Weather in Norfolk, Virginia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—84°51°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—93°64°
- MondayMay 18Partly Cloudy—95°70°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—94°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Clear20%94°69°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle62%76°61°
- FridayMay 22Overcast62%65°61°
- PM 2.5
- 9.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 92.0 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
- 12:30 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Norfolk at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 74°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: March 28 (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 Norfolk's peak heat with mean temperatures around 80°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 41°F. Precipitation follows its own seasonal pattern, with August receiving the most rainfall at 6.6 inches and February recording the least at 3.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 3.6″ | 6 |
| February | 43° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| March | 49° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| April | 59° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| May | 67° | 4.1″ | 7 |
| June | 75° | 4.8″ | 8 |
| July | 80° | 5.7″ | 8 |
| August | 78° | 6.6″ | 8 |
| September | 72° | 6.2″ | 6 |
| October | 62° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| November | 51° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| December | 44° | 3.5″ | 6 |
Regional context
Norfolk belongs to the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal weather patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Virginia Beach, VA, Richmond, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Roanoke, VA, Newport News, VA.
Naturalist notes
Red maple flowers emerge in March, their crimson clusters appearing weeks before the leaves unfold.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds return to Norfolk gardens in late April, timing their arrival with the blooming of native honeysuckle.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Norfolk?
- Spring's final frost typically occurs around mid-April in Norfolk, while the season's first frost returns in mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Norfolk?
- August stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 6.6 inches of rain on average, contributing to Norfolk's annual total of roughly 53 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Norfolk?
- July typically records the year's highest temperatures, with averages around 80°F.
- What is the coldest month in Norfolk?
- January brings Norfolk's coldest weather, with average temperatures near 41°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Norfolk?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the time of the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait another 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Norfolk get?
- Norfolk experiences approximately 80 rainy days each year.
- What hardiness zone is Norfolk?
- Norfolk's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city's ZIP code.
Climate
Norfolk, Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January hover near 41°F, while July brings averages of 80°F — creating a 39°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals approximately 53 inches, distributed across roughly 80 rainy days throughout the year.
Geographic factors determine Norfolk's weather patterns: its latitude of 36.9°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.