Virginia Beach, situated along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters. This climate supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the city’s natural beauty and appeal.
Climate Overview
Throughout the year, Virginia Beach’s temperatures vary significantly. Average high temperatures range from approximately 46°F (7.8°C) in January to about 83.8°F (28.8°C) in July. Correspondingly, average low temperatures span from 36.7°F (2.6°C) in January to 74.8°F (23.8°C) in July. The city receives consistent rainfall year-round, with August typically being the wettest month, averaging over 5.5 inches of rain. Snowfall is infrequent, occurring most often in February and December.
Environmental Challenges
As a coastal city, Virginia Beach faces several environmental challenges:
Sea Level Rise
The Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, is experiencing some of the fastest relative sea level rise on the Atlantic coast—approximately 18 inches over the past century. This trend poses risks of increased flooding and erosion.
Air Quality
According to the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, the Hampton Roads metro area, which includes Virginia Beach, showed a slight decline in air quality across all measures from the previous year. The area ranked 149th most polluted in the nation for ozone pollution and 152nd for daily particle pollution, earning a B grade and falling off the cleanest cities list.
Water Quality
Recreational boat pollution has been identified as a serious threat to local water quality in coastal areas where boats congregate. The Virginia Beach Health Department’s Marina Program oversees regulations requiring marinas and other places where boats are moored to have adequate sanitary facilities to protect public health and improve water quality.
Understanding these climate patterns and environmental challenges is crucial for residents and policymakers to develop effective strategies for sustainability and resilience in Virginia Beach.