The climate of Lexington
Set amid the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley,
Lexington experiences a humid subtropical climate, also classified as Cfa under the Köppen climate classification. This classification signals no dry season, with a fair amount of precipitation distributed throughout the year. The geographical location of the city contributes to its varying weather patterns, with changes presented distinctively in each season.
The annual temperature in Lexington varies significantly with the highs averaging from 40.6°F (4.8°C) in
January to a warm 85.8°F (29.9°C) in
July. The lowest temperatures observed range from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in January, increasing steadily to peak at 62.1°F (16.7°C) in July. Relative humidity levels in the city typically hover between 73% and 78% throughout the year, making the air feel quite moist.
Rainfall varies moderately across the year, with highs of 2.83" (72mm) in
May, and the lowest records of 1.54" (39mm) in
September. Snowfall remains a special attribute of Lexington's climate, starting from
November with negligible falls of 0.08" (2mm) and peaking up to 2.2" (56mm) in
March.
This city also enjoys long daylight hours, with the longest being 14.8 hours in
June, and shortest being 9.6 hours in
December. The wind speed varies from 3.9mph (6.3km/h) in
August to 6.3mph (10.1km/h) in both
February and
April. In terms of cloud cover, the city ranges from 30% in June and July to 45% in March.
The best time to visit Lexington
For pleasant weather and engaging outdoor activities, the months from
May to
June and
September to
October stand as the best time to visit
Lexington. The temperature ranges from 64.9°F (18.3°C) to 77.5°F (25.3°C), making it comfortable to explore. The days are longer with daylight reaching up to 14.2 hours in May, in conjunction with lower humidity levels, providing ideal conditions for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Lexington
As in most places with a humid subtropical climate,
July and
August can be intensely hot in
Lexington with temperatures hitting highs of 84°F (28.9°C) to 85.8°F (29.9°C). Besides being hot, these months also witness peak rainfall making outdoor activities less desirable. Furthermore, the winter months of
December through
February can be challenging with snowfall coupled with temperatures falling to as low as 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in
January, making this period less opportune for a visit.
Spring weather in Lexington
Spring in
Lexington starts in
March and continues until
May, bringing with it an increasing warmth that invigorates the place. Temperatures mount from 53.2°F (11.8°C) in March to a mild 73.8°F (23.2°C) in May. While the rainfall shows a gradual rise from 1.73" (44mm) in March to 2.6" (66mm) in
April and peaking at 2.83" (72mm) in May, snowfall decreases significantly.
Summer weather in Lexington
From
June to
August,
Lexington experiences its summer with temperatures soaring to a peak of 85.8°F (29.9°C) in
July. In addition, these months record the lowest cloud cover of the year favoring clear skies and long sunny days, with sunlight lasting for up to 14.5 hours.
Autumn weather in Lexington
Autumn sets in
Lexington from
September to
November with temperatures falling from 77.5°F (25.3°C) to 53.4°F (11.9°C). Unlike summer, these months witness a more significant cloud cover, recording up to 38% in September. It is also a transitional period for rainfall, which sees a gradual decrease from 2.24" (57mm) in September to 1.65" (42mm) in November.
Winter weather in Lexington
Winter is marked by a significant drop in temperatures, reaching a nadir of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in
January. Snow becomes a regular phenomenon from
November well into
March, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Despite the chill, the city experiences an average daylight hour count of 9.7 hours, making the winter days still considerably long. It also experiences the highest relative humidity during this season, with an average of 78% in
December.
Weather in January
The start of the year welcomes a wintry scene in
Lexington,
Virginia with
January being the most frigid compared to the adjacent months. The city experiences the lowest sunlight hours in this month, creating a chilly and gloomy atmosphere.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February experiences a slight rise in temperature, but the weather remains quite cold as winter continues its pounce. Snowfall is yet to taper off completely; thus, residents should anticipate flurries. Additionally, diminished sunshine hours maintain relatively high humidity levels.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Lexington signals the end of winter, featuring a notable shift in temperature. Targets for winter sports dwindle as snowfall starts vanishing. Concurrently, daylight hours start to lengthen, promoting more outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences further warming trends, marking a clear transition from winter to spring. Occasional rain showers accompany blooming flowers, resulting in a picturesque landscape in
Lexington. The longer sunshine hours lure outdoor lovers back into the open spaces.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a distinct change as spring fully blossoms in
Lexington. The city witnesses increased daylight and sun-filled days, marking an uptick in outdoor activities. Rain showers become a frequent occurrence nonetheless, cultivating lush foliage around the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Lexington sees the heat dial tick upwards as summer approaches. The city basks in increased sunshine hours, maximizing outdoor activities. In response to the escalating temperatures, residents equip themselves with sun protection.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Lexington reaches the zenith of summer. The city basks in lengthy sunshine hours and maximum daylight, making this the true high-summer period. While rainfall and humidity remain relatively high, it provides little solace under the scorching sun.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses a slight retreat in temperature, yet the summer heat persists. Despite being one of the hottest months, the city copes with frequent rain showers. The long daylight hours and persistent heat continue to encourage varied outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September in
Lexington marks the transition from summer to fall. The usual summer scorch starts giving way to cooler temperatures, inviting autumn leaves. The reduction in daylight hours affects outdoor activities schedule.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes a refreshing change with the complete arrival of fall in
Lexington. The city transforms into an artist's palette, featuring a spectacle of vibrant autumn colors. Rainfall levels remain steady, painting a wet picture against the multi-colored backdrop.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Lexington takes a cool turn as fall slips into winter. The fall foliage starts dwindling, making way for the winter landscape. Rainy conditions persist alongside declining daylight hours, limiting outdoor excursions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally,
December unfolds, covering
Lexington with a layer of winter. The cold temperatures, combined with decreased daylight and sunshine hours, give a cemented affirmation of winter. Outdoor activities are subject to climate compatibility.
Weather in December »