Virginia weather and outdoor projects
Virginia has a humid climate with hot summers and cool winters, but it varies from the coast to the mountains. Norfolk and Hampton Roads are milder in winter and exposed to coastal storms, Richmond is hot and humid in summer, and Roanoke and the Blue Ridge are cooler with earlier frost.
Spring and fall are the best seasons for painting and staining. Summer afternoons bring storms and humid nights bring dew. Freeze-thaw cycles in winter, especially inland, make proper curing and sealing important for concrete.
Frost dates in Virginia
In Richmond, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 3 and the median first fall freeze is around November 4, a frost-free season of about 215 days.
In Norfolk, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 17 and the median first fall freeze is around November 23, a frost-free season of about 252 days.
In Roanoke, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 3 and the median first fall freeze is around November 1, a frost-free season of about 210 days.
How Virginia compares with other states
Richmond is tied for the 14th-shortest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (4 good months). Richmond is tied for the 19th-fewest freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (74 a year). Richmond is tied for the 20th-most rainy days of the 50 state main stations (75 a year with 0.1 in or more).
| Measure (Richmond) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 4 good months | 20th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 215 days | 22nd of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 74 a year | 31st of 50 |
| Rainy days | 75 a year with 0.1 in or more | 20th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 45 a year | 20th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 50% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 20th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Virginia
In Richmond, the most reliable months are May–June and September–October. April, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 50°F. In March, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 60°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Norfolk, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. March, July and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 60°F, Jul 89°F, Nov 62°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 53°F. March is cool, with highs around 60°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. In November, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Roanoke, the most reliable months are May–June and August–September. April, July and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 70°F, Jul 88°F, Oct 70°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In March and November, nights average about 38°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 47°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to paint outside in Virginia
In Richmond, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 48°F. In February and December, nights average about 31°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March and November, nights average about 38°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Norfolk, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. July and November–March can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 53°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Roanoke, the most reliable months are April–June and August–October. March, July and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 59°F, Jul 88°F, Nov 59°F). January is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. In February and December, nights average about 31°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March and November, nights average about 38°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Virginia
In Richmond, the most reliable months are April–October. November can also work on the right days (average highs Nov 60°F). December–March averages about 16 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. November brings about 8 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Norfolk, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 60°F, Nov 62°F). December–February averages about 11 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Roanoke, the most reliable months are April–October. November–March averages about 15 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures.
Best time to seal a driveway in Virginia
In Richmond, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 70°F, Oct 71°F). December–March is too cold, with average highs around 53°F. In November, nights average about 39°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Norfolk, the most reliable months are May–October. April and November can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 70°F, Nov 62°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 53°F. In March, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. November is cool, with highs around 62°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Roanoke, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 70°F, Oct 70°F). November–March is too cold, with average highs around 53°F. In April and October, nights average about 47°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Virginia
In Richmond, the most reliable months are April–June and September–November. February–March, July–August and December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 48°F. February–March and December are cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July–August is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Norfolk, the most reliable months are March–June and September–November. July–August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 53°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July–August is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Roanoke, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. February–March, July–August and November–December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 47°F. February–March and November–December are cool, with highs around 55°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July–August is hot, with highs near 87°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Virginia
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 90°F | 29°F | 46 in | April 3 | November 4 |
| Norfolk | 89°F | 34°F | 49 in | March 17 | November 23 |
| Roanoke | 88°F | 29°F | 43 in | April 3 | November 1 |
Of the places above, Norfolk has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (19 job-months), and Richmond has the fewest (16).
Monthly weather in Richmond
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F | 29°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 47% | 20 |
| February | 52°F | 30°F | 6 | 2.6 in | 43% | 17 |
| March | 60°F | 37°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 40% | 10 |
| April | 70°F | 46°F | 7 | 3.2 in | 40% | 1 |
| May | 78°F | 56°F | 7 | 4.0 in | 48% | 0 |
| June | 86°F | 65°F | 7 | 4.6 in | 49% | 0 |
| July | 90°F | 69°F | 8 | 4.4 in | 50% | 0 |
| August | 88°F | 68°F | 7 | 4.9 in | 52% | 0 |
| September | 81°F | 61°F | 6 | 4.6 in | 52% | 0 |
| October | 71°F | 49°F | 5 | 3.4 in | 49% | 0 |
| November | 60°F | 39°F | 5 | 3.1 in | 46% | 8 |
| December | 52°F | 32°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 49% | 17 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Norfolk
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51°F | 34°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 54% | 14 |
| February | 53°F | 35°F | 6 | 2.9 in | 50% | 10 |
| March | 60°F | 41°F | 7 | 3.7 in | 49% | 4 |
| April | 70°F | 50°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 49% | 0 |
| May | 77°F | 59°F | 7 | 3.8 in | 54% | 0 |
| June | 85°F | 68°F | 6 | 4.4 in | 56% | 0 |
| July | 89°F | 73°F | 7 | 6.1 in | 57% | 0 |
| August | 87°F | 72°F | 7 | 5.9 in | 60% | 0 |
| September | 81°F | 67°F | 6 | 5.4 in | 61% | 0 |
| October | 72°F | 55°F | 5 | 3.9 in | 56% | 0 |
| November | 62°F | 44°F | 5 | 3.1 in | 54% | 3 |
| December | 55°F | 38°F | 6 | 3.3 in | 56% | 9 |
Monthly weather in Roanoke
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F | 29°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 45% | 21 |
| February | 51°F | 31°F | 5 | 2.9 in | 41% | 17 |
| March | 59°F | 38°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 38% | 10 |
| April | 70°F | 46°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 39% | 1 |
| May | 77°F | 55°F | 8 | 4.3 in | 47% | 0 |
| June | 84°F | 63°F | 7 | 4.7 in | 51% | 0 |
| July | 88°F | 67°F | 7 | 4.3 in | 50% | 0 |
| August | 87°F | 66°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 51% | 0 |
| September | 80°F | 59°F | 6 | 4.1 in | 50% | 0 |
| October | 70°F | 48°F | 5 | 3.0 in | 46% | 1 |
| November | 59°F | 38°F | 5 | 3.0 in | 43% | 9 |
| December | 50°F | 32°F | 6 | 3.1 in | 48% | 18 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for RICHMOND INTL AP, NORFOLK INTL AP, ROANOKE RGNL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Virginia?
In Richmond, May–June and September–October. In Norfolk, April–June and August–October. In Roanoke, May–June and August–September.
When is the last frost in Virginia?
Richmond: around April 3; Norfolk: around March 17; Roanoke: around April 3.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Virginia?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Richmond averages about 55 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Virginia?
In Richmond, May–September. In Norfolk, May–October. In Roanoke, May–September.