Honestly, if you're checking the weather for Tappahannock VA, you’re probably either planning a fishing trip on the Rappahannock or just trying to figure out if you need a heavy coat for a walk down Prince Street. Tappahannock isn’t your typical Virginia town. It’s right on the water, and that river does weird things to the local climate that the big weather apps sometimes miss.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, it’s classic river winter. Today, Friday, January 16, we’re looking at a high of 39°F and a low that’ll dip down to a crisp 23°F. It’s sunny, which is a nice break, but don't let the blue skies fool you. With the wind coming off the southwest at about 10 mph, it feels more like 30°F out there.
Why the Rappahannock River Changes Everything
Most people think "Virginia weather" is one big uniform block. Nope. Tappahannock is basically a porch for the Rappahannock River. Because it's the longest free-flowing river in the Eastern U.S., it creates a microclimate. In the summer, that water can make the humidity feel like a wet wool blanket. In the winter? It keeps things just a tiny bit more temperamental.
Take this coming Sunday, January 18. The forecast is calling for a mix of rain and snow with a high of 37°F. Inland, that might just be a dusting. Here, with the moisture coming off the tidal flats, it can turn into that heavy, slushy mess that makes driving over the Downing Bridge a total nightmare.
The Seasonal Breakdown: What to Actually Expect
If you're visiting later in the year, here's the "no-BS" version of the local cycle:
- Spring (March–May): This is the windiest time. March averages about 14 mph winds. It’s the season of "I need a jacket... wait, no I don't."
- Summer (June–August): It gets sticky. July is the hottest, regularly hitting 89°F or 90°F. If you’re at the June Parker Marina, you'll feel every bit of that 69% humidity.
- Fall (September–November): Genuinely the best time. October is the clearest month, with clear skies about 63% of the time. It’s perfect for the Tappahannock Farmers’ Market.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and breezy. January is the coldest, with average lows of 29°F. We don't get massive blizzards often, but we get plenty of gray, "overcast 51% of the time" days.
Understanding the Flood Risk
You can't talk about weather for Tappahannock VA without talking about the water level. The NOAA gauge at Tappahannock is the thing to watch. When the river hits 3 feet (Mean Lower Low Water), we start seeing minor flooding at the June Parker Marina.
If the weather turns nasty and the river hits 4 feet, homes on River Place and Fort Lowry Lane start getting surrounded by water. It’s not just about rain; it’s about the wind pushing the tide up the river. If you see a heavy northeast wind combined with a storm, that’s when the locals start moving their trucks to higher ground.
Packing for Tappahannock
If you're coming this weekend, pack layers. Tomorrow, Saturday, the temp jumps up to 46°F but it’ll be cloudy with a 20% chance of rain. Monday drops back down to a low of 21°F.
Basically, the weather here is a bit of a mood ring. It changes based on the river’s attitude.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the tide charts alongside the temperature if you plan on being near the shore. For those driving in, keep an eye on Sunday’s rain-snow mix—the Downing Bridge is notoriously slippery when the river mist freezes on the metal expansion joints. Stick to the inland routes if the slush starts piling up.