Weather in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast12%87°48°
- SundayMay 17Light Drizzle13%93°63°
- MondayMay 18Clear—99°65°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—97°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle51%96°68°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle51%69°56°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle51%58°51°
- PM 2.5
- 10.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 10.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 100.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:03 AM
- Moonset
- 12:40 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Fredericksburg at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 72°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 6 (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 Fredericksburg's warmest temperatures at around 78°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 36°F. Precipitation follows a different pattern, with July receiving the most rainfall at 4.8 inches and February seeing the least at 2.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 2.7″ | 6 |
| February | 38° | 2.5″ | 5 |
| March | 45° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| April | 56° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| May | 65° | 4.2″ | 9 |
| June | 74° | 3.9″ | 8 |
| July | 78° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| August | 76° | 3.0″ | 7 |
| September | 70° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| October | 58° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| November | 47° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| December | 39° | 3.2″ | 6 |
Regional context
Climate conditions in Fredericksburg fall within the warm-summer humid continental zone, placing it among nearby cities that experience similar temperature ranges, seasonal shifts, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Arlington, VA, Alexandria, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Winchester, VA, Harrisonburg, VA.
Naturalist notes
Dogwood trees typically reach peak bloom around mid-April in Fredericksburg, coinciding with the season's final frost risk.
Wood thrushes return to local forests during late April, their flute-like songs marking the transition into Virginia's growing season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Fredericksburg?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Fredericksburg, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Fredericksburg?
- July stands as the wettest month, bringing approximately 4.8 inches of rain, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 43 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Fredericksburg?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, with averages around 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Fredericksburg?
- January usually brings the coldest conditions, averaging about 36°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Fredericksburg?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, but warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks longer.
- How many rainy days does Fredericksburg get?
- Rain falls on approximately 76 days per year in Fredericksburg.
- What hardiness zone is Fredericksburg?
- Fredericksburg's USDA hardiness zone depends on average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online zone lookup tool provides current designations by ZIP code.
Climate
Fredericksburg, Virginia experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures typically hover near 36°F, while July averages reach 78°F, creating a 43°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 43 inches, falling across roughly 76 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here stem from the city's latitude at 38.3°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.