Weather in Chesapeake, Virginia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—82°49°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—92°62°
- MondayMay 18Clear—93°68°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—92°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Clear16%92°66°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle62%73°61°
- FridayMay 22Overcast58%67°60°
- PM 2.5
- 7.9 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 89.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:04 AM
- Moonset
- 12:30 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Chesapeake at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 27 (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 Chesapeake's warmest temperatures (~83°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~44°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in August (5.8 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.7 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44° | 3.4″ | 11 |
| February | 46° | 2.7″ | 9 |
| March | 52° | 3.8″ | 13 |
| April | 62° | 3.5″ | 12 |
| May | 70° | 4.2″ | 14 |
| June | 78° | 4.6″ | 15 |
| July | 83° | 5.5″ | 18 |
| August | 80° | 5.8″ | 19 |
| September | 75° | 4.5″ | 15 |
| October | 65° | 4.1″ | 14 |
| November | 55° | 3.4″ | 11 |
| December | 47° | 3.3″ | 11 |
Regional context
Chesapeake belongs to a humid subtropical climate region — part of a group that experiences similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions across nearby cities.
Similar climates: Virginia Beach, VA, Richmond, VA, Norfolk, VA, Roanoke, VA, Newport News, VA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the arrival of migrating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Chesapeake's gardens and woodlands.
Red maple trees typically complete their flowering phase by early April, releasing clouds of pollen across the region.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Chesapeake?
- Chesapeake's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Chesapeake?
- August receives the most rainfall with about 5.8 inches on average; the city gets roughly 49 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Chesapeake?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 83°F.
- What is the coldest month in Chesapeake?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 44°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Chesapeake?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Chesapeake get?
- Chesapeake experiences about 162 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Chesapeake?
- Chesapeake's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Chesapeake, Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 44°F while July averages 83°F — creating a 39°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Chesapeake receives about 49 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 162 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude (36.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation — factors that determine what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.