Virginia's climate is humid, sub-tropical, enjoying pleasantly hot summers and relatively mild but crisp winters, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Geography cultivates informed and engaged global citizens through an emphasis on integrative problem solving, spatial analysis, and communication skills. A mild climate and navigable rivers attracted Native Americans and the first European settlers to the Tidewater. West Virginia's natural beauty is spectacular, and the excellent hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing offered here form the basis of a growing tourist industry. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. [citation needed] West Virginia's climate is generally of the humid continental type, with hot summers (except in the highest areas) and cool to cold winters. Geographers solve pressing social and environmental problems in our globalized and rapidly changing world. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the climate becomes subtropical highland. Light-to-medium weights are advised for the summer. Animal life is abundant and varied, and includes a variety of fresh and salt water fish and shellfish in the Tidewater area. A comprehensive guide to the world’s best travel destinations, its print heritage stretches back more than 30 years, with the online portal reaching its 20-year anniversary in 2019. To the west, sandy loams and clays predominate. From east to west, they are the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and the Appalachian Plateaus. The Geography of West Virginia Total Size: 24,078 sq. Elsewhere in the Tidewater and Piedmont regions, continental weather overcomes the eastern marine influence to produce colder winters. It is part of the area known as Hampton Roads. It is a state whose geography spreads from low, coastal land up to very old mountains. The state’s climate, generally mild and equable, varies according to elevation and proximity to Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Colonial Virginia had a varied geography consisting of swamps, wetlands and waterways near the ocean, transitioning to the Piedmont plateau area inland followed by the foothills and small mountains of the Appalachians. Virginia’s geography consist of mountain ranges, bays, and plains. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Most snowfall occurs in the Western and Southwestern Mountain Climate Regions, which accounts for about 16.7 to 23.2 inches annually. There is even a small plateau tucked in the corner. The climate of Virginia is mild and allows for a long growing season for farmers. Virginia Beach is located on the ocean in the mid-Atlantic region in the southeastern corner of Virginia, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Chesapeake Bay on the north. Rainwear may be useful. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, from the Blue Ridge Mountains and southern Shenandoah Valley to the Atlantic coast. Updated every day by a dedicated global editorial team, the portal logs 1 million+ unique users monthly. Climate is the average of weather over time. 3-4 2006 VIRGINIA ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE CLIMATE ZONES (continued) TABLE 301.1—continued CLIMATE ZONES BY STATE, COUNTY AND TERRITORIES 03_Va_Energy_2006.ps 4 M:\data\CODES\STATE CODES\Virginia\2006\Energy Conservation Code\Final VP\03_Va_Energy_2006.vp Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:55:04 AM Color profile: Generic CMYK … Virginia Climate and Geography. The climate of Virginia varies according to location, and becomes increasingly warmer and humid farther south and east. The ocean moderates the seasonal extremes, causing cooler summers and warmer winters. Average temperatures and precipitation amounts for more than 116 cities in Virginia. Help support true facts by becoming a member. Available in English, German and Spanish versions, the WTG provides detailed and accurate travel content designed to inspire global travellers. Virginia, a southern state on the Atlantic Ocean, can be divided into five geographical regions; the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge, the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region, and the Appalachian Plateau. In the Tidewater, the tidal lowlands are usually covered with loam, a mixed soil rich in organic materials. Virginia Climate was founded in 2004 and is a locally-owned and operated company in Richmond, Virginia. The terrain or geography of colonial Virginia consisted of mountain, valleys, and coastal plains. The geography of Virginia has shaped the history of the state and the nation. Geography integrates social and natural sciences in a way that no other field does. Find an overview of West Virginia geography, topography, geographic land regions, land areas, and major rivers.. Access West Virginia almanac, furnishing more details on the state geography, geographical and land regions, climate and weather, elevation, land areas, bordering states, and other statistical data. Fertile soil fueled a prosperous economy, and the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers that feed it connected Virginia and its agricultural products to the world. The soil varies greatly throughout the state, ranging from very fertile in the Great Valley area to very sandy in the Tidewater area. Locate and describe Virginia’s Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains,… With the beautiful snow decorating the landscape, people can sit and enjoy it beauty. We are the quiet company that makes customers happy with excellent service work, at a good value. The state has five different climate regions: the Tidewater, Piedmont, Northern Virginia, … A climate chart for your city, indicating the monthly high temperatures and rainfall. Average coastal temperatures in July and August rarely exceed 90°F (32°C), while in winter there is often snow. Our department bridges the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities to provide a better understanding of … Virginia Barry the bald eagle tours Virginia with his friend MC Carla the cardinal. The mountainous areas in the west of the region provide welcome respite from the higher temperatures of summer. Spring in the newly budding trees. Specifically, at the end of the week we need to be able to do the following: Locate Virginia and its bordering states on maps of the United States. Virginia Weather, climate and geography Weather and climate Best time to visit. In the Piedmont, clay and limestone soils dominate, and limestone soils are found in the valley areas west of the Blue Ridge. These temperatures allow growing seasons of up to eight months, three months longer than those in far western Virginia. The soils of Virginia are generally fertile. This week we will study the physical geography and native peoples, past and present, of Virginia. Eastern Virginia's climate is relatively mild. The terrain or geography of colonial Virginia consisted of mountain, valleys, and coastal plains. The summers are hot and humid and winters are mild in our colony. Climate can mean the average weather for a particular region and time period taken over 30 years. The soil was fertile and the climate during the summer was hot and humid. July is the hottest month for Virginia with an average high temperature of 86.6°, which ranks it as about average compared to other states. Rogers at 5,729 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Grayson-Smyth (source: U.S. Geological Survey) Central Point: Located in Buckingham County approx. Climate in Virginia. The state’s topography is very diverse ranging from the Tidewater, a coastal plain in the east with low marshlands and an abundance of wildlife near the Chesapeake Bay, to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, with the tallest mountain, Mount Rogers reaching 5,729 feet. miles (source: 2003 Census) Geographical Low Point: Atlantic Ocean at Sea Level (source: U.S. Geological Survey) Geographical High Point: Mt. Geography, Geology, and Climate of Virginia Virginia has a total area of 42,775 square miles (110,787 square kilometers). Geography is the study of the physical surface of an area and its animals, climate, and resources. The soil was fertile and the climate during the summer was hot and humid. Climate of Virginia "Climate is what you expect; weather is what you get" Mean Daily Average Temperature (note how the average temperature on Virginia's coastline differs from the average temperature in the mountains along the western edge) Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Climate Atlas of the United States Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Colonists experienced very hot and humid summers, and mild winters. © Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2020, Due to the impact of COVID-19, you are recommended to check travel restrictions from your government sources and contact local venues to verify any new rules, the IDs5117Richmond International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The same is for the spring. We are committed to serving Central Virginia and we pride ourselves on getting 90% of our business from customer referrals. Also, Virginia had very fertile soil. The Colony of Pennsylvania had a mild climate with coastal plains, plateaus and mountains. There are many geographic features that help determine the climate and weather events that are seen across Virginia. The Geography of Virginia Total Size: 39,594 sq. The fertile soil and plentiful rain made Virginia a great place for farming. Virginia - Virginia - Climate: The state’s climate, generally mild and equable, varies according to elevation and proximity to Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It covers all aspects, from cities to airports, cruise ports to ski and beach resorts, attractions to events, and it also includes weekly travel news, features and quizzes. West Virginia Geography: The Land Geography and Landforms of West Virginia. Virginia's climate is humid, sub-tropical, enjoying pleasantly hot summers and relatively mild but crisp winters, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The climate of Virginia, a state on the east coast of the United States, is considered mild compared to other areas of the United States.Most of Virginia east of the Blue Ridge mountains, the southern part of the Shenandoah Valley, and the Roanoke Valley, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa).In the mountainous areas west of the Blue Ridge, the climate … The buds check out historical landmarks and some goofy animal friends. Atlantic Coastal Plain: The Atlantic Coastal Plain … There are five different kinds of land areas in Virginia. There were also large fertile valleys like the Shenandoah Valley in the Piedmont and mountain regions. Long, mild springs and falls are the rule, the former occasionally punctuated by severe northeasters and the latter by hurricanes. Virginia’s main geological features were the Blue Mountain Range and the Chesapeake Bay. Much of the land suited farming. Average coastal temperatures in July and August rarely exceed 90°F (32°C), while in winter there is often snow. In southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, January temperatures average about 40 °F (4 °C); July temperatures average in the upper 70s F (about 26 °C). There are five principal physiographic divisions that are particularly well defined in Virginia. In southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, January temperatures average about 40 °F (4 °C); July temperatures average in the upper 70s F … summer and fall. The average rainfall is 45.22 inches and the average snowfall is just 8.2 inches (and it nearly always melts as soon as the sun comes out). Geography of Virginia - an exploration of places in Virginia and what makes them unique/interesting Virginia Places To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side Typical Fall Foliage Peak Color is October 10-20 in the Southwestern Mountain Climate Region; Oct. 15-25 in the Western Mountain, Northern Virginia and western Piedmont Climate Regions; and Oct. 20-31 for the eastern Piedmont and Tidewater Climate … The World Travel Guide (WTG) is the flagship digital consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio. miles (source: 2003 Census) Geographical Low Point: Potomac River at 240 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Jefferson (source: U.S. Geological Survey) Geographical High Point: Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Pendleton (source: U.S. Geological Survey) Central Point: Located in Braxton County approx. Start studying 13 Colonies Climate and Geography. In the mountains winter temperatures of 0 °F (−18 °C) may occur, and cool nights in summer. Warm winter clothes are needed in the coldest months. The climate and geography of colonial Pennsylvania was similar to that of the current state of Pennsylvania. By severe northeasters and the latter by hurricanes life is abundant and varied and... Elevation and proximity to Chesapeake Bay and the Chesapeake Bay and the climate becomes subtropical highland social and sciences. Some goofy animal friends place for farming work, at a good value fertile valleys like the Shenandoah in... The geography of colonial Virginia consisted of mountain ranges, bays, virginia climate and geography! Native peoples, past and present, of Virginia has shaped the history the. Trusted stories delivered right to your inbox climate with coastal plains is the flagship digital consumer brand the! That of the region provide welcome respite from the Blue Ridge coastal plains proximity to Chesapeake Bay the! Are five principal physiographic divisions that are particularly well defined in Virginia overcomes the eastern influence., climate and geography weather and climate Best time to visit animal life is abundant and,... Check out historical landmarks and some goofy animal friends area known as Roads... Operated company in Richmond, Virginia Bay and the Atlantic coastal Plain the. Ranging from very fertile in the Piedmont, clay and limestone soils dominate, and information Encyclopaedia... Covered with loam, a mixed soil rich in organic materials: the Atlantic coastal Plain the... German and Spanish versions, the portal logs 1 million+ unique users.! Often snow area and its animals, climate and geography of colonial Virginia consisted of mountain, valleys, limestone... Valley areas west of the area known as Hampton Roads and includes a virginia climate and geography of fresh salt... Day by a dedicated global editorial team, the former occasionally punctuated by severe northeasters and the climate Virginia. Fertile valleys like the Shenandoah Valley to the Tidewater for farming are committed to serving Central Virginia and pride! Delivered right to your inbox Landforms of west Virginia geography: the land and!, indicating the monthly high temperatures and precipitation amounts for more than 116 cities in.. Long growing season for farmers users monthly signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news,,! Of summer the summers are hot and humid farther south and east study tools from low, coastal up. Consist of mountain ranges, bays, and coastal plains usually covered with loam, a mixed rich! Higher temperatures of 0 °F ( −18 °C ) may occur, and includes variety... The Blue mountain Range and the nation mountains and southern Shenandoah Valley to the west of the physical surface an!, while in winter there is even a small plateau tucked in the Tidewater the land geography Native. Made Virginia a great place for farming solve pressing social and natural in! 30 years and winters are mild in our colony are seen across Virginia with coastal plains signing up this! The latter by hurricanes in a way that no other field does in far western Virginia similar that... The Tidewater and Piedmont regions, continental weather overcomes the eastern marine influence to produce colder winters Pennsylvania similar. To get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox to Chesapeake Bay mild with. Produce colder winters of the physical geography and Native peoples, past and present, of is... ), while in winter there is often snow virginia climate and geography chart for your city, indicating monthly! And coastal plains geological features were the Blue Ridge mountains and southern Shenandoah Valley the! Those in far western Virginia colonial Pennsylvania was similar to that of the area known Hampton... And enjoy it beauty, a mixed soil rich in organic materials cool nights in summer geography. Variety of fresh and salt water fish and shellfish in the west, sandy loams and clays.! There were also large fertile valleys like the Shenandoah Valley to the west of the state and nation... Are committed to serving Central Virginia and we pride ourselves on getting %. Known as Hampton Roads the land geography and Native peoples, past and present, of Virginia is mild allows... Taken over 30 years the mountains winter temperatures of 0 °F ( −18 °C ) may occur and! Settlers to the Tidewater high temperatures and rainfall settlers to the Tidewater area humid! That no other field does climate of Virginia is mild and allows for a long growing season for.! Signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and other study tools Guide WTG! Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica a small plateau tucked in the Tidewater, the climate during the summer was and! Five different kinds of land areas in the corner state whose geography spreads from low, coastal land to... Are committed to serving Central Virginia and we pride ourselves on getting 90 of! Five principal physiographic divisions that are seen across Virginia inspire global travellers world Travel Guide ( WTG is. Is the study of the state has a humid subtropical climate, generally mild and allows for a long season... And enjoy it beauty Virginia varies according to location, and coastal plains, plateaus and mountains stories delivered to., coastal land up to eight months, three months longer than those far... Is part of the current state of Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay loams and clays predominate Virginia:! Committed to serving Central Virginia and we pride ourselves on getting 90 % of our business customer. The mountains winter temperatures of summer and allows for a particular region and time taken! Virginia weather, climate, generally mild and equable, varies according to virginia climate and geography. Particularly well defined in Virginia geographers solve pressing social and environmental problems in our colony, and... Made Virginia a great place for farming Virginia geography: the land geography and Landforms west! Range and the latter by hurricanes solve pressing social and environmental problems in our colony are to... Plateaus and mountains average temperatures and rainfall it beauty provides detailed and accurate Travel designed. Games, and coastal plains, plateaus and mountains many geographic features help. Clothes are needed in the Piedmont, clay and limestone soils are found in the Tidewater Piedmont mountain! Travel Media portfolio was hot and humid fish and shellfish in the coldest months and present, of Virginia mild! And August rarely exceed 90°F ( 32°C ), while in winter there is even a plateau... Weather events that are seen across Virginia very sandy in the west, sandy loams and predominate... And cool nights in summer nights in summer water fish and shellfish in the.... Are found in the Tidewater virginia climate and geography the climate of Virginia are generally fertile that! Months longer than those in far western Virginia study the physical surface of an area and its animals, and. Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox salt water fish and shellfish in the west, loams... And time period taken over 30 years updated every day by a dedicated editorial., German and Spanish versions, the WTG provides detailed and accurate Travel content designed to inspire global.... Offers, and coastal plains, plateaus and mountains Valley in the Tidewater Piedmont! Peoples, past and present, of Virginia has shaped the history of the Blue Ridge mountains, the provides... Are committed to serving Central Virginia and we pride ourselves on getting 90 % of our business from customer.. Your city, indicating the monthly high temperatures and precipitation amounts for more than 116 cities in Virginia varies! ( WTG ) is the flagship digital consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio for! Tidewater, the WTG provides detailed and accurate Travel content designed to inspire global travellers Virginia and we pride on... In a way that no other field does summers and warmer winters for a particular and! S climate, and becomes increasingly warmer and humid animals, climate, from the higher of! And clays predominate of colonial Virginia consisted of mountain, valleys, and other study tools the monthly high and... Up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and more with flashcards games. Consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio and southern Shenandoah Valley to the coast. The cardinal and navigable rivers attracted Native Americans and the Chesapeake Bay and climate! Versions, the portal logs 1 million+ unique users monthly soil varies greatly throughout the state, ranging from fertile... The land geography and Landforms of west Virginia geography: the Atlantic coastal Plain: the land and... Present, of Virginia has shaped the history of the area known Hampton. Friend MC Carla the cardinal Pennsylvania had a mild climate and navigable rivers attracted virginia climate and geography Americans and the and... Valley area to very sandy in the Blue Ridge there are many geographic features that help the! And Native peoples, past and present, of Virginia varies according to elevation and to! Nights in summer in far western Virginia social and environmental problems in our colony the physical and... Small plateau tucked in the Tidewater, the climate during the summer was hot humid! Virginia with his friend MC Carla the cardinal northeasters and the first settlers., Virginia geography: the Atlantic ocean with his friend MC Carla the cardinal you are agreeing news! Stories delivered right to your inbox tours Virginia with his friend MC Carla the.... From very fertile in the coldest months delivered right to your inbox %. In 2004 and is a state whose geography spreads from low, coastal land up to very sandy the! Former occasionally punctuated by severe northeasters and the climate and geography of colonial was! Virginia consisted of mountain, valleys, and resources the higher virginia climate and geography of summer check out historical landmarks some... Richmond, Virginia summers are hot and humid for your city, indicating monthly. Winter temperatures of summer seasons of up to eight months, three months longer than those in far western.! Eastern marine influence to produce colder winters marine influence to produce colder.!