Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cape Charles, VA

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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 »
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

January is the month that records the lowest temperatures, with averages ranging from a high of 44.2°F (6.8°C) to a low of 36.5°F (2.5°C).

What is the least humid month?

January, October and November, with an average relative humidity of 74%, are the least humid months.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 131.1 rainfall days, and 13.54" (344mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through March are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 4 snowfall days, and 0.43" (11mm) of snow is accumulated.

When is the lowest UV index?

January is the month with the lowest UV index in Cape Charles, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 1.6 days and typically aggregates up to 0.24" (6mm) of snow.

What month is the ocean coldest?

With an average ocean temperature of 43.2°F (6.2°C), February is the month with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 5.3h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow?

April through December are months without snowfall.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is May, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 14h and 42min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What are the warmest months?

Cape Charles witnesses the warmest weather in July, with temperatures averaging a high of 82.6°F (28.1°C) and a low of 75.9°F (24.4°C).

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 11h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Cape Charles, Virginia.

What is the rainiest month?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.1 days and accumulates 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation.

What month is the ocean warmest in Cape Charles?

The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average ocean temperature of 79.3°F (26.3°C).

What is the driest month?

November is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Cape Charles.

Average temperature
Cape Charles, VA

Average temperature - Cape Charles, VA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (44.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (75.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (36.5°F).

Average pressure
Cape Charles, VA

Average pressure - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed
Cape Charles, VA

Average wind speed - Cape Charles, VA

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and March (13.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (9.7mph).

Average humidity
Cape Charles, VA

Average humidity - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (79%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, October and November (74%).

Average rainfall
Cape Charles, VA

Average rainfall - Cape Charles, VA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.69").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (0.71").

Average rainfall days
Cape Charles, VA

Average rainfall days - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (15.1 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and October (7.5 days).

Average snowfall
Cape Charles, VA

Average snowfall - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.24").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

Average snowfall days
Cape Charles, VA

Average snowfall days - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (1.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Cape Charles, VA

Average sea temperature - Cape Charles, VA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (79.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (43.1°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cape Charles, VA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 18min).

Average sunshine days
Cape Charles, VA

Average sunshine days - Cape Charles, VA

The month with the most sunshine days is October (20.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (12.7 days).

Average visibility
Cape Charles, VA

Average visibility - Cape Charles, VA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Cape Charles, Virginia, USA

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