Christmas in Virginia? It’s usually cold, but rarely the kind of cold that makes you want to hibernate. Most average daytime temperatures land somewhere between the upper 30s and mid-40s Fahrenheit, with mornings often flirting with freezing. Snow can happen, especially if you’re in the mountains or up north, but folks along the coast or down south are more likely to get chilly rain than a classic white Christmas.
What’s really interesting is how much the weather shifts depending on where you are. The Blue Ridge Mountains might greet you with frosty mornings and maybe a dusting of snow, but Virginia Beach? That’s usually milder, sometimes breezy, and a bit damp. This variety makes holiday traditions and travel plans across Virginia a little unpredictable.
If you know what to expect, planning gets a lot easier whether you’re staying local or visiting. Comparing Christmas weather to January and February helps, but so does knowing your odds of snow and what kind of weather extremes might pop up.
Typical Christmas Weather in Virginia
You’ll usually find cool temperatures, short daylight, and either rain or snow, depending on your spot in Virginia. The mountains, coastal plains, and central regions all throw their own twist into the mix, so your holiday can look pretty different from someone else’s.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Virginia feels chilly more often than not, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to mid-40s °F (-2 to 7 °C). Mountain mornings can slip into the low 20s, while the coast usually stays closer to the low 40s.
Afternoons sometimes feel a bit better, but highs rarely get past the mid-40s. Places like Richmond see lows around freezing and highs near 45 °F.
If you’re planning to spend time outside, layer up. Mountain valleys can hang onto frost late into the morning, and coastal breezes have a way of making things feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Precipitation Patterns During Christmas Week
Rain shows up more than snow across most of Virginia in late December. Richmond gets about 3–4 inches of precipitation during December, and a few of those wet days usually land right around Christmas.
Snow chances go up in the western mountains, especially above 3,000 feet, where flurries or light snow happen more often. Meanwhile, eastern Virginia and the Tidewater region usually just get rain showers.
Weather can flip fast. A cold front might bring a rain-snow mix, but if it’s a bit warmer, you’ll just get a soggy week. If you’re heading into the mountains, keep an eye out for icy roads.
Daylight Hours and Sunrise/Sunset Times
By late December, daylight is at its shortest in Virginia. Sunrise is around 7:20 AM and sunset hits near 5:00 PM, so you get not quite 10 hours of real daylight.
Short days mean mornings warm up slowly, especially in valleys. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop quickly, and evenings outdoors can get uncomfortable fast.
If you want to get out and about, aim for midday when the sun’s at its peak. The early sunset makes holiday lights pop sooner, which is nice, but it does cut down your window for outdoor plans.
Regional Differences in Christmas Weather
Virginia’s geography really changes the Christmas weather game. Coastal spots stay milder, central regions can swing either way, and higher elevations get colder with more snow chances.
Coastal Virginia Weather Conditions
Norfolk and Virginia Beach usually see pretty mild Christmas temperatures. Highs hit the low to mid-50s °F, and lows stick to the upper 30s or low 40s. Snow is almost unheard of—the Atlantic keeps things warmer and more humid.
Rain is the usual culprit along the coast. You might get light showers or just cloudy skies, and freezing weather doesn’t show up much. If you’re hoping for a holiday beach walk, you’ll probably get away with it.
Humidity can make the air feel damp, especially when it’s cloudy. Winds along the shoreline can feel brisk, but honestly, it’s rarely harsh winter weather in late December.
Piedmont and Central Virginia Climate
Richmond and the surrounding central region get cooler, less predictable weather for Christmas. Highs usually land in the upper 40s to low 50s °F, and lows can drop into the mid-30s. Sometimes, a cold front will push nighttime temps into the 20s.
Snow is possible but not really the norm. Historical records show that measurable snow on Christmas Day only happens maybe once every decade or two. More often, you’ll see cold rain or just gray skies.
The Piedmont sits between the coast and the mountains, so weather can swing fast. A mild morning might turn cold by evening if a front rolls through. If you’re traveling, it’s smart to pack both rain gear and something warm.
Mountain and Shenandoah Valley Weather
The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley bring the coldest Christmas weather in Virginia. Daytime highs usually stay in the upper 30s or low 40s °F, and overnight lows can drop into the teens or 20s.
Snow is more likely here than anywhere else in the state. Higher elevations see more flurries or light snow, but big storms on Christmas aren’t common. Still, icy roads are a real concern.
Nights tend to be clear and cold, and the air is less humid than on the coast. Winds on exposed ridges cut right through you, so if you’re hiking or driving through the mountains, pack for harsher conditions than you’d find down below.
Snowfall and Chances of a White Christmas
Snow in Virginia during late December? It happens, but don’t count on it unless you’re in the mountains. Most of the state sees rain or just cold, dry weather.
Historical Snowfall Statistics in December
Virginia’s December weather is cold enough for snow, but most of the time, it rains—especially east of the Blue Ridge. Long-term records show that Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia average less than 1 inch of snow in December.
Western counties near the Appalachians average between 3 and 6 inches for the month. Elevation matters—a lot. Higher ground cools off faster and holds snow longer.
National Weather Service data shows that snow has landed on Christmas Day in the D.C. area only about 7–10% of the time since the late 1800s. Most years are snow-free, but a well-timed storm can flip the script fast.
Likelihood of Snow by Region
Your odds of a white Christmas really depend on where you are. In Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro, it’s about 7–10%. Warmer Atlantic air usually keeps temps above freezing and snow at bay.
Head west to the Shenandoah Valley, and your chances jump to 15–25%. The valley’s mountains let colder air settle, so snow sticks around a bit more.
The best odds are in the Allegheny Mountains and far southwest Virginia. Towns above 2,000 feet can see a 40% or higher chance of at least an inch of snow on Christmas morning. These places often get several December snowfalls, while the eastern half of Virginia might not see any snow all month.
Notable Christmas Snow Events
Every now and then, Virginia gets a Christmas to remember. In 1962, Washington, D.C. picked up 5.4 inches on December 25—the record for that date. That same storm dropped several inches on the Northern Virginia suburbs.
In 2009, a huge mid-December blizzard left snow on the ground through Christmas. Folks called it “Snowpocalypse,” and it dumped over a foot in many spots.
Western Virginia sees more frequent holiday snow. The higher ridges of the Blue Ridge and Alleghenies have had multiple white Christmases in recent decades. Snowpack lingers thanks to colder mountain air. Geography really does decide your odds for a snowy holiday.
Comparing Christmas Weather to January and February
After Christmas, Virginia’s weather takes a turn. Nights get colder in January and February, and snow chances go up compared to late December.
Temperature Trends After Christmas
Late December highs usually hover in the mid-40s to low-50s °F, with lows near freezing. By January, things cool down. Arlington averages 43°F high / 29°F low, and Richmond sees 47°F high / 30°F low.
February keeps the cold going, but it starts to warm up a bit. Arlington averages 46°F high / 31°F low, and Richmond gets 51°F high / 32°F low. Norfolk stays a touch milder, with highs near 50–52°F and lows in the mid-30s.
So, January is usually the coldest stretch of winter in Virginia. February feels similar, but by the end, it’s just a little less harsh.
Precipitation and Snowfall Changes Post-December
Rain and snow patterns change after Christmas, too. December in Richmond brings about 2.8 inches of rain and 2.5 inches of snow. January keeps rainfall steady at 2.4 inches, but snowfall jumps to 4.7 inches. Arlington gets even more snow, with 5.8 inches in January.
February keeps rainfall about the same—Richmond at 2.3 inches, Norfolk at 2.9 inches. Snowfall usually peaks in February in northern Virginia, with Arlington averaging 6.2 inches. Richmond sees 4.8 inches, and Norfolk, being warmer, only gets 1.9 inches.
If you’re in central or northern Virginia after Christmas, get ready for the highest snow risks in January and February. Coastal areas, on the other hand, still see more rain than snow.
Weather Extremes and Records During the Holiday Season
Christmas in Virginia doesn’t always mean mild winter weather. Some years break records for warmth or cold, and once in a while, heavy snow or a soaking rain shows up. The range of holiday weather is pretty wide.
Record Highs and Lows for Christmas
Virginia’s temperature records prove that no two Christmases are alike. Sometimes, you’ll get a day in the 70s, and other years, you’ll shiver through a deep freeze.
2015 delivered one of the warmest Christmas Days ever, with some parts of Virginia hitting the upper 70s. On the flip side, the late 1800s and early 1900s brought deep freezes, with lows sinking into the single digits or even below zero in the mountains.
Here’s a quick look at the range:
| Location | Record High | Record Low |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 79°F (2015) | 5°F (1983) |
| Roanoke | 74°F (1964) | 2°F (1983) |
| Norfolk | 76°F (2015) | 12°F (1983) |
If you’re planning to be outside on December 25, you really have to be ready for anything—mild or downright bitter.
Extreme Precipitation and Snow Events
Snowfall on Christmas in Virginia doesn’t happen often, but it has shown up in some memorable years. If you’re east of the Blue Ridge, honestly, you’re more likely to get rain than snow.
Still, the mountains and valleys sometimes pick up measurable snow on Christmas.
Back in 1969, a powerful winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow in parts of western Virginia right before Christmas. Other years, though, have just brought heavy rainfall, making for a soggy, gray holiday instead of a white one.
Most of Virginia wakes up to less than one inch of snow on Christmas morning, on average. Higher elevations, though, stand a better chance—places like Blacksburg and the Allegheny Highlands often see more snow on the ground.
Rainfall records can get pretty wild too. Some weather stations have picked up over two inches of rain on Christmas Day, which sometimes leads to flooding in low-lying spots. These wet years really stand out compared to all the dry, quiet holidays most folks remember.
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Christmas Weather in Virginia
Expect cold temperatures—highs usually land in the 40s, and lows hover near or below freezing. You’ll probably get rain instead of snow, unless you’re up in the mountains, where wintry weather pops up more often.
Weather can flip fast, so it’s smart to prepare if you’re traveling or planning anything outdoors.
Packing Tips and Clothing Recommendations
Daytime temps usually hang out in the mid-30s to upper 40s °F. At night, it often dips into the 20s or low 30s °F.
Pack warm layers you can add or remove as needed. A medium to heavy coat, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts will cover most situations.
Don’t forget gloves, hats, and scarves if you’ll be outside, especially after dark when it gets colder. December brings several rainy days, so waterproof shoes come in handy, and you might run into some slush or light snow.
If you’re heading to the mountains or higher spots, bring heavier winter gear. Snow boots and thermal clothing make a big difference up there. In coastal or central Virginia, though, you’ll usually get by with lighter winter wear.
Travel Considerations and Safety
Rain usually falls more often than snow across most of Virginia. Still, when the temperature drops below freezing, icy roads can pop up.
Check the weather forecast before you drive, especially if you’re heading into the mountains or out to rural spots.
Holiday traffic tends to clog up the roads near Richmond and Northern Virginia, so give yourself extra time. Toss an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, and a flashlight just in case you get stuck or run into weather-related issues.
Storms in neighboring areas can disrupt air travel, even when the skies over Virginia look fine. If you can, book flexible tickets and keep an eye on airline alerts, so you can tweak your plans if things go sideways.