Weather in Richmond, Virginia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Partly Cloudy—87°49°
- SundayMay 17Overcast11%95°63°
- MondayMay 18Clear—96°70°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—98°70°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle45%97°70°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle61%73°60°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle59%61°57°
- PM 2.5
- 13.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 13.6 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 107.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:06 AM
- Moonset
- 12:38 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Richmond at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 74°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 1 (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 Richmond's warmest temperatures at roughly 79°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at around 38°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, with August receiving the most rainfall at 4.9 inches and February seeing the least at 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| February | 41° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| March | 48° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| April | 58° | 3.2″ | 7 |
| May | 67° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| June | 75° | 4.6″ | 7 |
| July | 79° | 4.4″ | 8 |
| August | 78° | 4.9″ | 7 |
| September | 71° | 4.6″ | 6 |
| October | 60° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| November | 50° | 3.1″ | 5 |
| December | 42° | 3.5″ | 6 |
Regional context
Richmond falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climatic zone.
Similar climates: Virginia Beach, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Norfolk, VA, Roanoke, VA, Newport News, VA.
Naturalist notes
Dogwood trees begin their spectacular white bloom across Richmond in late April, marking the transition from spring's uncertain weather to more settled conditions.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds return to local gardens in early May, their arrival coinciding with the opening of native honeysuckle flowers.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Richmond?
- The last spring frost in Richmond typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Richmond?
- August records the highest rainfall with about 4.9 inches on average, contributing to Richmond's annual total of roughly 46 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Richmond?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, with temperatures averaging about 79°F.
- What is the coldest month in Richmond?
- January marks the coldest period, with temperatures averaging about 38°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Richmond?
- Cool-season crops 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 until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Richmond get?
- Richmond experiences about 75 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Richmond?
- Richmond's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. Check the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code for the current zone designation.
Climate
Richmond, Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate. January temperatures typically hover near 38°F, while July averages reach 79°F, creating a 41°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 46 inches, distributed across roughly 75 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here depend on the city's latitude of 37.5°N, its proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.