Weather in Newport News, Virginia
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Partly Cloudy—94°66°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle—96°71°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—89°68°
- WednesdayMay 20Mostly Clear36%89°69°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle50%77°63°
- FridayMay 22Overcast54%63°61°
- SaturdayMay 23Overcast45%79°62°
- PM 2.5
- 7.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.0 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.2 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
- 10:03 AM
- Moonset
- 12:32 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Newport News at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 30 (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 Newport News its warmest temperatures (~79°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~40°F). August sees peak rainfall at 5.4 inches, contrasting with February's lightest precipitation at 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| February | 42° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| March | 49° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| April | 58° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| May | 67° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| June | 75° | 4.1″ | 7 |
| July | 79° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| August | 77° | 5.4″ | 7 |
| September | 72° | 5.0″ | 5 |
| October | 61° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| November | 51° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| December | 43° | 3.2″ | 6 |
Regional context
Located within a humid subtropical climate region, Newport News shares temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Virginia Beach, VA, Richmond, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Norfolk, VA, Roanoke, VA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds returning to Newport News gardens and woodlands.
Dogwood trees typically reach peak bloom in mid-April, their white bracts marking spring's progression across the region.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Newport News?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Newport News, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Newport News?
- August ranks as the wettest month, delivering about 5.4 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 45 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Newport News?
- July temperatures peak at an average of about 79°F, making it the warmest month.
- What is the coldest month in Newport News?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 40°F throughout the month.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Newport News?
- Plant cool-season crops like peas and lettuce around the last spring frost in mid-April, but wait 1–2 weeks afterward before planting warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers.
- How many rainy days does Newport News get?
- Rain falls on about 73 days per year in Newport News on average.
- What hardiness zone is Newport News?
- Check the USDA's online lookup tool using Newport News ZIP codes to find the current hardiness zone designation, which reflects the area's lowest average winter temperatures.
Climate
Newport News, Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January hover near 40°F, while summer heat in July averages 79°F — creating a 39°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 45 inches across roughly 73 rainy days throughout the year.
Geographic factors drive the local weather patterns: latitude at 37.1°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.