Cape Charles & Eastern Shore of Virginia Weather Stats

• On average, the warmest month is July.

• The highest recorded temperature was 98°F in 1983.

• On average, the coolest month is January.

• The lowest recorded temperature was 9°F in 1982.

• The maximum average precipitation occurs in March.

January & February are our coldest months. Usually in the 30s or 40s for the high with few clouds. Temps sometimes reach the 50s on a rare spectacular day, with little or no wind. Winds can be high some days from the Northwest, causing rough water well offshore. We usually have some below freezing temperatures but usually not really cold for more than a couple of nights in a row. Snows lightly about every other year or so. The beaches are mostly deserted, windy, and brilliant with clear, cold waters.

March brings spring golfers and birders and warmer temps, usually in the 60s & 70s. Water temps are still too cool to swim for most folks, but it sure is nice to walk on the beach or enjoy a Cape Charles sunset.

April & May days are some of the best in Cape Charles. Humidity is thankfully low with very few thunderstorms.

June brings the full onslaught of visitors, most of whom arrive after school lets out and two-thirds are from Virginia and about one-third from bordering states up to New York. Temps are usually in the upper 80s and the water is warm enough for anyone. Humidity is quite high, and thunderstorms become frequent, particularly in the afternoons. Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. Peak season is from August through October, with 78% of the tropical storm days, 87% of the minor hurricanes, and 96% of the major hurricanes occurring then. Maximum activity is in early to mid September.

July and August are the busiest months (school’s out!) and the hottest. Temps are usually in the 90s and humidity is maxed out. In the water or indoors are sometimes the most comfortable spot. Though warm/hot Bay breezes provide some relief. The 4th of July gets busier every year. Fireworks, light up the night sky along the beaches in each direction. Drinking and fireworks shouldn’t mix but always do.

September is much the same as August, but an occasionally cooler day (70s & 80s) is a welcome relief. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence (as in August and July), and Tropical storm activity is peaked (see June, above). Crowds drop dramatically after Labor day (school days).

October is the best month of the year! It edges out May, because the water is warmer, and there are fewer tourists. Typically, the water is clear, the humidity is low, air temps are in the 70s, and the attitudes of the locals is one of welcome relaxation.

November and December are becoming more and more popular for vacationers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. With less activity right around Christmas. Some of the most amazing days happen during these months. It is the time of our brief Fall, with the much-anticipated cold fronts sweeping in. Most days temps are in the 40s & 50s, with quite a few (sometimes a week more or less) of spectacular 60 degree, low humidity, clear-air days. The water temps become to cool for most to enjoy.