Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Williamsburg in January
This is the coldest month in Williamsburg: highs average 45°F (7°C) and lows 28°F (-2°C), with about 2.8 in (72 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
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 54/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Afternoons only reach about 45°F (7°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.8 in (72 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 28°F.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort slips from 59/100 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 45°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Williamsburg in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Merchants Square
Colonial Revival shopping street at the edge of the Historic Area, with shops, cafes and The Cheese Shop.
Duke of Gloucester Street
The Historic Area's main street, its doors hung with wreaths of fruit, pinecones, shells and dried flowers in December.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Williamsburg's winter event, with millions of lights, holiday shows and Santa's workshop across the European-themed park.
Wren Building
The College of William & Mary's oldest building, begun in 1695, closing the west end of Duke of Gloucester Street.
King's Arms Tavern
Colonial Williamsburg tavern serving game pie, peanut soup and other 18th-century Virginia dishes by candlelight.
Nearby in January
- Richmond in January~44 mi · highs 44°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Corolla in January~78 mi · highs 48°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Nags Head in January~109 mi · highs 51°F, 3.3 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in January~114 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler 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.
Williamsburg in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Williamsburg?
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 45°F (7°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Williamsburg in January?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Williamsburg in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 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 47.2 in (1199 mm).
What should I pack for Williamsburg in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Williamsburg
Planning Williamsburg in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.