The climate of Roanoke
In the heart of the southern United States,
Roanoke,
Virginia, experiences a Cfa Köppen climate classification, defined as a Humid subtropical zone with no dry season. The humid subtropical climate manifests through an average humidity level of around 75%, persisting throughout the year with minimum differences. In this warmth-loving environment, Roanoke sees abundant rainfall reaching up to 3.31" (84mm) during
May. Sunshine days vary from 11.6 days in May to a maximum of 20.9 days in
November contributing to diverse weather experiences each month.
Throughout Roanoke, temperatures fluctuate mildly over the course of the year. In the cooler months of
January and
December, the high temperature averages hover around 41.2°F (5.1°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C), while the warmer months from
June to
August see temperatures peak, averaging between 82.2°F (27.9°C) and 86.5°F (30.3°C). Winters observe slightly colder lows making a dip to 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in January. A general observation of Roanoke’s unique weather patterns is the increase in daylight hours from 9.9 in January, peaking at 14.7 in June which slowly decreases to 9.6 in December.
The best time to visit Roanoke
The optimal time for a visit to
Roanoke,
Virginia, depends heavily on individual preference. However, those seeking warmer climates would find the period from
May to
September appealing. The high average temperatures range from 74.5°F (23.6°C) in May to a peak of 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
July, gradually dwindling to a comfortable 77.7°F (25.4°C) in September. These balmy months are complemented by a gain in daylight hours, reaching 14.7 hours in
June, allowing longer exploration times. Furthermore, these sunny conditions are supported by recorded UV index of 6, pointing towards a good intensity of solar radiation ideal for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Roanoke
The months of
January and
February can be considered less ideal for visitors due to the colder climate conditions. The chilly air sees high temperatures averaging only between 41.2°F (5.1°C) to 45.9°F (7.7°C), and the low temperatures can plunge to 26.1°F (-3.3°C) and 28.8°F (-1.8°C), respectively. Besides, these months experience snowfall averaging 2.64" (67mm) in January and 2.52" (64mm) in February, while daylight hours are fewer, limiting opportunities for outdoor excursions.
Spring weather in Roanoke
Spring in
Roanoke, generally from
March to
May, marks a transition in the weather from cooler to warmer conditions. As the season progresses, average high temperatures steadily climb from 53.8°F (12.1°C) in March to 74.5°F (23.6°C) in May, accompanied by an increase in low temperatures from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C). This period also experiences a rise in daylight hours from 12 hours in March to 14.2 in May, which enhances visibility. Rainfall inches up to its peak for the year at 3.31" (84mm) in May, encouraging the lush greenery of the region.
Summer weather in Roanoke
From
June to
August,
Roanoke experiences summer in its full swing. It is the warmest period in Roanoke with high temperatures soaring to an average of 86.5°F (30.3°C) in
July, and low temperatures minimally reaching 58.6°F (14.8°C) in June. Along with this, the city sees the maximum daylight hours at 14.7 in June. Despite these high temperatures, rainfall events remain at an average level with just 1.77" (45mm) falling in July, the driest month in Roanoke.
Autumn weather in Roanoke
The autumn months from
September to
November in
Roanoke bring a decrease in temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours. The high temperatures start at a comfortable 77.7°F (25.4°C) in September, slowly dropping to 53.8°F (12.1°C) in November. The rainfall sees a consistent decline from 1.61" (41mm) in September to 1.85" (47mm) in November. However, Roanoke enjoys ample daylight hours, with 12.4 in September, tapering to 10.2 in November, accompanying the cool, crisp air of autumn.
Winter weather in Roanoke
Winter in
Roanoke, spanning from
December to
February, is characterized by low temperatures and low sun exposure. High temperatures in this season hover between 41.2°F (5.1°C) in December and
January to a slight rise to 53.8°F (12.1°C) in February. Low temperatures during this season remain between 26.1°F (-3.3°C) in December and 31.8°F (-0.1°C) in February. This period also witnesses the higher amount of snowfall recorded with 2.64" (67mm) and 2.72" (69mm) in December and January respectively. Visually, the season offers less daylight, with only 9.6 hours in December.
Weather in January
January weather in
Roanoke,
Virginia brings a night-time low temperature of 26.1°F (-3.3°C) and ushers in the new year with relatively cold conditions compared to the coming months. There is a moderate percentage of cloudy days offering a blend of direct sunlight and restrained sun rays reaching the ground.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The nip in the air persists in
February, though the temperature begins to gradually rise, indicating the onset of spring.
Roanoke experiences a slight uptick in the number of rainy days compared to
January, with February witnessing 2.36" (60mm) of rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Roanoke begins to witness a drastic weather shift in
March as the city transitions from a wintery chill to the mild temperatures of spring. The daylight duration increases significantly, providing an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives,
Roanoke has announced the arrival of Spring in full swing. Temperatures are now comfortably set in the mid-60s, fostering lush greenery and the emergence of vibrant flowers across the landscape. The daylight hours further extend, with ample sunshine ideal for picnics and outings in the park.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The gaiety of spring peaks in
May as
Roanoke braces itself for the coming summer season. With the maximum recorded rainfall of 3.31" (84mm), the city dresses itself in brilliant hues of green, providing a visually satisfying panorama.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Summer takes full force in
June, with dryer conditions and temperatures reaching up to 82.2°F (27.9°C). The extended sunshine hours and increased daylight complement the joyous summer mood perfectly. Winds lose their speed gradually, resulting in calm and serene days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Roanoke witnesses the peak of summer during
July with temperatures reaching a high of 86.5°F (30.3°C) amidst extended durations of sunshine. Endless daylight hours coupled with long sunny days make this month ideal for outdoor activities and summer festivities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend set by
July as
Roanoke beats the heat with temperatures slightly lower, yet staying in the 80s. The city relishes longer daylight durations, reinforcing the summer spirit. With humidity remaining relatively constant as July, the weather stays predictable and experiences less frequent rainfall at 1.97" (50mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September comes the beginning of fall in
Roanoke. Even though the weather remains warmer with highs reaching 77.7°F (25.4°C), a subtle drop in temperature signifies a shift from the scorching summer towards the cooler autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Roanoke in
October is a sight to behold as the city bursts into a mesmerizing palette of fall colors. Though the temperatures cool down to the mid-60s, warmth persists during the daytime. The city experiences a significant decrease in rainfall, clearing the skies for remarkable views of the autumnal landscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November turns over a new leaf as
Roanoke leaves behind the riot of autumn colors and prepares for winter. Temperatures drop to a chillier 53.8°F (12.1°C), with signs of the impending winter becoming more apparent. The advent of winter can be traced back to the increase in wind speeds this month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December engulfs
Roanoke in the full swing of winter. The temperatures drastically dip to a night-time low of 31.8°F (-0.1°C), marking the return of the chilly climatic conditions. The city gets adorned in a white cloak as snowfall resumes, painting the landscapes into stunning scenes of winter beauty.
Weather in December »