The climate of Richmond
Richmond,
Virginia, settled in the southeastern region of the United States, inherits the humid subtropical climate with the Köppen climate classification of Cfa, which designates no dry season. Depending on the time of the year, visitors can expect a range of weather conditions; from chilly winter months approaching low temperatures around 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in
January, to the hot summer spells with highs scaling up to approximately 90.9°F (32.7°C) in
July.
Rainfall in Richmond remains generally consistent throughout the year, with the rainiest months being
March and
May, delivering around 2.76" (70mm) each. The rain gauge drops slightly to its yearly low levels of 1.73" (44mm) come
September. In contrast, snowfall distributes unevenly with the heaviest snowfall of 2.05" (52mm) recorded in January and traces evident up to
April.
Furthermore, daylight and sunshine hours fluctuate throughout the year.
December and January provide the shortest days with daylight hours lingering around 9.6 to 9.9 hours. Alternatively, the summer months offer the longest days, extending up to 14.7 hours in
June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours peak with an impressive 10.5 hours per day in July, whilst sinking to a dull 5.1 hours during the winter month of December.
The best time to visit Richmond
The optimal time to visit
Richmond typically spans between
April and
June when temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 56.1°F (13.4°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Furthermore, these months coincide with the longest daylight hours, stretching up to 14.7 hours in June, allowing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Although rainfall levels slightly peak around 2.76" (70mm) in April and
May, the high UV index of 6 in June assures a good share of sunlit days.
The worst time to visit Richmond
Winter season in
Richmond, particularly
January, might be less appealing to visitors due to the colder temperatures that descend to an average low of 29.7°F (-1.3°C). The reduced daylight hours, hover around 9.9 hours, combined with the shortest sunshine duration of 5.1 hours, make days appear shorter and dreary. Furthermore, January also registers the highest snowfall, averaging around 2.05" (52mm), which could lead to disruptions in local transportation and daily activities.
Spring weather in Richmond
Spring, sprawling between
March and
May, brings milder temperatures to
Richmond, spiking from the low 38.8°F (3.8°C) in March to a warmer 65.5°F (18.6°C) in May. This period witnesses the maximum monthly rainfall of 2.76" (70mm) in both March and May, resulting in a relatively wet season. Nevertheless, daylight gradually increases from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May, which compensate for the damp conditions.
Summer weather in Richmond
Summer months from
June to
August offer the warmest climate in
Richmond, with temperatures soaring to a high of 90.9°F (32.7°C) in
July. It is the driest season with the lowest rainfall recorded at 2.48" (63mm) in June. The daylight duration peaking at 14.7 hours in June along with abundant sunshine hours ranging from 10.0 to 10.5 hours affords plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and events.
Autumn weather in Richmond
Autumn in
Richmond from
September to
November marks a transition from the warm summer to the cooler winter, with temperatures tapering from 81.3°F (27.4°C) in September to 49.1°F (9.5°C) in November. Rainfall sees a slight resurgence rising up to 2.6" (66mm) in later months. Daylight hours face a progressive decline from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November, yielding shorter daylight intervals.
Winter weather in Richmond
Winter breezes in
Richmond from
December to
February, hallmarking lower temperatures that range from a chilly 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in
January to a relatively milder 49.3°F (9.6°C) in February. December and January's witness minimal daylight hours, averaging 9.6 to 9.9 hours respectively, which can make the days appear rather short. Furthermore, snowfall makes its presence felt, peaking in January with 2.05" (52mm), adding a frosty touch to the festive season.
Weather in January
Temperature in
Richmond,
Virginia in
January fluctuates from a cool 29.7°F (-1.3°C) at its coldest to a marginal high of 44.6°F (7°C). This month presents overcast skies with 43% cloud coverage, not uncommon during winter months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February experiences a small rise in temperature with values reaching up to 49.3°F (9.6°C) from a still frosty low of 31.8°F (-0.1°C). Compared to
January, there's a subtle alleviation in cold weather conditions. This month is accompanied by gradual lengthening of daylight hours which plays a role in the slight climb in temperatures.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings in a much-awaited warmth to
Richmond,
Virginia with temperatures climbing up to a pleasant 56.1°F (13.4°C) and dropping to a more tolerable 38.8°F (3.8°C). The shift into spring is heralded by an increase in rainfall, concurrent with a slight rise in humidity levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April enjoys a grand entrance of spring including warmer weather with temperatures rising significantly to a high of 68.4°F (20.2°C) from a comfortable low of 49.3°F (9.6°C). Signs of spring are prevalent with scenic views of blooming flora against a backdrop of clearer skies.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May continues to show exponential growth in warming with temperatures ranging from a mild 58.1°F (14.5°C) to a moderately high 78.3°F (25.7°C).
Richmond flourishes under sunny skies and lengthier daylight hours. Despite the warmth, this month coincides with increased rainfall, adding a soothing symphony to the early summer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the doorstep to summer, hosts an appealing weather range from 65.5°F (18.6°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C), establishing a break from the spring months.
Richmond sees a marked escalation in the number of sunny days, allowing for more outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July introduces peak summer conditions with
Richmond's temperature soaring high to 90.9°F (32.7°C) and a minimum of 70.2°F (21.2°C). Cloud cover lessens, gifting a bright and starry canvas to the city's nightlife. Despite the scorching temperatures, the air pressure remains fairly consistent, offering some relief.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a slight dip in temperature with the mercury falling to a range between 68.5°F (20.3°C) and 88.3°F (31.3°C). This drop does little to offset the heat as the summer temperatures persist. Sunshine continues to bless the city with long, bright days complemented by cooler nights.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is characterized by a significant decrease in temperatures, ranging from 63.1°F (17.3°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C). With autumn underway,
Richmond swaps its warm, summery wardrobe for the subtle cooling associated with fall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October invites the true essence of fall with temperatures reasonably reducing from 52°F (11.1°C) to 69.8°F (21°C). This month,
Richmond beholds an ambiance of fresh, crisp early mornings and cozy, chill late nights. A moderate amount of rainfall keeps the city pleasantly moist without causing significant disruptions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November paves the way for winter as temperatures drop significantly from 40.8°F (4.9°C) to 57°F (13.9°C). The chilly weather returns, as seen in the frosty mornings and even colder nights. Rainfall continues to be a part of
Richmond's weather scenario, although less frequently contrasted to spring and summer months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year with the chilliest weather with temperatures falling between 35.1°F (1.7°C) and 49.1°F (9.5°C).
Richmond experiences a traditional winter with snowy landscapes and cold, biting winds. The precipitation takes the form of a picturesque light snowfall, a stark contrast to the earlier rainfall.
Weather in December »