Shenandoah National Park Weather

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to many things, among which is Shenandoah National Park. In this region, the climate is temperate with four distinct seasons. Virginia's average temperature varies from 36 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months, to mid-'50s in spring and fall, to mid-'70s in summer. Virginia's average annual total precipitation is 44 inches. Snowfall in this area is moderate with about 9 to 27 inches annually.

This temperate climate (meaning a balance of hot and cold, wet and dry weather) makes Shenandoah National Park weather fairly predictable and vacation planning easy, depending on what you want to do and see when you visit this beautiful national park.   There is always something outstanding to see here, no matter what the season.

Shenandoah in the spring is a virtual world awaking! The floral and fauna are just beginning to wake up and stretch out of the winter sleep. This is a wonderful time to take a drive along Skyline Drive, the 105-mile road through the park. You’ll pass through tunnels of trees, past wildflowers and ferns, and (in late spring) by banks of mountain laurel in bloom. There are 75 overlooks offering a place to stop and absorb the view and peace. The average High temp in April is 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer at Shenandoah is filled with lots of water activities to keep you and the little ones cool! The average high in July is 85. Doesn’t sound that bad! But you have to remember that this part of the country has high humidity so plan on dressing in loose, comfortable clothing. Characterized by large open meadows, dense forests, unique rock outcroppings, and spectacular waterfalls, visitors will enjoy an array of outdoors activity, punctuated by many trips to the lakes and rivers of the park.

Fall is the most popular time for visitors to Shenandoah. This is because of the spectacular fall foliage that is witnessed each year on the slopes and valleys of the park and surrounding area. Each year is different, and the color change can come slowly or quickly. Yellows, golds, and oranges of Poplars, Hickories, Birches, and Striped Maples provide a beautiful backdrop to the occasional red leaves of the Sugar and Red Maple trees.

Be sure to bring your camera because you’re going to fill up an album with just Shenandoah fall foliage shots! The weather in the fall is cooling down and you’ll certainly want to go to the higher elevations for colors particularly if you’re visiting early in the season. Be sure to dress warmly in long pants and a long sleeved shirt and bring along a jacket!

Enjoy each season at Shenandoah!