Virginia Beach, VA Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Virginia Beach has a humid subtropical climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Virginia Beach Climate Overview
Warm, humid summers. Mild winters with occasional nor'easters.
Nor'easters can bring coastal flooding. Hurricanes can impact the area.
Virginia Beach Weather by Season
spring
Spring is pleasant with warming temperatures and blooming trees. April and May deliver mild 70s°F days and the start of beach season.
summer
Summers are warm, humid, and beach-friendly with highs in the mid-80s°F. Ocean breezes moderate the heat, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
fall
Fall is Virginia Beach's best weather season — mild, dry, sunny, with comfortable beach weather extending into October. Peak hurricane season runs August-October.
winter
Winters are mild with highs in the upper 40s°F and lows in the 30s°F. Nor'easters can bring heavy rain, wind, and coastal flooding.
Virginia Beach Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48° | 51° | 58° | 67° | 75° | 83° | 87° | 86° | 80° | 71° | 62° | 52° |
| Low °F | 33° | 34° | 41° | 50° | 59° | 68° | 72° | 71° | 66° | 55° | 45° | 36° |
Best Time to Visit Virginia Beach
Late May through early October for beach weather. September is especially nice with warm ocean temperatures, lower crowds, and mild air.
Severe Weather Risks
- Hurricanes
- Nor'easters
- Coastal flooding
- Severe thunderstorms
- Beach erosion
Weather Facts About Virginia Beach
- >Virginia Beach sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, where tropical storms and nor'easters both bring storm surge threats.
- >The city's 35-mile oceanfront is especially vulnerable to beach erosion from repeated coastal storms.
- >Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Isabel (2003) both caused major coastal flooding in the region.
Virginia Beach Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach?
September is ideal — warm ocean water, mild air temperatures in the 70s-80s°F, lower humidity than July-August, and smaller crowds than peak summer.
Does Virginia Beach get hurricanes?
Yes. The coastal location makes it vulnerable to both direct hurricane hits and grazing impacts. Isabel (2003), Irene (2011), and Matthew (2016) all caused significant damage.
How warm does the ocean get in summer?
Ocean temperatures peak in August, typically in the mid-70s to low 80s°F — pleasantly warm for swimming. September often stays warm thanks to residual summer heat.
Does Virginia Beach get cold in winter?
Mild compared to inland Virginia. Winter highs average in the upper 40s°F and lows in the 30s°F. The ocean moderates temperatures and extended deep cold is rare.