The climate of Cape Charles
Showing characteristics of a humid subtropical climate with no dry season,
Cape Charles,
Virginia, adheres to the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This coastal town, cocooned on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, reveals an intriguing weather panorama, heavily influenced by its geographical positioning.
Cape Charles sees a remarkable interplay of weather attributes throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures fluctuate between a comfortable 36.5°F (2.5°C) during the coldest month, and a warm peak of 82.6°F (28.1°C). The humidity level remains consistently high, averaging around 75%, while pressure levels don't veer far from an average of around 30in.
Rainfall graces Cape Charles on a regular basis, average monthly rainfall ranges from a low 0.71" (18mm) to a high of 1.69" (43mm). The city also receives a respectable amount of sunshine, with average daily sunshine hours deviating from 5.4 hours to 11 hours. Snow events, on the other hand, don't make frequent appearances, with the average monthly snowfall fluctuating between 0 to 0.24" (6mm).
Distinctive patterns emerge when analyzing the wind speeds. It reaches its zenith of 13.4mph (21.6km/h) twice, in the months of
January and
March, while calming down to about 9.7mph (15.6km/h) in
August. Wind gusts follow a similar pattern, hitting high averages of 21.6mph (34.8km/h) in
February and dipping to 14.7mph (23.7km/h) in August.
The best time to visit Cape Charles
Given the high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, the best time to visit
Cape Charles would be in the months displaying an impeccable balance between agreeable temperatures, lower precipitation, and ample sunlight. This weather trifecta is seen in the months of
May to
June and
September to
October. During these months, the temperatures remain pleasant, averaging between 59.5°F (15.3°C) to 76.8°F (24.9°C), rainfall clocks in lesser at 1.02" (26mm) to 1.34" (34mm), and sunshine hours peak from 9.5 hours to 10.8 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Cape Charles
August, despite having the highest temperature, may not be the best time for a visit, chiefly due to the highest rainfall encountered in this month. At 1.69" (43mm), coupled with 75% humidity, the atmosphere can feel quite stuffy. Increased cloudiness, at 27%, along with comparatively fewer sunshine hours does not add to its favor.
Spring weather in Cape Charles
Spring in
Cape Charles brings a delightful escalation in temperatures. Starting from an average low of 43°F (6.1°C) in
March, the temperature soars to an average high of 68.5°F (20.3°C) in
May. Rainfall during these months ranges from 0.87" (22mm) to 1.02" (26mm) and witnessed for around 11 to 14 days. Rising sunshine hours, from 6.9 hours in March to a high of 9.5 hours in May, stages a striking weather theater, perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Cape Charles
Summer takes center stage from
June to
August, marked by the highest average temperatures between 77.5°F (25.3°C) and 82.6°F (28.1°C). Rainfall measures the highest in August at 1.69" (43mm) extending to an approximate 15 days of the month. The humidity levels stay high within the range of 75% to 79%. Despite the rainfall, about 10.7 to 14.7 hours of daylight paired with healthy sunshine hours, particularly in
July, stretching to 11 hours a day, provides ample opportunities for leisure and exploration.
Autumn weather in Cape Charles
Autumn in
Cape Charles sees temperatures lowering from a mild 76.8°F (24.9°C) in
September to 56.7°F (13.7°C) by
November. The rainfall dwells more in the moderate level, between 0.94" (24mm) to 0.71" (18mm). The city savors around 6 hours to 9.5 hours of sunlight per day, with daylight hours dipping steadily from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November. A pleasant season for walks and outdoor activities!
Winter weather in Cape Charles
The winter season witnesses a plunge in temperatures, ranging from 49.8°F (9.9°C) in
December to 36.5°F (2.5°C) in
January, the coldest month of the year. Rainfall hovers between 0.83" (21mm) and 0.94" (24mm). Snow does make an occasional appearance in winter months, with January seeing the highest snowfall of about 0.12" (3mm). Sunshine hours dwindle from 5.4 hours in December to a minimum of 5.5 hours in January. Despite the cold, a visit during winter can be a whimsical experience for those inclined toward chilly trips.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Cape Charles,
Virginia, brings weather patterns characterized by formidable chilly temperatures.
January, being mid-winter with the lowest daylight hours of 9.9 hours, sees the city entering the year in a blanket of cold.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Cape Charles transitions into
February with incremental changes in weather patterns. This period experiences a slight increase in both temperature extremes, still maintaining the chill of
January. Whilst snowfall days marginally increase to 1.6 days, overall snowfall volume remains low at 0.24" (6mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in
Cape Charles, is a fresh month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 43°F (6.1°C) and an average high of 50.5°F (10.3°C). With March's arrival, Cape Charles notes an average high-temperature of a fresh 50.5°F (10.3°C), closely following the trend of the preceding month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases great leaps in weather patterns, completely heralding in spring at
Cape Charles. Noticeable among these is an increase in rainfall, hitting an apex at 1.02" (26mm). Coupled with this is a substantial rise in temperatures, thus eliminating frost and nurturing budding flowers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
A shift into warmer weather becomes apparent as
May takes over in
Cape Charles. Notably, high temperatures begin to approach the realm of 68.5°F (20.3°C), denoting the onset of summer. The warmth of May is complemented by sea temperatures rising to a comfortable 60.5°F (15.8°C), signaling the start of beach season for locals.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June firmly establishes summer in
Cape Charles, trading the spring climate for noticeably warmer conditions. Mid-year sees the longest days with daylight hours peaking at 14.7. With a leap in sea temperature to a tropical 72°F (22.2°C), beach and water activities take precedence in local life.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July welcomes the height of summer in
Cape Charles. This month enjoys the highest temperature values, with the mercury sometimes soaring up to 82.6°F (28.1°C). Residents revel in the sea being at its warmest, hitting highs of 77.7°F (25.4°C), perfect for swimming.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August persists with similar weather patterns to
July, nurturing the continued summer festivities. Equally high to those in July, August's high temperatures can reach a warm 81.7°F (27.6°C). The month experiences increasing rainfall volume, reaching 1.69" (43mm), the highest for the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
Cape Charles, initiating a gradual cooling trend. The shift to autumn introduces a slight drop in temperature, yet remains warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Lower sea temperatures at 75.1°F (23.9°C) coupled with reducing daylight hours herald the impending winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October accentuates the decline towards winter in
Cape Charles, inciting noticeable drops in temperature. Even as the days grow shorter, the UV index drops to 4, indicating lighter sun exposure. The wind picks up marginally, registering at 12.7mph (20.4km/h), thus adding a chill to the air.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Cape Charles manifests the approach of winter, with the air turning colder. The temperature high drops noticeably to 56.7°F (13.7°C) and daylight hours decrease to just 10.2. The decrease in temperature does not deter rainfall which totals at 0.71" (18mm), the second-lowest volume in the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Cape Charles ushers in winter, characterized by the year's coldest terrestrial and sea temperatures. Though harsh winter conditions prevail, the sea temperature drops to 51.7°F (10.9°C), still far from freezing. Noteworthy is the reappearance of snow, but it only amounts to 0.12" (3mm), indicating a relatively mild season.
Weather in December »