If you’ve always wanted to experience the classic four seasons in your new city, you’ll get what you ask for in Alexandria. Weather professionals in the Washington, D.C., metro area certainly earn their salaries as they prepare forecasts that include everything from blizzards and flooding to extreme humidity, not to mention the typical rainy and sunny days.
In general, anticipate short autumns and springs, and depending on who you ask, long summers and winters. But, each season has a signature feature or two that residents both hope and prepare for.
Fall in Alexandria
The fall season has a lot of fans in Alexandria. Picture the quintessential autumn landscape: fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves, brisk evening temps, and chilly sunshine-filled days. Autumn in all of its glory doesn’t last long, unfortunately, because summer temperatures linger into mid-September and winter temperatures start by the end of November.
Peak leaf peeping is short, and normally in late October, which makes it difficult to plan for all of the festivals and outdoor activities that pack event itineraries each week. For those who are considering homes with yards, remember that Alexandria is an established city with an abundance of mature and big trees. If raking and or paying someone for leaf removal isn’t your idea of a good time, an apartment, condo, or townhouse with landscaping included is probably your best bet.
Average high and low temperatures during this season:
- September 81/61
- October 68/49
- November 58/39
Winter in Alexandria
A very popular question newcomers ask is, "Does it snow in Alexandria?" Yes. Love it or hate it, you’re going to deal with some type of winter weather in Alexandria for a solid 3-4 months, depending on your own personal thermometer.
For more information on what it's like to move to Alexandria, read Alexandria Guide for Newcomers.
The city is located on a very interesting point on the map as far as weather is concerned. From North to South, the D.C. area tends to be the point where storms give out, and the city misses the biggest effects. From East to West, the Shenandoah Mountains play with eastward moving weather systems and tend to break up big dumps of snow.
There are of course the occasional blizzards, about every five years or so. But there also winters that see very little snow at all. Snow appears from late November to late March with the majority typically hitting in February and March with an average of 15 inches.
Average high and low temperatures during this season:
- December 48/32
- January 43/27
- February 46/28
Spring in Alexandria
Spring rivals fall for the prettiest time of year, thanks to the abundance of the area’s signature Cherry Blossom trees. Expect to see two things during spring: an increase of tourists and the clamoring of parents trying to find photographers who will shoot "Cherry Blossom Sessions" for the year’s family photo and Christmas cards.
Spring starts the wettest season lasting until late August, averaging about 40 inches per year. Two weather features begin to pick up during late May: the wind and humidity.
Average high and low temperatures during this season:
- March 56/36
- April 68/46
- May 76/55
Summer in Alexandria
Heat, humidity, and strong storms dominate the summer forecast. Those who come in from South Carolina or Texas, you’ll be wondering what the fuss is about. The others who come from California or further north, you’re going to suffocate for awhile until you get used to the persistent humidity morning, noon, and night. Don’t forget that Alexandria sits right on the Potomac River which adds extra moisture to the air.
Fast but strong afternoon storms are responsible for wind and flooding advisories throughout the summer months. Alexandria is low lying near a river and is basically built entirely on swamp land. Residents do their best to combat water damage in basements with sump pumps. Don’t be fooled by the looks of these average summer temperatures. Highs in the 90s are becoming standard and only when they reach 95 and higher are they described as extreme.
Average high and low temperatures during this season:
- June 85/65
- July 88/69
- August 87/68
More Things to Know About the Weather in Alexandria
- Sperling’s Comfort Index for Alexandria is a 60 out of 100. The U.S. average comfort index is 54. The index is based on the total number of days throughout the year within the comfort range of 70-80 degrees.
- For the last five years, Alexandria’s weather has been trending hotter and wetter overall.
- Alexandria doesn’t take direct hits from Atlantic Ocean hurricanes but receives the secondary effects, such as intense winds, flooding, and pounding rain.
- School kids in Alexandria are lucky. They’ll see a good amount of days off or school delays due to difficult to forecast situations like ice and mixed precipitation.
- Four distinct seasons means that residents need all of the gear: rain boots and jackets, heavy winter coats, snow boots, gloves, scarves, hats, and most likely a shovel or two.
One of the best things about Alexandria weather is the general idea of unpredictability. It’s not strange to have a 70 degree day in December. It’s also not very unusual to get a rainy 65 degree summer day every now and then. And, when any one season gets too long for you, just keep holding on-- you’ll begin catch glimpses of the next one ahead, and then, that too will be over before you know it!