Valentine’s Day in Virginia usually brings cool, crisp air with a definite winter vibe. The weather depends on where you are, but daytime highs often land in the 40s to low 50s, and nighttime lows can drop into the 20s or 30s.
You’ll want to keep a warm coat handy, although sometimes you get the occasional milder spell, especially near the coast.
February weather in Virginia changes quickly. Some years, you’ll wake up to a dusting of snow or icy sidewalks, while others bring cold rain or even clear, sunny skies.
The mountains hang onto winter a bit longer, with colder air and a better chance of snow. If you’re in the south or east, you’ll probably deal more with damp, chilly days than true deep freeze.
Typical Temperatures on Valentine’s Day
In Virginia, Valentine’s Day brings cool or cold weather, and the conditions can swing from brisk mornings to milder afternoons. You’ll get a mix of winter chill and, sometimes, a surprise warm-up.
Some years, the state has seen record-breaking cold snaps or, weirdly, almost springlike warmth.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In most of Virginia, the average high temperature on February 14 usually sits in the mid-40s to upper 40s (°F).
Coastal spots like Norfolk tend to reach highs closer to 50°F. Mountain towns like Roanoke or Blacksburg stay a bit cooler.
The average low temperature usually falls into the upper 20s to low 30s (°F). Rural and higher elevation areas dip into the 20s more often.
Urban centers like Richmond or Arlington might hover just above freezing.
You’ll want to brace for chilly mornings, maybe even some frost or ice if the sky stays clear overnight. Afternoons remain cold, but with a good coat, it’s totally manageable.
Recent Years’ Temperature Trends
Valentine’s Day temperatures in Virginia have bounced all over the place in recent decades. Some years, highs barely climb out of the low 30s, while other times, you’ll see the upper 60s.
This up-and-down pattern comes from Virginia’s spot between the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Most years, lows below freezing show up, especially in the western half. But lately, cities closer to the coast have started to see more above-freezing nights.
February’s weather can be all over the map. One year, it’s deep winter, and the next, it feels like spring’s right around the corner.
You’ll want to check the forecast before making any big outdoor plans.
Record Warm and Cold Valentine’s Days
Virginia’s had its share of extremes on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes, record highs reach into the low 70s (°F), and suddenly it’s spring in February.
These warm spells usually blow in from the south.
On the flip side, record lows have dropped near or below 0°F in some mountain valleys. Even in central and eastern Virginia, single-digit lows have hit during Arctic blasts.
The coldest Valentine’s Days keep daytime highs stuck in the 20s. The warmest have given folks mild evenings in the 50s or 60s.
Mid-February in Virginia can really keep you guessing.
Precipitation Patterns in February
Virginia gets a mix of rain and snow in February, but it depends a lot on where you are. The coast usually gets more rain, while the mountains see more snow.
Average Rainfall on Valentine’s Day
Virginia averages 2.5 to 3.5 inches of precipitation during February. Spread out over the month, that’s about 0.1 inch per day, but it can swing a lot.
Valentine’s Day itself isn’t especially wet or dry compared to the rest of the month.
The Piedmont region (think Richmond, Charlottesville) usually gets about 2.5–3.0 inches for February. Coastal spots like Norfolk and Williamsburg average closer to 3.0 inches.
Mountain towns, such as Wise and Pennington Gap, can see 4.0 inches or more thanks to frequent winter storms.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect conditions similar to the monthly average. You might get a light rain shower, and in the higher spots, maybe some snow.
Probability of Rain or Snow
Most of Virginia gets 7 to 12 days with measurable precipitation in February. Coastal and central areas usually get rain on 8–10 days.
Mountains average closer to 12–15 wet or snowy days.
Snow falls most often in the Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Mountains, where the cold hangs around. The coast sees mostly rain since the Atlantic keeps things milder.
Richmond and Arlington sit in the middle, with a mix of light snow and cold rain.
The chance of precipitation on any February day runs about 25–40%, depending on where you are. So, while many days stay dry, unsettled weather isn’t rare, especially in the mountains.
Notable Wettest and Driest Years
Some years, western Virginia gets hammered by back-to-back storms and ends up with over 6 inches of monthly precipitation. These usually come from strong cold fronts or nor’easters.
Other times, the storm track shifts north, and parts of the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley barely get 1 inch all month.
February can swing wildly from wet to dry. The averages help, but you’ll want to be ready for both ends of the spectrum if you’re planning something mid-month.
Snowfall and Winter Weather Conditions
Mid-February in Virginia often brings cold temperatures, and snow is definitely on the table, especially for the north and west. The amount you’ll see depends a lot on where you are.
Coastal areas usually get just a light dusting, but the mountains and northern counties rack up higher snowfall totals.
Frequency of Snow on Valentine’s Day
Snow around Valentine’s Day isn’t a given in Virginia, but it happens often enough that you should keep it in mind. Average February lows range from the upper 20s°F in Arlington to the mid-30s°F in Norfolk, which is cold enough for snow in many places.
Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley see snow more often than the coast. Norfolk averages about 2 inches of snow in February, while Arlington gets about 6 inches.
Richmond sits in the middle at around 5 inches.
Weather patterns often bring a mix, so you might get sleet or freezing rain instead of just snow. These wintry mixes can be more of a headache than snow, as they make roads and walking paths slippery.
Historic Snowfall Events
Some Valentine’s weeks have brought memorable storms to Virginia. In a few years, northern counties picked up 4–8 inches of snow and sleet. Central regions sometimes get a mix of snow and ice.
Coastal areas usually see less, but even a couple of inches can feel like a big deal there.
One storm dropped up to three-quarters of an inch of ice in southern Maryland and northern Virginia. In Richmond and Arlington, snow totals of 4–6 inches aren’t unusual for mid-February.
Norfolk, being farther south and right by the water, usually ends up with just 1–3 inches.
Conditions can change quickly. What looks like a light snow in the forecast can turn heavier if cold air sticks around longer than expected.
Impact of Snow on Travel and Activities
Snow and ice in mid-February can really mess with travel and plans. Roads get slick fast, especially in rural areas where crews take longer to clear them.
Interstates like I‑95 and I‑81 often slow down or back up when winter storms roll through.
Flights at Richmond, Norfolk, and Washington D.C. airports sometimes face cancellations or long waits. If you’re traveling, it’s smart to allow extra time and check conditions before you leave.
Outdoor Valentine’s Day events or winery visits might get postponed thanks to snow or icy walkways. Still, indoor spots like museums, restaurants, and theaters usually stay open, so you’ve got options if winter weather throws a wrench in your plans.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity in Virginia during mid-February usually runs moderate. Mornings can feel damp, but afternoons dry out a bit.
The balance of air moisture and temperature really shapes how comfortable you feel outside.
Typical Humidity on Valentine’s Day
February humidity in Virginia usually falls between 60% and 70%. Mornings often climb into the upper 70s, then afternoons drop closer to the low 50s.
Cooler overnight air holds more moisture, and then daytime warming lowers the relative humidity.
If you’re in coastal spots like Norfolk, you’ll notice humidity stays a bit higher compared to inland cities like Richmond or Roanoke. The coast keeps air moisture up, even in winter.
Mountain valleys often feel less humid, especially in the afternoon.
Humidity isn’t extreme this time of year, but the dampness stands out when skies are cloudy. Indoors, heaters dry the air, so you might notice a difference between inside and outside.
Effects of Humidity on Perceived Temperature
Humidity changes how cold or mild the air feels. When it’s more humid, the air feels colder than the number on the thermometer, since damp air pulls heat from your skin faster.
Dry afternoons, on the other hand, make the same temperature feel a little less harsh.
For example, 45°F with 70% humidity feels chillier than 45°F with 50% humidity.
This matters if you’re outside for a while—maybe on a walk or eating outdoors. Dressing in layers helps you handle these shifts.
Gloves and scarves are extra handy in the morning, when humidity peaks and the dampness makes the cold bite a bit more.
Regional Variations Across Virginia
Mid-February weather in Virginia shifts a lot depending on where you are. Temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns change most between the north and south, and between the coast and inland.
Differences Between Northern and Southern Virginia
Northern Virginia, including areas near Arlington, usually feels colder in mid-February. Highs reach the mid-40s °F, and lows often drop into the upper 20s °F.
Snow is more common here, with several inches possible during February.
Southern Virginia, around Richmond and farther south, runs milder. Highs usually land in the upper 40s to low 50s °F, while lows hover in the low to mid-30s °F.
Snow falls less often, and when it does, it melts pretty quickly.
You’ll find more winter-like conditions up north and signs of spring showing up earlier in the south. This matters for outdoor plans—icy patches linger longer in the north.
| Region | Avg High | Avg Low | Snowfall (Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern VA | 43–46°F | 29–31°F | 6″+ possible |
| Southern VA | 47–51°F | 32–34°F | 3–5″ possible |
Coastal vs. Inland Weather Patterns
Coastal areas like Norfolk usually stay milder, and we can thank the Atlantic Ocean for that. Highs often reach the low 50s °F, while overnight lows hang out near the mid-30s °F.
Snow barely shows up and, when it does, it’s usually light. Rain falls more often, with February bringing about 3 inches along the coast.
Inland spots such as Richmond and the mountain foothills get colder at night. Lows sometimes drop close to freezing, and you’ll notice more chances for snow compared to the coast.
Richmond typically gets about 5 inches of February snow. Higher elevations out west can see even more.
Humidity changes too. Coastal Virginia always feels a bit damp, but inland air is drier and definitely colder.
Travelers will probably notice wind speeds crank up near the coast, often topping 11 mph. Inland breezes stay lighter, usually around 5 or 6 mph.
| Location | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Wind Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk (Coast) | 50–52°F | 35–36°F | 3″ rain, <2″ snow | 11–12 mph |
| Richmond (Inland) | 47–51°F | 32–34°F | 3″ rain, 4–5″ snow | 5–6 mph |
Weather Planning Tips for Valentine’s Day
Virginia’s mid-February weather can swing between chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and the chance for snow or rain. If you dress in layers and keep your plans flexible, you’ll probably stay comfortable no matter what happens with the weather.
What to Wear for Outdoor Activities
Around Valentine’s Day, temperatures in Virginia usually drop into the 20s at night and climb into the 40s or 50s during the day. Dress in layers so you can adapt as things change.
A warm base layer, an insulating sweater or fleece, and a water-resistant jacket make a solid combo.
If you’re headed downtown, out to a park, or relaxing on a winery patio, don’t forget gloves and a hat. Light wind can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
Pick comfortable shoes with good traction since sidewalks might still have wet patches or leftover ice.
For couples planning to eat outside or go to evening events, keep a heavier coat handy. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop fast, and you might need the extra warmth.
A scarf and thermal socks are small things, but honestly, they can make a big difference in how cozy you feel.
Preparing for Unpredictable Weather
Virginia’s Valentine’s Day weather? It can swing wildly, honestly—one minute you’ll see sunshine, the next, snow flurries or rain. Check the forecast the day before, and then again in the morning before you head out.
That way, you’ll know if you’ll need to grab an umbrella, swap outdoor plans for something inside, or just leave a little earlier.
I always keep a small “weather kit” in my car—an umbrella, a blanket, and an ice scraper usually cover the basics.
If rain looks likely, waterproof shoes and a compact poncho are absolute lifesavers. When snow’s in the mix, I just plan to drive slower and give myself more time to reach wherever I’m going.
If you’re reserving a spot outdoors, ask if the place has covered seating or heaters. Quite a few Virginia wineries and restaurants pull out fire pits or set up tents in February.
Having a backup indoor option? It really takes the pressure off if the weather turns on you.