The climate of Charlottesville
Charlottesville, situated in the Commonwealth of
Virginia, USA, primarily experiences a Humid subtropical climate, also known as the Köppen climate classification "Cfa." This climate type is characterized by humid, hot summers and mild to cool winters, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.
Temperature fluctuations within Charlottesville are evident throughout the year. Monthly average high temperatures range from 41.5°F (5.3°C) in
January and
February, reaching up to 88.2°F (31.2°C) in
July. Meanwhile, monthly average low temperatures fluctuate between 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in January to 64.6°F (18.1°C) in July. Interestingly, winter temperatures remain mild while the summers can get notoriously hot, especially during July.
Other weather parameters exhibit variations as well. Rainfall, for instance, ranges from 1.69" (43mm) in January up to 2.91" (74mm) in
April and
May. In terms of snowfall, there is primarily a concentration during the winter months, amounting to 2.8" (71mm) in January and 1.38" (35mm) in
December; however, it remains absent throughout the rest of the year. The pressure remains relatively stable and within a narrow window from 29.96" (761mm) in
June to 30.14" (766mm) in
November.
The best time to visit Charlottesville
Considering the climatic conditions, the optimal time to visit
Charlottesville would be during the spring months of
April and
May, and the autumn months of
September and
October. During this period, the city experiences mild weather with average high temperatures from 66°F (18.9°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C), and the rainfall sits at the moderate level from 2.05" (52mm) to 2.91" (74mm). The amount of daylight varies from 12.4 hours to 14.2 hours per day, and the city generally enjoys high visibility of up to 6 miles. The UV index remains reasonably low from 4 to 5, reducing the risk of harmful sunray effects.
The worst time to visit Charlottesville
The months of
February and
July might present challenging weather for some visitors. February experiences the lowest average temperatures in
Charlottesville which mingle around 46.2°F (7.9°C) and has a relative humidity of 74%. On the other hand, July can be exceedingly warm, with temperatures soaring up to an average high of 88.2°F (31.2°C). Coinciding with this, the month also sees relative humidity levels of 71%, which can add to the discomfort.
Spring weather in Charlottesville
The spring months -
March,
April, and
May, usher in a wave of improvement in the
Charlottesville climate condition. The temperatures are moderate, varying between 53.8°F (12.1°C) to 75.4°F (24.1°C). Rainfall increases during this time from 2.28" (58mm) in March to 2.91" (74mm) in May, with the increasing moisture contributing to the city's beautiful blooms. The daylight hours extend from 12 to 14.2 hours per day, lending more time to explore the city.
Summer weather in Charlottesville
In the summer, from
June to
August,
Charlottesville turns notably hot and humid. The average high temperatures escalate to 83.5°F (28.6°C) in June and peak at 88.2°F (31.2°C) in
July. With the rise in temperature comes a surge in humidity levels to 72% in June and 71% in July. Despite the heat, summer also offers the longest daylight hours with the range being 14.8 hours in June to 13.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Charlottesville
Autumn in
Charlottesville is a period of transition - as summer heat subsides and winter cold takes hold - the months from
September to
November mark a transition from heat to cold. September starts with high average temperatures of 78.6°F (25.9°C), which gradually fall to 54.5°F (12.5°C) by November. Rainfall decreases from 2.05" (52mm) in September to 2.01" (51mm) in November. The autumn season is also characterized by reducing daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 10.1 hours per day over the span of three months.
Winter weather in Charlottesville
Winter months in
Charlottesville encompass
December,
January, and
February. The city experiences its lowest average temperatures during this season with values as low as 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in January. Snowfall is observed in these months, with the highest being in January with 2.8" (71mm). Adding to the chill, the wind speed also increases to 5.8mph (9.3km/h) in December. Despite the wintery chill, the city barely sees reduced visibility, maintaining an average of 5 miles. Furthermore, the winter days are relatively short, with daylight hours dwindling to 9.6 hours per day by December.
Weather in January
Charlottesville experiences chilly conditions throughout
January with notable temperatures. The lowest minimum temperature for the year is recorded in January, from 26.1°F (-3.3°C) to highs of 41.5°F (5.3°C). The city is also subjected to snowfall during this month, making it a true winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February carries the winter's charm forward in
Charlottesville, albeit with a slight hint of spring approaching. The temperature sees a noticeable rise, moving from 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in January to 28.9°F (-1.7°C), and the snowfall decreases from 2.8" (71mm) in January to 2.6" (66mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of Spring in
Charlottesville as the weather starts warming up. The city records a significant jump in minimum temperature from 28.9°F (-1.7°C) to 35.2°F (1.8°C). It is also known for a stark decrease in snowfall, bringing March in contrast with the winter months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the heart of Spring in
Charlottesville. After a chilly start to the year, residents welcome April with temperatures ranging from 45.1°F (7.3°C) to 66°F (18.9°C), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. April also marks the end of snowfall for the year, with just a negligible 0.51" (13mm) recorded.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is when summer starts knocking on the door in
Charlottesville. The temperature reaches the 50s°F, indicating the departure of spring and the onset of warmer days. This month records absolutely no snowfall, marking a stark contrast from the initial months of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in
Charlottesville,
Virginia, with temperatures soaring to an average high of 83.5°F (28.6°C). The boost in temperature from 75.4°F (24.1°C) in
May offers the perfect atmosphere for visiting the many exciting summer attractions of the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Charlottesville, with temperatures hitting an annual high from 88.2°F (31.2°C) to 64.6°F (18.1°C). The city collectively embraces the warm and sunny climate following the pleasant weather of
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the warmth of
July in
Charlottesville. It maintains high temperatures, though slightly less than July, averaging from 85.6°F (29.8°C) to 63.3°F (17.4°C). August meshes the joys of summer and the upcoming fall, creating a fascinating fusion of climates.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Charlottesville denotes the onset of autumn, bringing in a significant change in climate. As the temperature begins to recede from the highs of summer to the maximum 78.6°F (25.9°C), the transformation becomes evident.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is visually the most stunning month in
Charlottesville as the city is blanketed with autumn leaves. With temperatures declining further down to 67.1°F (19.5°C) and humidity remaining constant, the atmosphere is brisk and refreshing.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Charlottesville is a blend of striking fall hues and fresh winter chills. The temperature further recedes from 67.1°F (19.5°C) to 54.5°F (12.5°C), signalling the imminent arrival of winter. The city braces for subtly colder days and nights as autumn nears its end.
Weather in November » Weather in December