When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach? My hometown is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, but timing your trip can significantly enhance your experience.
Virginia Beach is a popular east coast beach destination, hosting more than 14 million visitors (local, out-of-state, and international) in 2023.
Many people are drawn to the city for the beaches and waves, family-friendly attractions, lively festivals and events, well-maintained state parks, the art and culture, history, fresh seafood, and southern cuisine.
I grew up near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, have lived in different parts of the city, and visit often to spend time with my friends and family (I live about an hour away now). I’ve been a beach bum in the summer, an outdoor explorer in the spring, a fall festival fanatic, and a local adventurer in the winter.
Below, I’ve provided an overview of each season, highlighting popular events and activities to help you choose the best time to visit Virginia Beach based on your interests.
Overall Best Time to Visit Virginia Beach
Since the Oceanfront is our main attraction, the overall best time to visit Virginia Beach is during the shoulder season.
This is when the water is warm enough for swimming, the crowds are few, and travel expenses are cheaper than the peak summer season. The sweet spot tends to be late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to October).
However, I understand that not everyone loves the beach, so here’s some helpful information.
Seasons in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach experiences all four seasons, so beach lovers might not enjoy visiting when the water is cold, while frostophiles might want to avoid the hot and humid summers.
Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:
Winter in Virginia Beach (December, January, and February)
Being in the southern portion of the Mid-Atlantic and on the coast, winter in Virginia Beach is mild compared to its northern counterparts. Temperatures during the daytime are typically between the 40s and 50s, while nighttime can drop to the 30s. Snow is rare, but it does happen on occasion.
Winter is a great time to enjoy indoor attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Military Aviation Museum, Virginia MOCA, or catch a show at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
For outdoor activities, you can go hiking, biking, or camping at First Landing State Park or False Cape State Park. It’s also a great time of year to go on a whale watching tour or horseback riding on the beach.
During the holiday season, there is the annual drive thru holiday lights on the boardwalk. Virginia Beach Town Center hosts the Snow Globe Spectacular where you can meet the Claus’ before doing a little Christmas shopping.
Advantages to visiting Virginia Beach in the winter are no crowds, cheaper hotel prices, and holiday events. Disadvantages include cold weather limiting outdoor activities and some oceanfront attractions may have adjusted hours.
Spring in Virginia Beach (March, April, and May)
Spring in Virginia Beach is a time of renewal, with temperatures climbing steadily from the 50s in March to the 70s by May. April showers bring beautiful greenery and flowers, making it a great season to get outdoors.
You can explore the trails at First Landing State Park, go kayaking at The Narrows, take a dolphin-watching tour, practice your swing at Top Golf, take in the views at Cape Henry Lighthouse, go ziplining at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, or enjoy Ocean Breeze Waterpark (opens mid-May).
Spring is also when you start to see more local events and festivals like the Shamrock Marathon Weekend, Spring Wine Festival, Crush Fest, and Pharrell’s highly anticipated Something in the Water festival.
Advantages to visiting Virginia Beach in the spring include beautiful weather for outdoor activities, less crowds (until Spring Break), and more outdoor events. The disadvantages are that it can still be too chilly for swimming and hotel prices start to go up.
Summer in Virginia Beach (June, July, and August)
Summer in Virginia Beach is amazing! Temperatures average between the 80s and 90s, making it the perfect time to spend your days lounging at the beach, boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, parasailing, eating fresh seafood, you name it.
This is when the city comes alive with events like Live! On Atlantic Nightly Entertainment, Oceanfront Concert Series (free), Beach Blanket Movie Nights, 4th of July celebrations, music festivals, beach parties, Vans Warped Tour, East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), and concerts at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater.
The advantages to visiting Virginia Beach in the Summer include gorgeous weather, nightlife, and plenty of free and fun events. Disadvantages include crowds, expensive hotel prices, and the humidity!
Fall in Virginia Beach (September, October, and November)
Fall in Virginia Beach brings cooler temperatures, ranging from the 70s in September to the 50s by November. The ocean is still warm enough for swimming in early fall, and the cooler air makes outdoor activities less sweaty.
This is a great time to enjoy less crowded beaches (after Labor Day), the Neptune Festival, Wicked 10K Weekend events, MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, fall music festivals, state parks, check out local breweries and wineries, enjoy fresh oysters, or check out some of the city’s haunted spots.
The advantages to visiting Virginia Beach in the fall include milder weather, fewer tourists, and fall festivals and events. The disadvantages are the cooler temperatures in late fall and less daylight.
Visiting Virginia Beach FAQs
What is the cheapest time to visit Virginia Beach? The cheapest time to visit Virginia Beach is during the winter months of December, January, and February. With fewer tourists in town, hotels and vacation rentals offer their lowest rates, and many attractions have special deals during this off-season.
What is the least crowded time to visit Virginia Beach? Early spring (March) and late fall (November) are the least crowded times to visit.
When is the best weather in Virginia Beach? Late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September) offer the best weather. You’ll experience pleasant temperatures, minimal rain, and lots of sunshine.
When is the worst time to visit Virginia Beach? While there is no “worst time” to visit Virginia Beach, the peak summer tourist season (July and August) brings large crowds, high humidity, and higher prices.
When is the best time for families to visit Virginia Beach? The best time for families to visit Virginia Beach is in late spring (May to early June) or late summer (mid-August to early September). You can enjoy the beach, outdoor activities, attractions are in full swing, and the crowds are manageable.
Best Time to Visit Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a year-round destination that is not limited to summer beach days. The best time to visit depends on your interests, weather tolerance, and budget. Each season in Virginia Beach brings its own unique activities and events, and I encourage you to visit any time of the year!