Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Virginia has a humid subtropical climate in the east (Tidewater and Piedmont) transitioning to a humid continental climate in the western mountains. Summers are hot and humid statewide (85-95°F / 29-35°C); the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah are 10-15°F cooler than the coast. Winters bring occasional snow to the mountains (Shenandoah receives 20-35 inches annually) while the coast stays mild. Fall (September–November) is Virginia's most spectacular season, with Blue Ridge foliage peaking in mid-October.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
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Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Items
- Period
- July 4th week
- Level
- Extreme
- Note
- Virginia Beach oceanfront and Colonial Williamsburg are at maximum capacity — book 6+ months ahead
- Period
- Mid-October foliage weekends
- Level
- Very High
- Note
- Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive; Skyline Drive can see 2-hour entrance queues
- Period
- Chincoteague Pony Swim (late July)
- Level
- Very High
- Note
- Chincoteague Island population quadruples; book lodging 1 year in advance
- Period
- Memorial Day / Labor Day weekends
- Level
- High
- Note
- Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia state parks at capacity
- Period
- January–February weekdays
- Level
- Very Low
- Note
- Best time for exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Richmond museums, and indoor attractions
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.