Best time to visit Richmond

Centrally located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Richmond is that place which has something special throughout the year. For the traveller, it is a haven of natural beauty offering an experience of local warmth, several annual festivals and events, and colorful art all around the year.

Some may say, the best time to visit Richmond is in the spring, during the months of March, April, and May. These are bright sun filled days, with longer daylight hours with something amazing happening at every corner. However, Richmond is lovely in every other season too. From the gorgeous bloom-filled springtime and sultry Southern summers to the vivacious autumn and white winters, there’s something exciting to experience in this city, every season.

Best time to enjoy mild weather (March, April & November)

In early spring and late fall, Richmond’s weather gets unpredictable, but there is a fair amount of mild, sunny days. So, it’s a great time to see Richmond’s famous gardens at their peak. Starting in late March, the city explodes with a riot of colors as cherry blossoms, dogwoods, azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs and peony blooms make their appearance. Some of the gardens that bloom brightly are Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Agecroft Hall.

Best time for cultural explorations (December to February)

The holiday season sees Richmond sparkle and shine, with lovely decorations throughout the city, bustling shops and festive markets. In January and February as the city slows down and it gets cold, it’s a good time to visit the city’s museums, galleries and theaters. On mild winter days when temperatures get up to 60°F, Richmond’s parks, gardens and outdoor breweries get flooded with locals as well as visitors.

Best time for outdoor festivals (May to October)

It is summer and fall with a full schedule of festivals, concerts and events that have visitors all over Richmond. Long days for outdoor brunch, cool nights to enjoy dining out and rooftop drinks, and concerts under the stars. Summers see people flocking to the James River to cool off on the hottest days, whether swimming, tubing or kayaking on the rapids.

With Autumn, Richmond enjoys some epic fall foliage. October sees perfect weather paired with exuberant fall colors. The city celebrates with several major music festivals and concert series. Halloween is celebrated in the historic Fan District with elaborate decorations and a huge trick-or-treating event.

It is important to keep in mind that hotel prices soar high at this time and planning in advance will help.

Popular Events and Festivals

Winter

Temperatures range from 30° F to 47° F

Events to check out:

• The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is a decades-long tradition with floats, bands, and balloons take over Broad Street and start off the festive season. Over 100,000 visitors of all ages come every year.
• Richmond Black Restaurant Experience is a week-long celebration of the city’s Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and independent chefs.

Spring 

Temperatures range from 60° F to 70° F

Events to check out:

• Riverrock is an outdoor festival highlighting music and sports with mud pits, kayaking, hiking, and more.
• The RVA Street Art Festival highlights areas in the city that may have been neglected, transforming them through mural art with the help of local and international artists.
• The Richmond International Film Festival is one of the largest competitive film festivals in the mid-Atlantic featuring six days of movies, panels, and music.
• The Virginia Wine Expo pays tribute to over 300 wineries in Richmond for six days every spring with educational events, top chefs dishing out cuisines that pair perfectly with vino.

Summer

Temperatures range from 75° F to 95° F with some rainfall all round year and bouts of showers.

Events to check out:

• The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival offers the chance to soak up all the jazz, funk, and soul, tour the 100-acre Maymont garden or just enjoy a picnic basket and your own chair and lawn blanket
• The weekend-long Filipino Festival in August, highlights Filipino culture through food, entertainment, and education, is a lovely experience.
• Early August ushers in the sweetness of the Watermelon Festival to Carytown with performances and a kids' zone for more than 100,000 guests

Fall 

Temperatures range from 60°F to 70° F

Events to check out:

• Jackson Ward with its rich history of Black ownership and entrepreneurship holds the 2nd Street Festival celebrates with performances, a marketplace for local vendors, and delicious authentic food.
• The Afrikana Film Festival highlights global Black narratives through movies.
• Fire, Flour & Fork is a foodie’s dream described as “four days of Richmond on a plate and in a glass.”