting the swell after Sunday’s front, the water is very cold. You need at least a 4/3mm, but most local pros are already in 5/4mm with hoods and booties.
- Reschedule Sunday morning: The transition from rain to snow is going to make the roads slick, especially on the overpasses like the Lesner Bridge.
Essentially, enjoy the 60s while they last today. By tomorrow afternoon, the Virginia Beach winter is finally showing up for real.