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Fairfax County Climate

Fairfax County, Virginia

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.9°F

Annual Precip

43.4"

Annual Snowfall

19.8"

Extreme Heat Days

23

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.1"
2.6"
3.7"
3.4"
4.5"
4.2"
4.2"
3.5"
4.0"
3.6"
3.1"
3.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,679

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/15
First fall frost (32°F): 10/29

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring43°63°11.6"Summer71°76°12.0"Fall46°68°10.8"Winter33°37°9.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 51% of US counties
Wetter than 54% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 49% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Fairfax County

Climate Verdict

Fairfax County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, moderately wet with 43.4 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 23.05 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 19.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 33.4°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.2°F. The 43°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Fairfax County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Fairfax County closely matches the Virginia statewide average temperature of 56.2°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Virginia.

Climate Profile

About Fairfax County Weather

Predictable Mid-Atlantic Weather

Fairfax County’s 54.9°F annual average temperature sits right near the national median. It experiences a classic four-season climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county is exactly one degree cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This difference reflects the slightly harsher winters found in Northern Virginia.

Consistent Regional Precipitation

Fairfax receives 43.4 inches of annual precipitation, slightly less than the state average of 45.7 inches. Its 19.8 inches of annual snow is typical for the Northern Virginia corridor.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

Residents face 23 days of extreme heat over 90°F each summer. Winters are cold but manageable, with an average December-February temperature of 35.5°F.

Ready for Every Season

You will need a full wardrobe ranging from heavy parkas for the 19.8 inches of snow to light clothing for the 23 heat days. A balanced HVAC system is vital for year-round comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Fairfax County?
The average annual temperature in Fairfax County, VA is 54.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Fairfax County get?
Fairfax County receives an average of 43.4 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Fairfax County?
Yes, Fairfax County receives an average of 19.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Fairfax County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Fairfax County is 74.1°F. The county experiences an average of 23 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Fairfax County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Fairfax County is 35.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 33.4°F.

Track your own weather in Fairfax County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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