Norfolk, VA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Norfolk
Located in Virginia, United States, Norfolk experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 87°F (31°C) in July and dip to about 50°F (10°C) in January, with around 49.3 inches (1253 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 50°F (10°C)
- Record high: 98°F (37°C) · Record low: 3°F (-16°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (11 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.0 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 3 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 87°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 73°F (23°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 50°F (10°C) and lows around 35°F (2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 3°F (-16°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.7 inches (144 mm) of rain over 11 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.0 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 3 days in a typical year, mostly from January through February.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50° | 35° | 11 | 4.1 in | 6.7 h/day | 71% |
| February | 54° | 38° | 11 | 3.6 in | 7.2 h/day | 71% |
| March | 60° | 43° | 10 | 3.8 in | 8.5 h/day | 68% |
| April | 68° | 51° | 9 | 3.5 in | 10.1 h/day | 68% |
| May | 75° | 60° | 12 | 4.2 in | 10.6 h/day | 74% |
| June | 83° | 68° | 12 | 4.2 in | 11.9 h/day | 74% |
| July | 87° | 73° | 16 | 5.3 in | 12.0 h/day | 76% |
| August | 85° | 72° | 14 | 4.6 in | 10.9 h/day | 78% |
| September | 80° | 68° | 11 | 5.7 in | 9.5 h/day | 78% |
| October | 71° | 58° | 8 | 3.5 in | 8.6 h/day | 76% |
| November | 61° | 47° | 8 | 3.1 in | 7.7 h/day | 73% |
| December | 54° | 41° | 9 | 3.8 in | 6.7 h/day | 75% |
Norfolk month by month
Norfolk weather in January
January brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Norfolk.
Norfolk weather in February
February brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Norfolk weather in March
March brings highs around 60°F (15°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 10 wet days.
Norfolk weather in April
April brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 9 wet days.
Norfolk weather in May
May brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 12 wet days.
Norfolk weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 12 wet days.
Norfolk weather in July
July brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 16 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Norfolk.
Norfolk weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 14 wet days.
Norfolk weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 11 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Norfolk.
Norfolk weather in October
October brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 8 wet days.
Norfolk weather in November
November brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Norfolk.
Norfolk weather in December
December brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 9 wet days.
Seasons in Norfolk
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Norfolk is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Norfolk runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (30°C) and nights around 71°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 41 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Norfolk is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 58°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Norfolk is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (12°C) and nights around 38°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season, plus around 3 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Norfolk?
Is Norfolk hot in summer?
Is Norfolk cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Norfolk get in a year?
Best time to visit Norfolk
The best time to visit Norfolk is generally September to November and March to April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 70°F (21°C).
Pack for Norfolk with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 73°F (23°C).
Norfolk temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.