Things to Do in Virginia Beach in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Virginia Beach
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Off-season pricing means hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peak, with oceanfront rooms at mid-tier properties typically running $90-140 per night instead of $180-250. You can actually negotiate walk-in rates if occupancy is low.
- The Boardwalk and beach access points are genuinely empty - you might see 20-30 people on a weekday morning stretch that holds 500+ in July. Parking at metered spots along Atlantic Avenue is consistently available, and restaurants seat you immediately without the summer 45-90 minute waits.
- Winter storm watching becomes the main attraction when nor'easters roll through, typically 2-3 times in January. Locals gather at the fishing pier and Croatan Beach to watch 8-12 foot waves - the kind of dramatic Atlantic coast experience you don't get in calm summer months.
- Indoor attractions like the Virginia Aquarium, Military Aviation Museum, and Contemporary Art Museum become actually enjoyable without summer crowds. The aquarium's touch tanks and exhibits have space to linger, and weekday admission lines are under 10 minutes versus summer's 45+ minute waits.
Considerations
- Ocean water temperature sits around 7-10°C (45-50°F) - genuinely too cold for swimming unless you're in a wetsuit. The beach experience is limited to walking and storm watching, not the water activities that define Virginia Beach for most visitors.
- About 25-30% of seasonal restaurants, surf shops, and boardwalk vendors close entirely from early January through mid-March. Neptune's Park area feels somewhat dormant, and you'll find limited food options directly on the oceanfront after 8pm on weeknights.
- Weather unpredictability means you're gambling on conditions - that variable forecast translates to anything from sunny 16°C (60°F) days perfect for walking to raw 2°C (35°F) mornings with 40 km/h (25 mph) winds off the ocean. Pack for both scenarios because January genuinely swings between them, sometimes within the same day.
Best Activities in January
Winter Beach Walking and Birding Routes
January is actually peak season for beach walking when you're dressed properly - the firm sand, empty stretches, and dramatic winter light make the 5 km (3.1 miles) from Rudee Inlet to 40th Street genuinely peaceful. This is also prime shorebird migration season, with sanderlings, dunlins, and occasional piping plovers feeding along the tideline. The cooler air means you can walk 8-10 km (5-6 miles) without overheating, something impossible in summer humidity. Early morning walks around 7-8am offer the best light and birdwatching, while afternoons around 2-4pm tend to be warmest if temperatures are marginal.
Indoor Aquarium and Marine Science Experiences
The Virginia Aquarium becomes a January refuge that's actually better experienced in winter. With minimal crowds, you can spend 20-30 minutes at the sea turtle rehab area watching feedings (daily at 11am and 3pm) without summer's shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The 12,000-gallon sea turtle tank and touch pools let you interact at your own pace. January also coincides with harbor seal pupping season, so the outdoor exhibits often have younger seals that are more active. Plan 2.5-3 hours for a thorough visit. The attached Adventure Park ropes course operates year-round but requires temperatures above 4°C (40°F), so it's hit-or-miss in January.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayaking and Hiking
January transforms Back Bay into a birding hotspot that most tourists never see - over 300 species use this refuge during winter migration, including tundra swans, snow geese, and various duck species numbering in the thousands. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails through maritime forest and dune systems are empty and accessible, with the Bay Trail (2.4 km / 1.5 miles loop) offering excellent swan viewing from late December through February. Water trails through the refuge are calm in January with no summer boat traffic, though you'll want a dry suit or be prepared for cold conditions if you capsize - water temps sit around 7-8°C (45-46°F).
Military Aviation Museum Indoor Tours
January is ideal for the Military Aviation Museum because the massive hangars are heated and the collection of 70+ vintage aircraft from WWI through WWII is fully accessible. Unlike summer when they're doing outdoor flight demonstrations, winter focuses on detailed indoor tours where you can get within 1-2 meters of rare planes like the Mosquito bomber and multiple flyable Spitfires. Restoration work happens actively in winter, so you'll often see mechanics working on aircraft - something that adds genuine behind-scenes value. Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The museum sits about 24 km (15 miles) south of the main resort area in Pungo.
First Landing State Park Trail Hiking
First Landing's 32 km (20 miles) of trails through cypress swamps, maritime forest, and dune systems are genuinely better in January than summer - no mosquitoes, no oppressive humidity, and the deciduous trees are bare so you can actually see the landscape structure. The Bald Cypress Trail (2.4 km / 1.5 miles) takes you through the northernmost natural cypress swamp in the US, with 300-year-old trees rising from dark water. January temperatures make the 8-10 km (5-6 miles) loop hikes comfortable, something that would be miserable in July's 32°C (90°F) heat. Watch for white-tailed deer, river otters in the swamp areas, and winter resident birds.
Brewery and Distillery Indoor Tasting Tours
Virginia Beach's craft beverage scene has exploded to 15+ breweries and several distilleries, and January is when locals actually visit them since tourists are gone. The ViBe Creative District (around 17th-22nd Streets) clusters several tasting rooms within walking distance - you can hit 3-4 in an afternoon. Places typically open around 2-3pm on weekdays, noon on weekends, and offer flights of 4-5 samples for $12-18. The indoor tasting room atmosphere is genuinely social in winter, with locals gathering for trivia nights and live music that doesn't happen as much in summer when everyone wants outdoor seating. The Chesapeake Bay distillery scene has also grown, with grain-to-glass operations offering 30-45 minute tours with tastings for $15-20.
January Events & Festivals
Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic
Mid to late January typically sees this indoor wine festival featuring 30+ Virginia wineries, held at the Convention Center. It's a rare chance to sample Virginia's growing wine industry without driving to individual wineries scattered across the state. The event includes seminars on Virginia viticulture and food pairings. Tickets typically run $45-65 for general admission with unlimited tastings.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
Usually runs for 10 days in late January, with 40+ participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at $25, $35, or $45 for three courses. This is genuinely good value at higher-end places that normally run $60-80 per person for dinner. It's designed to drive winter traffic to restaurants, so you're getting the same kitchen quality at reduced prices. Reservations fill up 1-2 weeks ahead at popular spots.