Climate and monthly weather forecast
Charlottesville, VA

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The beautiful sunrise over Charlottesville, Virginia
The beautiful sunrise over Charlottesville, Virginia

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

December welcomes winter back to Charlottesville, with temperatures dipping down to 46.6°F (8.1°C). As the city decks up for the festive season, the snowfall from a small 0.08" (2mm) in November increases to a full 1.38" (35mm). Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

January, recording an average high temperature of 41.5°F (5.3°C) and a low temperature of 26.1°F (-3.3°C), is Charlottesville's coldest month.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9.7 days and accumulates 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 155.9 rainfall days, and 27.99" (711mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

How much does it snow?

In Charlottesville, Virginia, during the entire year, snow falls for 14.6 days and aggregates up to 10.43" (265mm) of snow.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

When does it snow the most?

March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 3.2 days and accumulates 3.07" (78mm) of snow.

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.

What is the rainiest month?

The months with the most rainfall are April and May, with an average 2.91" (74mm) of precipitation.

What is the most humid month?

The months with the highest humidity in Charlottesville are May, September, October and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

When it does not snow?

May through October are months without snowfall.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 48min of daylight.

What part of the year is the hottest?

The warmest time of the year is July, with temperatures averaging a high of 88.2°F (31.2°C) and a low of 64.6°F (18.1°C).

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is July, with an average relative humidity of 71%.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.7h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.

Average temperature
Charlottesville, VA

Average temperature - Charlottesville, VA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (41.5°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (26.1°F).

Average pressure
Charlottesville, VA

Average pressure - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed
Charlottesville, VA

Average wind speed - Charlottesville, VA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.2mph).

Average humidity
Charlottesville, VA

Average humidity - Charlottesville, VA

The months with the highest relative humidity are May, September, October and December (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (71%).

Average rainfall
Charlottesville, VA

Average rainfall - Charlottesville, VA

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are April and May (2.91").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.69").

Average rainfall days
Charlottesville, VA

Average rainfall days - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.9 days).

Average snowfall
Charlottesville, VA

Average snowfall - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.07").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Charlottesville, VA

Average snowfall days - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (4.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Charlottesville, VA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Charlottesville, VA

Average sunshine days - Charlottesville, VA

The month with the most sunshine days is December (19.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11.4 days).

Average UV index
Charlottesville, VA

Average UV index - Charlottesville, VA

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Charlottesville, VA

Average visibility - Charlottesville, VA

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, June, July, August and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, May, September, October and December (5mi).

Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

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