Weather in Alexandria, Virginia
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Light Drizzle22%91°64°
- MondayMay 18Drizzle—97°66°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—97°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers71%95°68°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle54%66°56°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle57%57°50°
- SaturdayMay 23Light Drizzle36%73°52°
- PM 2.5
- 13.5 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 15.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 74.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:00 AM
- Moonset
- 12:40 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Alexandria at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 3°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- 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 Alexandria's warmest temperatures (~81°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~38°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in July (4.3 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.6 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| February | 40° | 2.6″ | 5 |
| March | 48° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| April | 58° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| May | 67° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| June | 76° | 4.2″ | 7 |
| July | 81° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| August | 79° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| September | 72° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| October | 61° | 3.7″ | 5 |
| November | 50° | 2.9″ | 5 |
| December | 42° | 3.4″ | 6 |
Regional context
Alexandria falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region. This classification links the city with nearby areas that share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Arlington, VA, Fredericksburg, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Winchester, VA, Harrisonburg, VA.
Naturalist notes
Cherry trees along the Potomac begin their bloom cycle in late March to early April, marking spring's arrival.
American robins return from their southern wintering grounds in mid-March, their songs filling Alexandria's neighborhoods.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Alexandria?
- Alexandria's last spring frost typically falls around mid-April, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Alexandria?
- July is the wettest month with about 4.3 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 42 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Alexandria?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Alexandria?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 38°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Alexandria?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Alexandria get?
- Alexandria averages about 72 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Alexandria?
- Alexandria's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Alexandria, Virginia experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 38°F while July averages 81°F, creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Alexandria receives about 42 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 72 rainy days.
Several factors determine the rhythm of each year: latitude (38.8°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements shape what grows here, when frost is likely, and what the weather story looks like day to day.