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Updated 2026
If you’ve always wanted to experience the classic four seasons in your new city, you’ll get what you ask for with the weather when living in Alexandria, VA. Weather professionals in the Washington, DC, 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. Each season has a signature feature or two that residents hope and prepare for, offering a well-rounded list of things to do in Alexandria, VA.
Fall in Alexandria
The fall season has many fans in Alexandria. Picture the quintessential autumn landscape: fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves, brisk evening temps, and chilly sunshine-filled days. Unfortunately, autumn in all of its glory doesn’t last long because summer temperatures linger into mid-September, and winter temperatures start by the end of November.
Peak leaf-peeping is short and generally in late October, making it difficult to plan for all the weekly festivals and outdoor activities that pack event itineraries. For those considering homes with yards, remember that Alexandria is an established city (actually two: the City of Alexandria and Alexandria, Fairfax County) with abundant mature trees. If raking and/or paying someone to remove leaves isn’t your idea of a good time, an apartment, condo, or townhouse with landscaping included is probably your best bet.
Alexandria, VA autumn average high and low temperatures (all temps in Fahrenheit):
- September: 81°/61°
- October: 68°/49°
- November: 53°/39°
Winter in Alexandria
A common question newcomers ask is whether Alexandria will get snow. The answer is yes. Sometimes. Love it or hate it, you’ll probably deal with some degree of winter weather (sleet, ice) in Alexandria for a couple of weeks throughout the winter and spring.
Alexandria sits within the dreaded “DC Snow Hole” and often misses big events, but it's still a good idea to have a sled in the shed for the three- to five-inch storms that are most typical.
The city is located at a fascinating point on the map as far as the weather is concerned. When storms move north to south, the DC area seems to be the point where they 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.
Of course, there are occasional blizzards every five years or so. But some winters see very little snow at all. Snow can occur from late November to late March, with most falling in February and March, totaling an average of 15 inches per year.
Alexandria, VA winter high and low temperatures:
- December: 48°/32°
- January: 44°/27°
- February: 47°/28°
Spring in Alexandria
Spring rivals fall for the prettiest time of year, thanks to the abundance of the area’s signature cherry tree blossoms. Expect to see two things during spring: an increase in 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 begins the wettest season that lasts until late August, averaging about 40 inches per year. The wind and humidity are two weather features that begin to pick up in late May.
Alexandria, VA spring high and low temperatures:
- March 56°/36°
- April 68°/45°
- May 76°/55°
Summer in Alexandria
Heat, humidity, and intense storms dominate the summer forecast. Those coming in from South Carolina or Texas will wonder what the fuss is about. For the others coming from California or further north, you will feel suffocated for a while until you get used to the persistent humidity morning, noon, and night. Don’t forget that Alexandria zip codes sit on the Potomac River, adding 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 essentially 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 or higher are they described as extreme.
Alexandria, VA summer high and low temperatures:
- June 85°/65°
- July 89°/70°
- August 87°/68°
How Weather Affects Outdoor Activities in Alexandria
For a region that can experience dramatic weather year-round, the culture here is very outdoor-oriented. With every season, there's an ever-evolving list of things to do in Alexandria, VA.
Spring
Spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming cherry trees throughout Alexandria and the DC area. Residents head outdoors again to enjoy neighborhood parks, patios, and walking paths and tourists fill the area to experience the cherry blossoms. The historic Carlyle House garden is a peaceful spot in Old Town, with brick walkways, shaded areas, and seasonal blooms.
Summer
Long summer days offer plenty of ways to enjoy the Potomac River, including paddling, boating, and fishing. Water taxis connect Old Town Alexandria with National Harbor and other waterfront destinations, making it easy to plan a day trip without driving. And after a day of activity, Alexandria’s summer concerts bring the whole community together.
Fall
Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make fall a popular time to get outside. The Mount Vernon Trail offers scenic views along the Potomac for walking, running, or biking. The city turns cozy, if not a little spooky, with its annual Oktoberfest, fall art festivals, ghost tours, decorated homes along Captain’s Row, and the Del Ray Halloween Parade.
Winter
Alexandria remains active even when temperatures drop. Old Town transforms into a magical place during the holidays, and seasonal events bring residents downtown throughout the winter. Annual events like Ice & Lights winter village and ice-skating keep the cold away with pizza and roasted marshmallows. Local restaurants also offer winter menus, heated outdoor seating, and specials during Alexandria Restaurant Week.
Here’s a list of favorite restaurants to try in Alexandria.
Alexandria Neighborhood Weather Considerations
Finding the perfect home in Alexandria involves more than understanding Alexandria zip codes, researching schools, and proximity to work. Each neighborhood offers a slightly different lifestyle and a short list of pros and cons.
Older neighborhoods with greater tree canopies overhead are highly sought after. Seminary Hill, the Fort Ward and Beauregard areas of West End, and pockets of Del Ray offer some reprieve from urban heat, higher air quality, and, in some cases, more privacy.
The largest weather-related concern is flooding. About 20% of Alexandria is in a floodplain and prone to water damage. This is largely because of its proximity to the Potomac River and low-lying streams.
Del Ray in Alexandria is outstanding for its walkability during the spring and fall. Strolling for a meal feels like a luxury, and the days feel simpler when you’re not booking Ubers or searching and paying for parking. That said, the neighborhood lies within Flood Zone X. It’s categorized as low-to-moderate risk and extends beyond Del Ray to parts of Rosemont and North Ridge as well.
Houses near Old Town (near the waterfront), Arlandia, Cameron Station, and parts of Rosemont fall in Flood Zone AE and A, so certain plots are within a high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area with a 1% annual flood risk. This area has a 26% chance of flooding over the span of a 30-year mortgage.
While properties in these zones are not guaranteed to flood each year, they are often required to have flood insurance, an important consideration when budgeting for a home.
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Alexandria
There’s no better way to unwind and reset than witnessing an Alexandria sunset.
Waterfront Park offers an unobstructed view of the Potomac and features benches to sit back and relax or the Mount Vernon Trail to unwind.
Founders Park is popular for its waterfront and open, grassy areas. Because it’s close to King Street, many people pick up dinner and stroll over to Founders for an evening picnic.
Oronoco Bay Park offers an expansive area to play, fly a kite, or play ball while the sun sets over the city. Because of its size, it often serves as a beautiful backdrop for frequent city festivals.
Jones Point Park is south of Old Town beneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and is a calm, more local-feeling spot to enjoy the evening. Beyond a beautiful sunset, you can often see lights from the National Harbor.
What is the best time to watch the sunset in Alexandria, VA?
- Spring: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
- Summer: 8:20-8:35 p.m.
- Fall: 5:15-6:45 p.m.
- Winter: 4:50-5:05 p.m.
More to Know About Alexandria Weather
- Best Place’s weather ranking for Alexandria is 7.5 out of 10.
- Alexandria’s weather has been trending hotter and wetter for the last five years.
- Alexandria doesn’t take direct hits from Atlantic Ocean hurricanes but receives secondary effects, such as intense winds, flooding, and pounding rain.
- School kids in Alexandria are lucky. They’ll see a good number of days off or school delays because of difficult-to-forecast situations like ice and mixed precipitation.
- Four distinct seasons mean residents need all the gear: rain boots and jackets, heavy winter coats, snow boots, gloves, scarves, hats, and a shovel or two.
One of the best things about Alexandria's weather is the general idea of unpredictability. It’s not strange to see a 70° day in December. It’s also not unusual to get a rainy 65° summer day now and then.
And, when any one season gets too long for you, hold on. You’ll begin to catch glimpses of the next one ahead, and that, too, will be over before you know it!
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