The climate of Fairfax
Fairfax,
Virginia, located in the United States of America, experiences a Humid subtropical climate condition, often identified as Cfa by the Köppen climate classification. This specifically denotes that the region does not have a dry season and faces a rather wet, humid climate throughout the year.
Over the 12-month calendar, the region experiences a broad range of temperatures fluctuating from a low 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in the colder months to 88°F (31.1°C) during the peak of summer. Humidity levels stay relatively steady all year, varying only slightly between 71-77%. Precipitation in the form of rainfall is consistent, ranging from 2.01" (51mm) to 3.78" (96mm) per month, occurring on an average of 9.1 to 17.3 days per month.
In winters, the region experiences a considerable amount of snowfall from 0.08" (2mm) to 3.54" (90mm), primarily concentrated during the days between
December and
February. The daylight duration varies from a minimum of 9.5 hours a day in December to a maximum of 14.9 hours a day in
June.
The strength of the ultraviolet rays, indicated by the UV Index, reaches a maximum of 6 during the summer months and decreases to 2 during the colder months. The mean visibility remains fairly constant at 6 miles throughout the year. Wind speeds vary between 4.7mph (7.6km/h) to 7.4mph (11.9km/h), with maximum gusts reaching up to 11.2mph (18km/h).
The best time to visit Fairfax
The optimal time frame for visiting
Fairfax would likely stands in the warmer months of the year, around
May to
September. During this period, average temperatures remain comfortable from 65.1°F (18.4°C) to 88°F (31.1°C), while daylight hours are the longest, peaking at 14.9 hours during
June. Yet, it should be noted that ultraviolet radiation from the sun reaches its highest levels during these months, so adequate precautions should be taken to protect against sunburn.
The worst time to visit Fairfax
The period from
December till
February can be considered as not ideal for a visit to
Fairfax. During this time, average temperatures are at their lowest, dropping to 26.4°F (-3.1°C) and averaging only 9.5 hours of daylight. This season also records highest snowfalls and reduced visibility.
Spring weather in Fairfax
Spring in
Fairfax is typically mild with average temperatures ranging from 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 65.1°F (18.4°C). Rainfall sees a slight increase during this period, reaching up to 2.44" (62mm) in
March and 2.8" (71mm) in
April. Daylight hours also start to increase offering more sun exposure, ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Fairfax
During the summer months of
June,
July and
August,
Fairfax experiences its highest temperatures ranging from 82.9°F (28.3°C) to 88°F (31.1°C) along with a steep increase in humidity levels. Despite these high temperatures, the summer season also sees the longest daylight hours, providing ample time to explore the region.
Autumn weather in Fairfax
Autumn witnesses a comfortable decrease in temperature from 78.4°F (25.8°C) in
September to a cool 54.5°F (12.5°C) in
November. Humidity levels and rainfall see a gradual decline during this period, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Fairfax
Winter, starting from
December, brings significantly cooler temperatures, reaching as low as 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in
January. This season also sees the least daylight hours and highest snowfall rates, making it the most challenging time for outdoor activities. As the year wraps up,
Fairfax's winter climate encapsulates the truly diverse weather conditions present through the 12-month cycle.
Weather in January
Beginning the calendar year in
Fairfax,
Virginia, the weather in
January tends to have lower temperatures, compared to the impending warmth in succeeding months. January’s average high thermostat reading is 40.5°F (4.7°C). Being the first month of the year, the city has a moderate amount of rainfall with the bulk coming in from 10.4 days on average.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Fairfax,
Virginia, experiences a gradual increase in average temperatures moving from
January into
February. This climatic shift is noticeable, but the chills of winter can still be felt throughout the month. Indeed, the mean low temperature for February records at 29.1°F (-1.6°C).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the transition period in
Fairfax,
Virginia, from the lingering winter to the welcoming spring, with weather patterns reflecting both seasons. Interestingly, the median sunlight duration reaches 12 hours during March. The shifts in climatic variables suggest a gradual uptick in temperatures, a stable phase for relative humidity, and an increase in rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moving deeper into spring,
April in
Fairfax,
Virginia indicates a continuance of climbing temperatures from
March, essentially bidding winter completely goodbye. The warmer conditions in April result in an average high temperature of 65.1°F (18.4°C).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Fairfax,
Virginia, marks the ingress of the summer season. The temperature highs move further upwards, posting warmer days and the snowfall from winter months is non-existent. May emerges as the rainiest month with an average precipitation of 3.11in.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As the mid-year mark approaches,
June arrives with the full bloom of summer in
Fairfax,
Virginia. The rising temperatures are reciprocated with a peak UV index rating at 6, encouraging residents to take precautionary measures. Despite temperatures continuing to trend upwards, pre-dawn conditions remain cooler indicating wide diurnal temperature variations.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Fairfax,
Virginia, stands out as the hottest month of the year with a soaring average high temperature of 88°F (31.1°C). It seems by now, the summer sun has taken full control, the rain is heavy but intermittent, and thunderstorm activity is frequently observed.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Fairfax,
Virginia, signals the start of a subtle decline in temperatures while still maintaining the warmth associated with the summer months. It's still a peak summer month but with slightly less intensity compared to
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September announces the onset of fall in
Fairfax,
Virginia. The transition from
August is apparent with diminishing daylight hours, a drop in temperature highs, and a concurrent decrease in the UV index. The month experiences balanced weather conditions in terms of rainfall, sunlight, and relative humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Fairfax,
Virginia, brings a stronger sense of fall as temperatures further drop and daylight hours decrease. However, the decrease in temperature is gradual since October isn't typically associated with major cold snaps.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Fairfax,
Virginia, ushers in significant changes in weather, characterized by fewer daylight hours, lower temperatures, and decreased sunlight duration. The decrease in temperatures is felt even more with November registering an average low of 38.5°F (3.6°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the final month of the year,
December takes over in
Fairfax,
Virginia, with solid winter weather patterns including low temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and increased snowfall. While the month isn’t the coldest, it can offer a significant amount of snowfall with an average of 1.73in.
Weather in December »