Weather in Arlington, Virginia
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast24%85°51°
- SundayMay 17Overcast27%89°65°
- MondayMay 18Drizzle—97°65°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—97°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers73%95°68°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle53%65°56°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle57%57°50°
- PM 2.5
- 12.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.3 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 13.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 86.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:59 AM
- Moonset
- 12:41 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Arlington at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 72°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 9 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Arlington's peak temperatures at around 80°F mean, while January delivers the year's coldest weather at approximately 36°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, with July receiving the most rainfall at 4.6 inches and February recording the least at 2.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| February | 39° | 2.8″ | 5 |
| March | 46° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| April | 57° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| May | 67° | 4.3″ | 8 |
| June | 76° | 4.6″ | 8 |
| July | 80° | 4.6″ | 7 |
| August | 79° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| September | 72° | 4.1″ | 6 |
| October | 59° | 4.2″ | 5 |
| November | 49° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| December | 41° | 3.7″ | 7 |
Regional context
Climate classification places Arlington in the warm-summer humid continental zone, connecting it with nearby cities that experience comparable temperature ranges, seasonal transitions, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Fredericksburg, VA, Alexandria, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Winchester, VA, Harrisonburg, VA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming period for tulip trees, their large yellow-green flowers appearing high in the canopy throughout Arlington's parks and neighborhoods.
Wood thrushes return from their winter grounds in early May, their flute-like songs echoing through wooded areas as they establish territories for the breeding season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Arlington?
- Mid-April typically marks Arlington's last spring frost, while the first fall frost usually occurs around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Arlington?
- July receives the heaviest rainfall with approximately 4.6 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 46 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Arlington?
- July records the highest temperatures, with averages around 80°F.
- What is the coldest month in Arlington?
- January brings the coldest weather, averaging approximately 36°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Arlington?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Arlington get?
- Approximately 79 rainy days occur in Arlington each year.
- What hardiness zone is Arlington?
- USDA hardiness zone designation for Arlington depends on average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online ZIP code lookup tool provides the current official zone classification.
Climate
Arlington, Virginia experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January hover around 36°F, while July brings averages near 80°F, creating a 44°F seasonal temperature range.
Annual precipitation totals about 46 inches, distributed across roughly 79 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 38.9°N latitude, along with proximity to large water bodies and local elevation, determines the area's growing patterns, frost timing, and daily weather characteristics.