Climate

Richmond's climate is classified as modified continental and there are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid and winters generally mild.

The mountains to the west act as a partial barrier to outbreaks of cold, continental air in winter. The cold winter air is delayed long enough to be modified, then further warmed as it subsides in its approach to Richmond. The open waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean contribute to humid summers and mild winters.

Spring (April) and Fall temperatures (October) average around 60 °F / 15 °C.

The coldest weather normally occurs in late December and January, when low temperatures usually average in the upper 20s °F (-2 °C) and the high temperatures in the upper 40s °F (8-9 °C). Temperatures seldom lower to zero (0 °C), but there have been several occurrences of below zero temperatures. Summertime high temperatures above 100°F (37.8 °C) are not uncommon, but do not occur every year.