Richmond has four real seasons: mild springs, hot and humid summers, pleasant falls and winters that are cold but rarely brutal. If you are planning a move here, whether from another part of Virginia or across town, the weather will shape your moving day more than you might expect. This guide covers what each season is like in Richmond, what the numbers look like, and how to plan around them.
Richmond Weather at a Glance
- Winter: January averages lows near 29°F and highs near 48°F.
- Summer: July averages lows near 69°F and highs near 89°F, and highs in the upper 90s are common in heat waves.
- Rain: about 45 inches of precipitation a year. August is the wettest month at around 4.9 inches, and February is the driest at around 2.6 inches.
- Snow: about 9 inches in an average year, usually in a few storms rather than steady cover.
- Humidity: summer humidity peaks around 70 to 72 percent in July and August.
Figures are long-term averages from climate data for Richmond. Any single year can be hotter, wetter or colder.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is mild and green, with comfortable temperatures and the occasional cold snap or rainy stretch. It is a popular season for house hunting and moving, so the busiest weekends fill up early. Spring is also pollen season in Central Virginia, which can matter if anyone in your household has allergies.
Moving in Spring
- Expect a few rainy days. Keep floor runners, tarps and extra towels ready.
- Book early for weekends and for the end of the month.
- Plan for showers by wrapping upholstered furniture and keeping boxes off wet ground.
Summer (June to August)
Summers are hot, muggy and punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms. Summer is also the peak moving season, driven by school schedules and lease dates, so crews and trucks are in highest demand. Our guide to moving during peak season in Richmond explains how to get a good slot.
Moving in Summer
- Start early in the morning, when it is cooler and the roads are quieter.
- Drink plenty of water and take breaks, because heat exhaustion is a real risk during a long move.
- Do not leave candles, vinyl records, cosmetics or electronics in a hot vehicle or closed truck.
- Watch the radar for afternoon storms and have a rain plan for furniture and mattresses, such as covers, floor runners and a tarp.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is many people’s favorite time in Richmond. Temperatures drop, humidity eases and the weather is usually dry and settled. Demand for movers is also lower than in summer, so it is easier to find a convenient date. Late summer and early fall can still bring remnants of tropical storms, so check the forecast closely in September and early October. Our guide to Richmond flooding and weather risks explains what that means in practice.
Moving in Fall
- This is one of the best seasons to move, with comfortable temperatures and more availability.
- Allow a flexible date in September and October in case a storm system is forecast.
- Leaves and wet leaves make driveways and steps slippery, so sweep the path before the crew arrives.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Richmond are cold but short. Snow is not constant, but a single storm, or freezing rain and ice, can close roads for a day or two. For the same reason, winter is the cheapest and easiest season to book a mover, and many people use it to their advantage. Read our guides to moving during winter in Virginia and the winter move checklist.
Moving in Winter
- Check the forecast the day before and ask your mover about their weather policy.
- Clear snow and ice from steps, walkways and the driveway, and put down salt or sand.
- Protect floors and carpets from slush and salt with runners.
- Keep sensitive items such as plants, electronics and musical instruments out of the cold, and let them warm to room temperature before you use them. See how to move houseplants safely.
The Best Time to Move in Richmond
If your date is flexible, early fall and late spring give the best mix of comfortable weather and reasonable availability. Winter has the lowest demand, while summer is the busiest and hottest. For a month-by-month breakdown, see our best time of year to move in Richmond guide.
What If the Weather Turns Bad on Moving Day?
- Call your mover early: Ask what happens in heavy rain, ice or a storm warning, and whether you can reschedule without losing your deposit.
- Prepare the home: Lay down runners, open doors only when needed and keep towels near the entrance.
- Protect what matters: Cover furniture and mattresses, and keep electronics and documents with you.
- Stay safe: If roads are icy or there is lightning, wait. A delayed move is better than an injury or a damaged load.
Need a move that works around the weather? Our local moving crews work across the Richmond area, and our last-minute moving guide helps if the forecast forces a change of date.
Ready for a straight answer on your move? Call Cavalier Moving at (804) 404-8048 or request a free estimate. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Richmond get a lot of snow?
Not much. Richmond averages about 9 inches of snow a year, usually in a few storms. Ice and freezing rain can be a bigger problem than snow for moving day.
How hot does Richmond get in summer?
July highs average near 89°F, and heat waves with highs in the upper 90s are common. Combined with humidity of around 70 percent, the heat can make a long move tiring.
Is Richmond affected by hurricanes?
Richmond is inland, but remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms can bring heavy rain and flooding in late summer and early fall.
What is the best month to move in Richmond?
Late spring and early fall are popular for comfortable weather. September and October are often easier to book than summer, but watch for storms.
Will movers work in the rain?
Many crews will move in light to moderate rain, using floor protection and covers. For heavy rain, ice or severe weather, safety comes first, so ask your mover about their policy before booking.