So, you’re planning for Easter in Virginia and wondering what kind of weather you’ll get? Around Easter, you’ll usually find mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and a mix of sunny days with the occasional rain. The season sits between winter’s chill and the early heat of summer, which honestly makes it one of the most pleasant times to get outside.
Daytime highs usually land somewhere between the upper 50s and low 70s across most of Virginia, though mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler. Coastal spots like Norfolk are a touch milder, but inland and mountain areas sometimes hang onto that last bit of chill.
Rain showers pop up pretty often in spring, so it’s smart to be ready for both sunshine and the chance of a passing storm.
This blend of comfy weather and fresh spring scenery sets the stage for classic Easter traditions—think outdoor egg hunts and family get-togethers. Whether you’re heading to the coast, checking out the mountains, or just sticking around central Virginia, knowing the weather helps you make the most of your plans.
Typical Weather Conditions Around Easter in Virginia
Early to mid-spring in Virginia brings mild temps, moderate rain, and humidity that seems to change by the day. Expect cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and breezes that keep things fresh, though sometimes it’s a little unpredictable.
Average Temperatures in April
In April, highs often reach the mid-60s to low 70s °F (18–23 °C). Nights are chillier, usually in the mid-40s to low 50s °F (7–11 °C), so you’ll probably want a light jacket in the morning or after sunset.
Eastern areas like Norfolk and Virginia Beach stay a bit warmer thanks to the coast. But if you’re heading west to the Blue Ridge, expect cooler days and even chillier nights.
Temperature swings happen a lot, especially when a cold front rolls in. Some days feel like early summer, while others bring a reminder of winter. That’s just spring in Virginia for you.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
April tends to be a wet month in Virginia. Most areas get 3 to 4 inches of rain, depending on where you are. Showers might come and go quickly, but sometimes you’ll get a longer stretch of steady rain.
Thunderstorms can pop up, especially in central and southern spots. They’re usually brief but can dump a lot of rain at once. Snow? Not likely, unless you’re way up in the mountains, where a late flurry can surprise you.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, it’s smart to stay flexible. Keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy, since showers aren’t always predictable.
Humidity and Wind Speeds
Humidity in April usually feels moderate—a nice break from the muggy air of summer. Mornings can be more humid, but it drops off in the afternoon as things warm up.
Winds blow light to moderate, around 7–12 mph most days. You’ll feel more breeze in open spaces and along the coast, where gusts can pick up.
Cold fronts sometimes boost wind speeds, especially if you’re in the mountains. These shifts bring cooler air and clearer skies once they pass. Breezy days just come with the territory in spring.
Regional Variations in Easter Weather
Easter weather in Virginia really depends on where you are. Temperatures, rain, and even sunlight can feel pretty different between inland cities, the coast, and higher elevations.
These differences shape what you’ll get for outdoor plans or travel during the holiday.
Weather in Richmond During Easter
Easter in Richmond often brings mild spring weather. Highs usually land around 65–70°F (18–21°C), while nights dip into the 40s°F (7–9°C). You’ll want a light jacket early on, but afternoons are usually comfortable.
Rainfall is moderate, with about 3.3 inches in April, spread over 8–9 days. Showers come and go, so you’ll still see plenty of dry spells.
Humidity stays pretty manageable, which makes this one of the best times to be outside. Skies can be partly cloudy, but April tends to bring more sun than the winter months.
If you’re planning an egg hunt or a picnic, Richmond’s weather usually plays along—just keep that umbrella close by, just in case.
Easter Weather in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach stays a bit cooler than inland spots, thanks to the Atlantic. Easter highs usually hit 60–65°F (15–18°C), with lows in the upper 40s°F (8–10°C). The ocean keeps nights milder, but breezes can make mornings feel chilly.
Rain shows up more often here than in Richmond. April brings 3.5 to 4 inches of rain, often from coastal systems. Showers might be heavy, but they don’t usually last long.
Humidity runs higher along the coast, which can make windy days feel even cooler. Still, plenty of Easters bring sunny afternoons perfect for a walk on the beach or boardwalk.
Winds are something to think about. Speeds usually run 13–19 km/h, so it can feel brisk near the water. A light windbreaker goes a long way.
Mountain vs. Coastal Areas
If you’re heading to the mountains in western Virginia, expect cooler and less predictable Easter weather. Highs stick around 55–60°F (13–16°C), and lows can drop into the 30s°F (1–4°C). Frost is still possible in higher spots, especially early in April.
Snow is rare, but not unheard of in the mountains for Easter. You might see a flurry or two, though most years just bring chilly rain. Precipitation totals run higher at elevation, averaging 3–4 inches in April.
On the coast, like Virginia Beach, you’ll hardly ever see cold snaps this late. Instead, expect steadier rain and milder temperatures. The coast warms up earlier in spring, while the mountains take their time.
If you’re choosing between the two, the coast offers warmer, more stable weather, while the mountains keep that cool, fresh spring vibe going.
Comparing Easter Weather to Other Spring Months
Easter in Virginia falls in late March or April, so the weather can shift a lot as winter fades and spring takes over. Temps, rain, and even the chance of snow look different depending on when the holiday lands.
March Weather Trends
March holds onto some winter, especially early on. Average highs run from the mid-50s °F in Arlington to about 60°F in Richmond. Lows often hit the 30s, and frost is still around.
Snow can still show up. Richmond averages about 1.2 inches, Arlington gets about 1.8 inches, and Norfolk usually gets less, maybe 0.4 inches. Rain picks up, too, with 8–9 wet days on average.
Daylight stretches out quickly, from about 11 hours early in March to almost 12.5 hours by month’s end. Winds usually stay moderate, around 6–9 mph.
If you visit Virginia for Easter in March, plan for cool mornings, possible rain, and maybe a bit of snow in the north. Layers and waterproof gear are your friends.
May Weather Patterns
By May, Virginia starts feeling a lot more like summer. Highs average in the mid-70s °F in Arlington, and can hit the upper 70s in Richmond and Norfolk. Lows usually stay in the upper 50s or low 60s, so evenings are comfortable.
Rain keeps coming, with 10–11 wet days each month in most places. Snow is out of the picture now. What you’ll notice instead is rising humidity, especially near the coast. Norfolk sees almost 6 muggy days in May, while inland cities get about 3–4.
Daylight peaks around 14 hours by late May, so you get long days for exploring or outdoor fun. Winds calm down compared to winter, with 5–7 mph inland and a bit more along the coast.
If your Easter trip stretches into May, expect warm afternoons, mild nights, and mostly good weather for being outside. Light clothes, sunscreen, and water make more sense than heavy layers.
How Easter Weather Compares to Winter Months
Easter in Virginia feels a lot milder than the heart of winter. By spring, highs climb into the 60s, while January and February still stick with freezing nights, snow chances, and shorter daylight hours. It’s wild how fast things change from winter to spring.
January Climate Overview
January is usually the coldest month in Virginia. Highs range from 43°F in Arlington to 50°F in Norfolk, and lows often dip below freezing, especially away from the coast.
You might get 1–6 inches of snow, depending on where you are, with Richmond averaging about 4–5 inches. Daylight is short, about 9–10 hours a day. Precipitation falls on 7–9 days, sometimes as rain, sleet, or snow.
Winds stay stronger near the coast, averaging 11–12 mph in Norfolk, and 6–9 mph inland. If you’re traveling, expect cold mornings and maybe icy roads, especially up north or in the mountains.
February Climate Overview
February stays cold but starts to hint at a change. Highs climb a bit, averaging 46°F–52°F, while lows hover near or just above freezing. Snow is still possible, with 2–6 inches depending on where you are, though the coast sees less.
Daylight grows to about 10–11 hours. Precipitation shows up on 7–8 days, often as cold rain. Winds keep blowing, especially by the water, where speeds stay near 12 mph.
You’ll notice more ups and downs in February. Some days feel like winter, but others tease spring. It’s a toss-up, but usually not as settled as the milder weather you’ll find around Easter.
What to Expect: Activities and Events During Easter
Easter in Virginia brings a mix of outdoor fun and community traditions. You can enjoy spring weather for travel and sightseeing, and you’ll find local events that highlight both family activities and cultural celebrations.
Outdoor Activities and Travel Tips
Mild spring weather in Virginia makes getting outside pretty comfortable. Daytime highs are often in the 60s and 70s °F, perfect for walking tours, hiking, or even a trip to the beach. Nights can still feel cool, so bring a light jacket.
If you’re heading to Virginia Beach, the boardwalk and shoreline are always busy. Families like biking, flying kites, or just walking along the coast during Easter. Inland, state parks like First Landing or Shenandoah National Park have trails lined with early spring blooms.
Travel gets busy around Easter, especially since it often overlaps with spring break. Book hotels early to dodge last‑minute price jumps. Traffic can be heavier near the beaches and big cities, so give yourself extra time if you’re driving.
Packing tips:
- Layers for changing temps
- Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
- Rain gear since spring showers can sneak up on you
Seasonal Events and Celebrations
Virginia communities really get into Easter with a variety of events. In Virginia Beach, local parks and schools host egg hunts, sometimes splitting the kids up by age.
Bigger gatherings like “Easter Eggstravaganza” mix games, food, and live entertainment.
Churches draw both locals and visitors for services, including sunrise gatherings right on the beach. These moments offer a quiet, reflective way to kick off the holiday.
Many churches also put together community meals or fish fry dinners during Lent, leading up to Easter.
Restaurants and resorts roll out special Easter brunch menus. At places like Swan Terrace, you’ll find buffets, live music, and activities for kids.
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, smaller cafés and local bakeries serve up seasonal treats—think hot cross buns and fruit pies.
You won’t see as many festivals or parades across the state, but family-friendly markets and spring fairs pop up in coastal towns and suburbs.
These events let you shop for regional crafts, sample local food, and catch live performances.
Long-Term Climate Patterns and Trends
Virginia’s climate sticks to steady seasonal cycles, with mild springs, hot summers, and cooler winters. Each region brings its own mix of temperature, rainfall, and humidity, but long-term records show pretty consistent averages.
Shifts in climate patterns can change how spring feels each year, so you might notice some surprises.
Yearly Temperature and Precipitation Averages
Most of Virginia sits in a humid subtropical climate, but the mountains stay cooler. Spring mornings average in the mid-50s°F, while afternoons reach the upper 60s or low 70s.
In April, Richmond and Arlington usually see highs around 19–21°C (66–70°F), with Norfolk running a bit warmer.
Rainfall stays fairly steady year-round. Virginia gets about 3–4 inches (75–100 mm) of rain per month in spring.
Norfolk gets more rain, while Arlington and Richmond stick closer to the state average. Snow rarely shows up by April, but you might spot a trace in higher elevations.
Clear skies show up often in mid-spring. Records say about 50–55% of days in April are partly cloudy or sunnier, so you’ve got a pretty good shot at dry, comfortable weather for Easter.
Humidity stays low until late May or June, so muggy days don’t usually sneak in this early.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Easter Weather
If you look at long-term climate data, you’ll see Virginia has warmed up over the past century. Average spring temperatures have climbed about 1–2°F. The growing season runs longer now, too.
Easter tends to feel milder these days than it did a few decades back, especially if you’re in central or eastern Virginia.
Rainfall patterns have shifted, too. Total yearly precipitation hasn’t changed much, but heavy downpours pop up more often.
Spring showers feel less predictable—you might get a dry Easter one year, and a soggy one the next.
Nights have gotten warmer, which is another trend that stands out. Minimum April temperatures keep inching up, so late frost is less of a worry in most areas.
If you’re traveling, you’ll probably find outdoor plans for Easter are a bit more reliable now. Still, it’s Virginia, so you might want to keep an umbrella or windbreaker handy, just in case.