Things to Do in Virginia Beach in January

January Weather in Virginia Beach

50°C (123°F) High Temp

33°C (92°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation rates of the year - oceanfront hotels drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with weeknight stays under $80 for properties that cost $300+ in July
Zero beach crowds at sunrise and sunset - have 50 km (31 miles) of coastline practically to yourself for photography, jogging, or meditation between 6-8am and 5-7pm
Perfect storm watching weather - January brings dramatic Atlantic weather systems that create spectacular wave displays and cloud formations, with water temperatures still comfortable at 7°C (45°F)
Indoor attractions hit peak programming - Virginia Aquarium runs extended winter exhibits, museums offer special January collections, and the Convention Center hosts major boat and home shows

Considerations

Boardwalk businesses operate on reduced winter hours - many close by 6pm weekdays and some weekend-only operations, limiting evening dining and entertainment options
Ocean swimming requires serious cold tolerance - air temps average 6°C (42°F) with frequent 24 km/h (15 mph) winds creating significant wind chill
Weather unpredictability disrupts outdoor plans - January sees everything from 15°C (60°F) sunny days to surprise snow squalls within 48 hours

Best Activities in January

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Winter Photography Tours

January offers the most dramatic seascapes of the year with storm systems creating massive wave displays against empty beaches. Golden hour light at 7:30am and 5:30pm provides exceptional conditions with zero tourist interference. Cold weather creates unique phenomena like sea smoke and frost patterns on dune grass.

Booking Tip: Book with certified photography guides 7-10 days ahead (typically $75-120 per 3-hour session). Look for operators offering weather guarantee policies and indoor alternatives. Check current options in booking section below for storm-chasing tours.

Great Dismal Swamp Winter Wildlife Tours

January is peak season for bald eagle spotting and winter waterfowl migration. Cold weather makes wildlife more active during midday hours (10am-2pm) when temperatures reach comfortable levels. Deciduous trees are bare, offering unobstructed viewing of bird activity and increased wildlife visibility.

Booking Tip: Book guided naturalist tours 5-7 days ahead (typically $45-75 per person for 4-hour tours). Choose operators with heated transport and indoor warming stations. Weather-dependent activity - confirm 24 hours before departure.

Historic Triangle Winter Heritage Tours

Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown are at their most authentic in January without summer crowds. Indoor museum exhibits run extended winter programming, and costumed interpreters focus on colonial winter survival techniques. Heating systems in historic buildings provide cozy exploration environments.

Booking Tip: Purchase multi-site passes online 3-5 days ahead for 15-20% savings (typically $85-140 for 3-day access). Winter hours are reduced - verify operating schedules. Indoor experiences include hands-on colonial crafts workshops.

Norfolk Botanical Garden Winter Solitude Walks

January reveals the garden's architectural bones with bare deciduous trees showcasing evergreen structure and winter-blooming camellias. 64 hectares (155 acres) of paths are virtually empty, offering meditative walking experiences. Winter bird activity peaks around feeding stations and water features.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are $12-18 with tram tours available weekends only in January. Check for special winter photography workshops and birding tours (typically $25-40 additional). No advance booking needed for general admission.

Virginia Beach Maritime Museum Winter Exhibitions

January features expanded indoor exhibitions about winter maritime history, including shipwreck archaeology and storm rescue operations. The museum's climate-controlled environment provides perfect respite from unpredictable weather, with hands-on exhibits about coastal engineering and lighthouse technology.

Booking Tip: General admission $8-12 with special winter lecture series available Thursdays (additional $5-15). Military discounts apply year-round. Combine with nearby Virginia Aquarium for package savings of 20-25%.

Chesapeake Bay Winter Birding Expeditions

January marks peak winter waterfowl season with thousands of migrating ducks, geese, and tundra swans. Morning tours (7-11am) offer best viewing conditions when birds are most active feeding. Professional guides provide spotting scopes and heated observation blinds.

Booking Tip: Book certified birding guides 10-14 days ahead (typically $95-150 per person for 4-hour tours). Tours include equipment and hot beverages. Weather-dependent with flexible rescheduling policies - choose operators with indoor backup locations.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week

Annual dining event featuring prix fixe menus at 40+ participating restaurants, showcasing winter comfort food specialties and local seafood preparations. Three-course dinners typically $35-55, perfect for warming up after cold beach walks.

Late January

Mid-Atlantic Boat and Fishing Show

Massive indoor exhibition at Virginia Beach Convention Center featuring latest marine equipment, fishing gear, and boat models. Includes seminars on winter fishing techniques and spring boat preparation. Warm indoor venue perfect for cold January days.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Windproof outer layer rated for 32 km/h (20 mph) gusts - ocean winds are constant and create significant wind chill below 4°C (40°F)

Waterproof boots with good tread - boardwalk can be slippery from morning condensation and occasional ice patches

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV reflects intensely off sand and water even in winter, with UV index reaching 8 on clear days

Thermal base layers for early morning or evening beach activities - temperature drops 8-12°C (15-20°F) after sunset

Rain jacket with breathable fabric - humidity stays around 70% and sudden weather changes are common

Warm hat that won't blow off - secure chin strap essential for beach walking in consistent ocean breezes

Layering pieces you can add/remove quickly - January temperatures swing 15-20°C (25-35°F) between morning and afternoon

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial even in cold weather, especially during indoor museum visits

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - winter beach walking in soft sand requires more effort than summer strolls

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, essential for photography and navigation apps

Insider Knowledge

Local fishing piers like Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offer heated shelters and remain productive for winter fishing - red drum and striped bass are most active during warmer midday hours 11am-3pm

Virginia Beach Town Center provides climate-controlled shopping and dining connected by covered walkways - locals use this as their primary hangout during cold snaps instead of the oceanfront

Checkout times at oceanfront hotels are strictly enforced in winter due to reduced housekeeping staff, but front desks often allow extended luggage storage for late flights

First Landing State Park's Bald Cyprus Trail is most spectacular in January when fallen leaves reveal the full scope of ancient tree formations - wear boots as boardwalks can be icy in early morning

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming oceanfront restaurants maintain summer hours - many reduce service to Thursday-Sunday only in January, leaving visitors with limited dining options on weeknight arrivals

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - visitors pack for the forecast temperature but ignore wind chill and humidity factors that make it feel 8-12°C (15-20°F) colder

Expecting summer beach activities to be available - most water sport rentals, fishing charters, and beach volleyball courts shut down completely from December through February