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Contents
- The climate of Norfolk
- The Best Time to Visit Norfolk
- The Worst Time to Visit Norfolk
- Spring Weather in Norfolk
- Summer Weather in Norfolk
- Autumn Weather in Norfolk
- Winter Weather in Norfolk
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
A breathtaking night panorama of the well developed Norfolk City, Virginia
The climate of Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia finds itself within the Humid subtropical climate zone, also known as the Cfa region according to the Köppen climate classification. Being a populous city resting at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, its placement in Chesapeake Bay gifts Norfolk with a yearly humid subtropical climate. Decoding the weather trend reveals an extensive variation in temperature, from the lowest of 34.7°F (1.5°C) in January to peaking at 86.4°F (30.2°C) in the sweltering month of July.
Considerably moderate rainfall is a year-round happening in Norfolk, with July receiving the highest amount of rainfall, amounting to 2.2" (56mm). Snowfall is relatively scarce, only noticeable in January and December with 0.47" (12mm) and 0.24" (6mm) respectively. The realm of humidity remains rather parallel throughout the twelve months, sticking close to an average of 75%. Furthermore, the hours of sunshine vary from 5.5 hours in the colder months to a satisfying 10.9 hours during the summer time. Winds in this region of Virginia remain comparatively mild, topping at an average speed of 10.5mph (16.9km/h) during March and April.
Considerably moderate rainfall is a year-round happening in Norfolk, with July receiving the highest amount of rainfall, amounting to 2.2" (56mm). Snowfall is relatively scarce, only noticeable in January and December with 0.47" (12mm) and 0.24" (6mm) respectively. The realm of humidity remains rather parallel throughout the twelve months, sticking close to an average of 75%. Furthermore, the hours of sunshine vary from 5.5 hours in the colder months to a satisfying 10.9 hours during the summer time. Winds in this region of Virginia remain comparatively mild, topping at an average speed of 10.5mph (16.9km/h) during March and April.
The Best Time to Visit Norfolk
A trip to Norfolk can be most fully enjoyed during the transitional seasons. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, sufficient day-light hours, and moderate rainfall which make these seasons most ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Specifically, the months from April to June in spring and the months of September and October in fall provide conditions optimal for exploring the city’s historical landmarks, enjoying the seaport, and participating in various local festivals.
The Worst Time to Visit Norfolk
While the final judgment largely depends on specific preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions, most travelers might find Norfolk's humid summers challenging. The combination of temperatures ranging from 73.4°F (23°C) to 86.4°F (30.2°C) from June to August coupled with higher than average rainfall, particularly in July at 2.2" (56mm), can make this period less conducive to outdoor activities. In addition, the winter months of December and January, despite boasting an alike average rainfall and fair day-light hours, might deter visitors due to colder temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Spring Weather in Norfolk
Spring in Norfolk unfolds a spectacle of increasing temperatures, from 54.5°F (12.5°C) in March gradually to a warmer 73.4°F (23°C) in May. Rainfall during this season is moderate, ranging from 1.34" (34mm) to 1.89" (48mm), while the city enjoys increasing daylight hours from 12 to 14.2 hours. The increase in temperatures during spring offers blooming of flora and thus, offers a picturesque landscape, making it a favored season for tourists.
Summer Weather in Norfolk
Summers; from June to August, in Norfolk are predominantly characterized by heat and humidity. During this season, temperatures can vary from 73.4°F (23°C) to a peak of 86.4°F (30.2°C). This period experiences the longest hours of daylight, from 14.2 to 14.7 hours, allowing more time for outdoor activities. Coupled with the relatively less cloud cover, around 27%, Norfolk's summers can indeed be scorching.
Autumn Weather in Norfolk
Autumn months in Norfolk, from September to November, bring a decrease in temperature from the summer's peak, sliding down from 79.2°F (26.2°C) to a cool 58.3°F (14.6°C) in November. Rainfall during this time is less frequent, with an average of 1.57" (40mm) in October, while daylight hours tend to decline from 12.4 hours to approximately 10.2 hours.
Winter Weather in Norfolk
Winters might bring a chill to Norfolk with temperatures dipping to the year's low at around 34.7°F (1.5°C) in January and slowly ascending to 42.4°F (5.8°C) by February's end. Rainfall stays relatively constant, averaging between 1.1" (28mm) and 1.46" (37mm), while snowfall becomes apparent mainly in January with 0.47" (12mm). The shortest daylight hours are observed during this period, from 9.7 hours to 10.9 hours, whilst sunshine hours range from 5.5 to 5.7 hours. Despite the cold, the beauty of Norfolk in winter is undeniable, with clear skies and quiet, serene landscapes.
Weather in January
January is noted as the chilliest month in Norfolk, Virginia with the average high and low temperatures dipping to 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 34.7°F (1.5°C) respectively. The clear, crisp skies of January interestingly coincide with low sea temperatures. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moving into February, Norfolk experiences a slight temperature increase while maintaining a similar climatic pattern to January. Rain is more frequent, with clouds making their presence felt more often than in the previous month. Weather in February »
Weather in March
Norfolk welcomes the spring season in March with rising temperatures and a spike in rainfall from 1.42" (36mm) in February to 1.34" (34mm). Despite the slight increase in precipitation, rainfall days increase markedly, signalling that prolonged rain pours are infrequent. Weather in March »
Weather in April
The city of Norfolk begins to experience the first touches of warmth as April rolls around. The average rainfall inches up a bit as guardrails of the rainy season. As daylight further increases, so does the amount of sunshine the city receives, a testament to the progressively clearing skies. Weather in April »
Weather in May
Known for its balmy afternoons, May showcases Norfolk’s year-round mild weather but the high humidity of 78% does contrast with the moderately high temperatures. May is intriguing as it starts to feel significantly less windy. Even though there is an uptick in rainfall to be expected, the increase is not marked enough to qualify May as the rainiest month. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the start of Summer in Norfolk, characterized by the highest sea temperature of the year at 72.5°F (22.5°C). The mild to warm temperatures paired with the increased sunshine hours signal the arrival of the summer solstice. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Norfolk holds the title for the warmest month march, with the mercury soaring to an impressive high of 86.4°F (30.2°C). There is an increased likelihood of occasional thunderstorms, given that this month has the highest rainfall. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August generally offers a continuation of July’s weather traits. The sweltering weather modifies marginally however, with a slight decrease in average temperature. The sea temperature peaks this month, then begins its slow descent into cooler figures. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, Norfolk begins its transition into autumn. The month does experience significant amounts of rain, but it is less frequent compared to August, resulting in a lower number of rainfall days. The sea temperature remains welcomingly warm luring visitors to Virginia's stunning beach vistas. Weather in September »
Weather in October
As Norfolk's foliage begins to transform in October, the temperatures follow suit. The climate becomes noticeably cooler following the heat of the Summer months and the mild warmth of early Autumn. The weather undergoes a transformation, moderate rainfall with an appreciable drop in sea temperatures becomes evident. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November marks a clear departure from the warm seasons as temperatures in Norfolk continue to trend downwards. Rainfall decreases, ushering in the onset of the cooler and drier winter season. Despite these dropping temperatures, November experiences close to the same amount of sunshine hours as October. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December signals the arrival of the Winter holiday season in Norfolk. The weather is similar to January but includes a moderate amount of rainfall. The sea temperature plummets, discouraging ocean visits. The shorter daylight hours and decreasing sunshine hours add to the overall chill. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months in Norfolk?
With average high temperatures of 45.9°F (7.7°C) and lows of 34.7°F (1.5°C), January is the coldest month.
How many days does it rain?
In Norfolk, during the entire year, the rain falls for 151.9 days and collects up to 20.35" (517mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall in Norfolk, Virginia, are January through March, November and December.
When does it snow the most?
January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 2.2 days and accumulates 0.47" (12mm) of snow.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 5.3 snowfall days, and 1.18" (30mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
January is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What is the month with the coldest ocean?
With an average ocean temperature of 44.6°F (7°C), February is the month with the coldest seawater.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 5.4h 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?
In Norfolk, snow does not fall in April through October.
What is the most humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 78%, May is the most humid month.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 14h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What is the hottest time of year?
In Norfolk, the peak temperatures are generally noted in July, averaging a high of 86.4°F (30.2°C) and a low of 73.6°F (23.1°C).
What are the least humid months in Norfolk?
July and November, with an average relative humidity of 74%, are the least humid months.
What month has the most sunshine?
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.
What are the months with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
What is the rainiest month?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16.9 days and accumulates 2.52" (64mm) of precipitation.
When is the ocean warmest?
August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 80.1°F (26.7°C).
What is the driest month?
The month with the least rainfall in Norfolk, Virginia, is November, when the rain falls for 8.3 days and typically collects 1.1" (28mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.
Average temperature
Norfolk, VA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (45.9°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (73.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (34.7°F).
Average pressure
Norfolk, VA
- Average pressure in January:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.96"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.13"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.12"Hg
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
Norfolk, VA
- Average wind speed in January:
10.1mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.2mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.5mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.7mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in December:
9.1mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.5mph).
Average humidity
Norfolk, VA
The month with the highest relative humidity is May (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and November (74%).
Average rainfall
Norfolk, VA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.3" - Average rainfall in February:
1.42" - Average rainfall in March:
1.34" - Average rainfall in April:
1.46" - Average rainfall in May:
1.89" - Average rainfall in June:
1.81"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.52").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (1.1").
Average rainfall days
Norfolk, VA
- Average rainfall days in January:
8.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13 days - Average rainfall days in May:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.3 days).
Average snowfall
Norfolk, VA
The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.47").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Norfolk, VA
- Average snowfall days in January:
2.2 days - Average snowfall days in February:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0.4 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (2.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Norfolk, VA
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (80°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (44.5°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Norfolk, VA
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 3min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Norfolk, VA
- Average sunshine days in January:
19 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12 days - Average sunshine days in June:
11 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
13.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (19.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (10.8 days).
Average UV index
Norfolk, VA
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Norfolk, VA
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 26).
Average visibility
Norfolk, 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).
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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