What is the Weather like during the Month of July in Hampton Roads?

July is the warmest month of the year and believe it or not, it is on average, the wettest month of the year. Although the summer solstice has passed and the days begin to get shorter in July, the daylight hours are very long and the intensity of the sunlight remains very high throughout the month. Humidity levels are normally moderate to high which leads to those hot and steamy days. On occasion, cooler and less humid air masses make it to Hampton Roads bringing relief from the heat and humidity, but these “polar invasions” are a rarity. Thunderstorms are very common in July due to the heat and humidity, mostly occurring during the late afternoon and evening. This is why July is the wettest month of the year on average. Thunderstorms can dump a lot of rain in a short period of time. As the water temperature warms, sea breezes become less effective in bringing relief. Also, since the water temperature is nearing its warmest point, a breeze off of the water can bring in more humidity. Tropical cyclone season in the Atlantic is slowly on the increase during this month, but most days are quiet with just a few exceptions. In the past, Hampton Roads has been affected by tropical cyclones during July, but most are just heavy rain makers. August is when things ramp up quickly and the potential threat from the tropics builds. July is probably the best month to spend your beach vacation in Virginia Beach since the weather is normally warm enough for swimming and the water temperature is normally warm enough for most of us to enjoy the surf.