Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Richmond in January
This is the coldest month in Richmond: highs average 44°F (7°C) and lows 27°F (-3°C), with about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 54/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 54/100 · Fair
What January feels like
It's cool, with highs near 44°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 27°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort slips from 58/100 in December to 54/100.
- Our Williamsburg & Richmond route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Richmond in January
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Mama J's Kitchen
Jackson Ward soul food restaurant known for fried chicken, catfish and candied yams.
Sub Rosa Bakery
Wood-fired bakery in Church Hill milling its own grain for breads, croissants and pastries.
Virginia State Capitol
Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson after a Roman temple, with free guided tours.
GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's winter light show, with lit gardens, model trains and a glowing conservatory.
Maymont
Gilded Age estate on the James River with gardens, wildlife habitats and the Dooley Mansion, decorated for the holidays.
Nearby in January
- Williamsburg in January~44 mi · highs 45°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Shenandoah in January~85 mi · highs 34°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in January~97 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Corolla in January~120 mi · highs 48°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Richmond in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Richmond?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 54/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April and October. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Richmond in January?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Richmond in January?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 46.5 in (1182 mm).
What should I pack for Richmond in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Richmond in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.