You’re probably checking the forecast because you’ve got a tee time at Golden Horseshoe or you’re wondering if you should actually drag the kids to Colonial Williamsburg's historic area tomorrow. Honestly, Virginia weather in January is a bit of a gamble. One day it’s 60 degrees and you’re walking Duke of Gloucester Street in a light sweater, and the next, the wind is whipping off the York River so hard you can’t feel your face.
So, let's talk about the williamsburg va weather tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Basically, it’s going to be a classic "layered" kind of day. If you’re heading out early, brace yourself. We’re looking at a low around 23°F tonight and into the early morning hours. That's cold. Not "New England blizzard" cold, but definitely "frost on the windshield and numb toes" cold. The high for Friday is expected to hit about 41°F or 42°F.
It sounds decent on paper. But there’s a catch.
Why the Sunny Skies are Kinda Deceiving
Most of the local stations like NWS Wakefield are calling for a mainly sunny day. That’s great for photos of the Governor’s Palace, but the wind is going to play spoiler. We’re expecting southwest winds to stick around 5 to 10 mph. While that’s not a gale, it’s enough to keep the "real feel" temperature significantly lower than what the thermometer says.
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If you're standing in the sun, you'll feel okay. Step into the shade of those old brick buildings, and you’ll want that heavy coat.
The humidity is sitting pretty low, around 36%. This is that dry, crisp winter air that makes your skin feel like parchment paper. It’s a huge shift from the muggy soup we live in during July.
Morning vs. Afternoon: The Transition
- 7:00 AM: It’s going to be frigid. We’re talking mid-20s. If you’re a local commuting down I-64, watch for those lingering patches of frost on the overpasses.
- 11:00 AM: The sun should be out in full force. We’ll be climbing toward the mid-30s.
- 2:00 PM: This is the peak. We hit that 41°F high. This is the best window for outdoor activities.
- 5:00 PM: Once the sun starts dipping, the temperature drops fast. Expect it to be back in the 30s before you even finish dinner at Merchants Square.
Is Snow Actually Happening?
I know, I saw the headlines too. There’s been a lot of chatter about "Arctic revenge" and snow threats for the weekend. For tomorrow? No. The chance of precipitation is basically zero during the day.
However, Friday night is when things start to get weird.
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The clouds are going to roll back in late Friday evening. While tomorrow stays dry, the system moving in for Saturday and Sunday is the one to watch. Some models are showing a 10% chance of a stray flake late Friday night, but really, the main event—if you can call it that—is Sunday’s 40% chance of snow showers.
Don't go out and buy all the milk and bread at the Richmond Road Wegmans just yet. Tomorrow is strictly a cold, sunny winter day.
How to Actually Dress for This
I've seen tourists try to do Williamsburg in January wearing just a fleece. Don't be that person. You've got to think in tiers.
Start with a moisture-wicking base. Even though it's cold, if you're walking three miles around the colonial district, you'll sweat, and then you'll freeze.
A heavy wool coat or a down parka is your best friend for the morning.
By 1:00 PM, you might want to swap to a lighter jacket if you're active.
Most importantly: socks. The brick paths in the historic area hold the cold. If your feet get cold, your whole day is ruined.
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Local Insight: The "Water Factor"
Williamsburg is tucked between the James and the York rivers. This creates a microclimate that often feels a few degrees different than Richmond or Newport News. Tomorrow’s southwest wind means the air is coming across more land than water, which usually keeps it a bit drier. If the wind was coming from the East, we’d be talking about bone-chilling dampness. Count your blessings.
Summary of the Essentials
The williamsburg va weather tomorrow is a tale of two halves. The morning is a deep freeze; the afternoon is a bright, brisk winter day.
- High: 41°F - 43°F
- Low: 23°F (early AM), 34°F (Friday night)
- Sky: Sunny until evening, then increasing clouds.
- Wind: SW at 10 mph.
If you’re planning to visit the College of William & Mary or take the kids to the Jamestown Settlement, do it between noon and 4:00 PM. That’s your sweet spot. After that, the temperature starts its inevitable slide back toward freezing.
Keep an eye on the Saturday night forecast, as that’s when the "real" winter weather might start knocking on the door. For Friday, just grab a hot cider from the Raleigh Tavern bakery and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
Next Steps for Your Friday Plan
Check your car's tire pressure tonight; these 20-degree drops usually trigger the sensor. If you're planning on dining outdoors at the Trellis or Fat Canary, make sure they have the heaters running, or better yet, grab a booth inside.