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Nelson County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec56.8°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

56.8°F

Annual Precip

46.3"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

31

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
3.5"
2.7"
3.7"
3.6"
4.6"
4.5"
3.7"
4.4"
4.4"
3.8"
3.6"
4.0"
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

3,955

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/15
First fall frost (32°F): 10/25

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring47°64°11.9"Summer72°76°12.6"Fall48°69°11.7"Winter37°40°10.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 59% of US counties
Wetter than 62% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 34% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Nelson County

Climate Verdict

Nelson County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 56.8°F, moderately wet with 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 31.4 per year above 90°F. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.4°F. The 40°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.

Regional Context

Nelson County closely matches the Virginia statewide average temperature of 56.2°F.

Climate Profile

About Nelson County Weather

A balanced Mid-Atlantic climate

Nelson County's 56.8°F annual average is slightly warmer than the national median. It receives a robust 46.3 inches of precipitation, making it a lush environment for the local landscape.

Aligning with the Virginia average

The county stays very close to the state average of 55.9°F. It represents the classic Virginia climate transition between the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont.

Warmer than the mountain highlands

Nelson is significantly warmer than Montgomery County's 52.5°F average. However, it remains cooler than the coastal cities like Newport News which hits 59.5°F.

Steamy summers and brisk winters

July temperatures average 76.4°F, contributing to 31 days of extreme heat annually. While snowfall data is currently unavailable, winter averages stay chilly at 38.8°F.

Focus on summer cooling solutions

With a full month of temperatures over 90°F, reliable air conditioning is a must for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for high humidity during the peak summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Nelson County?
The average annual temperature in Nelson County, VA is 56.8°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Nelson County get?
Nelson County receives an average of 46.3 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Nelson County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Nelson County is 74.5°F. The county experiences an average of 31 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Nelson County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Nelson County is 38.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.7°F.

Track your own weather in Nelson 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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