Overview
Fairfax
County
County
Loudoun
County
County
Prince William
County
County
Stafford
County
County
Getting
Here
Here
Getting
Around
Around
Climate
Overview
Just minutes from Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia’s combination of sports tourism assets is first-class, hitting every item on a sports planner’s wish list:- Premier, tournament-capable sports facilities, including George Mason University, Ion International Training Center, Pfitzner Stadium Complex, Jeff Rouse Swim & Sports Center, and many other indoor and outdoor venues.
- Hundreds of full- and select-service hotels representing multiple brands, conveniently located near sports facilities.
- World-class attractions and fun things to do in Northern Virginia, along with close proximity to D.C.’s monuments, museums, and memorials.
- Some of the best shopping centers in the U.S. and one of the largest concentrations of retail on the East Coast outside of New York City.
- A multitude of dining options, from fast-food to fine-dining, with many restaurants offering group rates and private rooms for team dinners.
- Award-winning wineries and breweries so event attendees can wet their whistles after a fun day of competition.
- Accessible Mid-Atlantic location with major airports (Dulles International, Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington International), Amtrak access, proximity to several interstate highways, and an easy-to-use public transportation system.
George Washington at Mount Vernon
Great Falls Park
Wolf Trap
Love Sign Purceville
Shoppers at Leesburg Premium Outlets
Whitewater rafting
2 Silos
Outside Deck at Tim's Rivershore
Kayaking in Occoquan
6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Tour
George Washington's Ferry Farm
Crow’s Nest Kayaking Trail
Martin Luther King Memorial
Iwo Jima Memorial
Arlington Cemetery
Fairfax County
HOTELS
- From world-class luxury hotels and select-service properties to college dormitories and outdoor campsites, Fairfax offers a variety of accommodation options that will meet and exceed the expectations of guests participating in large-scale sports events.
- More than 100 hotels representing multiple brands are conveniently located near athletic facilities as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment venues throughout the county. Many properties are pet-friendly and offer complimentary shuttles to nearby airports and Metrorail stations.
- George Mason University’s dormitories are ideal for guests seeking low-cost housing choices at this hub for multiple sports events. And for visitors seeking even more economical accommodations, Fairfax has hundreds of campsites at county and regional parks, many complete with sinks, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
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ATTRACTIONS
- Home to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Great Falls National Park, and many other national treasures, Fairfax County invites you to explore the attractions that allow you to “Connect With America” during your visit to Northern Virginia.
- Also, be sure to leave ample time for shopping! Fairfax County offers some of the best shopping on the East Coast – with over 450 stores and restaurants in the Tysons Corner shopping area alone and boutique and one-of-a-kind shops found throughout our other historic towns.
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OUTDOORS
- Fairfax County is home to almost 400 different parks and 30,000 acres of green space, so if you enjoy Mother Nature, then you’re looking in the right place!
- There are seemingly endless things to do in the great outdoors in Fairfax County. Rent a canoe or kayak at one of several waterfront parks. Hike, bike, or horseback ride on our nature trails. Or just sit back and witness the mighty power of the Great Falls rapids. Some of our more popular outdoor sites include Great Falls Park, Mason Neck State Park, Burke Lake Park, and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. National, regional, state, and local parks can all be found here, so whatever you want to do to connect with nature, you’ll find it here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
- Fairfax County is home to an exceptional collection of venues showcasing music, the arts, and cultural attractions.
- From the incredibly unique prison-turned-artists’ studio Workhouse Arts Center to the country’s only National Park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap – our venues offer unique ways to showcase the talent of an amazing array of artists and performers.
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FOOD & DRINK
- There are two kinds of dining experiences Fairfax County loves to recommend: the legendary spots everyone knows and wants to try, and the unexpected gems you may need a local to help you find.
- We suggest a weekend stay to fit them all in for a foodie foray you (and your impeccable palate) will never forget! Fairfax County is also home to nearly a dozen craft breweries, two historically significant wineries, and George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill – which produces limited edition whiskey based on Washington’s original recipe from the 18th century.
- So make a date for a tour of our county and be prepared to find your new favorite food, wine, beer, or whiskey!
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HISTORY
- Revolution. Government. Innovation. Civil War. Fairfax County played a unique and powerful role in some of the most defining moments in U.S. history.
- For an authentic look into that past, look no further than our historic sites and museums as we open up a living history book for you to browse while walking in the footsteps of American legends. We’re home to two Founding Fathers’ estates – George Washington’s Mount Vernon and George Mason’s Gunston Hall.
- We also showcase the history of flight at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, where you can walk amongst hundreds of iconic aircraft and spacecraft including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the SR-71 Blackbird, the Enola Gay, an Air France Concorde, and more.
- We’re not just the stewards of America’s story. We’re where much of it was written, so plan your visit today for a first-hand master class in the scenarios and events behind the creation of our nation!
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Loudoun County
HOTELS
- From luxury resorts and country inns to some of the nation’s leading hotel brands, Loudoun County offers a variety of accommodation options. Loudoun is home to more than 35 hotels and 5,800 rooms, some of which are just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport while others are outside historic towns like Leesburg, which is filled with boutiques and locally owned restaurants.
- Slated to open this summer, Tru by Hilton will bring a modern hotel option to the swanky lifestyle precinct of One Loudoun in Ashburn. For an all-encompassing experience, stay at Lansdowne Resort & Spa or the Forbes 5-Star Rated Salamander Resort & Spa and enjoy amenities like golfing, ziplining, equestrian encounters, spa treatments, and more.
- To see the idyllic rolling countryside and farms that define western Loudoun, book a stay at one of 40-plus bed and breakfasts and wake up to vineyard views and sublime homemade fare. Whatever your taste, whatever your speed, find your perfect stay in Loudoun.
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ATTRACTIONS
- From the bike trail to the ale trail, to scenic vineyard views and historic small towns, discover how Loudoun is a must-visit destination for lovers of artisanal, epicurean, and culturally rich experiences. Located in Northern Virginia just 25 miles outside Washington D.C., Loudoun County is rich in attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer and wine aficionados, and history buffs alike.
- Loudoun shopping opportunities offer something for every taste. Discover unique gifts at locally owned boutiques in historic towns and villages. Secure a special souvenir in a restored carriage house gift shop and find forgotten treasures tucked away in antique emporiums. Or browse world-famous labels at Leesburg Premium Outlets and Dulles Town Center and bring home the American brands you know and love.
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OUTDOORS
- Loudoun is a perfect place to enjoy Mother Nature’s natural wonders with outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed by land, by air or by water.
- Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail or enjoy a bike ride down the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the countryside as you tackle the aerial adventure course at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center or zipline through the treetops with Empower Adventures.
- Water lovers can whitewater raft down the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers or relax with friends while tubing.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Art lovers will enjoy the boutique studios scattered throughout Loudoun’s towns and villages. The Loudoun County Artisan Trail brings marketing and tourism connections to arts, agriculture, and cultural spots throughout Loudoun County. The Trail includes more than 150 sites spread across the county.
- Enjoy a show by Stagecoach Theatre Company, a traveling theatre troupe specializing in murder mysteries and dinner theater or visit the National Sporting Library & Museum, sharing the literature, art and culture of equestrian, angling and field sports.
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FOOD AND DRINK
- Ignite your culinary senses in Loudoun, which prides itself on farm-to-table cuisine and unique dining experiences. For a distinctive Loudoun experience, visit one of our many restaurants featuring locally grown produce and Loudoun craft beverages.
- Known as DC’s Wine Country®, Loudoun is home to more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms. Intimate and boutique in design, our wineries offer tastings and tours.
- The craft beer scene is exploding in Loudoun, with more than 30 breweries offering everything from classic hand-crafted beers to experimental small batches.
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HISTORY
- Come to Loudoun and experience the same historic vistas as President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jackie Kennedy and George C. Marshall, who created The Marshall Plan. Explore Civil War battlefields, breeding grounds of Kentucky Derby winners and old-fashioned country stores.
- Discover centuries-old charming towns, including the circa 1758 Leesburg and Middleburg, the capital of Virginia horse country.
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Prince William County
HOTELS
- Located near top visited attractions such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps (Quantico), Potomac Mills, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Cabela’s and more, Prince William, Virginia offers a wide variety of affordable lodging options to choose from with close to 50 hotels with nearly 5,000 rooms.
- Looking for a historic inn, affordable hotel, pet-friendly, extended stay property, RV site or campground or need to set up a room block? The Sports Tourism team is here to help!
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ATTRACTIONS
- Prince William, Virginia is renowned for its historic American Battlefields, vibrant shopping destinations such as Potomac Mills, IKEA, Manassas Mall, and Cabela’s, its rocking outdoor music concert venues such as Farm Brew Live and Jiffy Lube Live, and the largest collection of outdoor hiking and recreation space in all of Northern Virginia.
- From charming historic American towns to the iconic National Museum of the Marine Corps – Prince William, Virginia is ideal for finding things to do when visiting Northern Virginia.
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OUTDOORS
- Prince William, Virginia boasts the largest collection of outdoor hiking, recreation, and outdoor adventure hot spots in all of Northern Virginia.
- From the many historic trails within Manassas National Battlefield Park to the hike up the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy near I-66 to the many sites within Prince William Forest Park and Leesylvania State Park near I-95 – outdoor explorers won’t miss out on taking a deep breath of fresh air.
- For water & other outdoor activities, choose from fishing or stand-up paddle boarding along the Potomac, or enjoy your first Goat Yoga experience in Prince William, Virginia.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Prince William, Virginia features a ‘who’s who’ when it comes to music, arts, & culture.
- Home to the stunning Hylton Performing Arts Center that features worldly performing acts, the many art clusters full of creative art boutiques and galleries, and rocking live music sites such as Farm Brew Live and Jiffy Lube Live, which is home to major national and regional music acts in state- of-the-art music venues.
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FOOD AND DRINK
- From crabs to local seafood, to BBQ to crafty cocktails and brew, Prince William, Virginia continues to showcase local and American tastes that visitors keep returning to enjoy.
- The local dining and drinks scene features eclectic seafood and crab houses like Tim’s Rivershore, Blue Ridge Seafood and Out of the Blue, several smoking BBQ restaurants, and a thriving craft brewery, winery, and distillery collection that is sure to please any appetite.
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HISTORY
- When it comes to history in Northern Virginia, no one destination has more history to showcase than Prince William, Virginia. Prince William was the site of the Battles of Bull Run/Manassas, two of the most known battles of the American Civil War.
- From the stunning sights and history of the National Museum of the Marine Corps to exploring where today’s CIA got its start within Prince William Forest Park, history enthusiasts find something to learn in Prince William, Virginia.
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Stafford County
HOTELS
- Looking for an affordable place to stay in Washington, D.C.’s backyard? The Stafford region has more than 5,000 hotel rooms to choose from. You can find accommodations like bed and breakfasts, extended stays, luxury hotels, or familiar name brand properties.
- Stay near Washington, D.C. without paying the high costs of the city. The Stafford region is home to historical towns, chef-drive restaurants, battlefields, and the great outdoors, all to make a great escape after your sporting event.
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ATTRACTIONS
- The roots of American history course through Stafford, Virginia. In 1608, Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac River from Jamestown. He encountered Powhatan Princess Pocahontas on our shores.
- George Washington grew to manhood on his family farm in Southern Stafford. Thousands of Union soldiers camped here, and thousands more African Americans self-emancipated through Aquia Landing in the Spring of 1862.
- Today, Stafford is within driving distance of Washington, D.C., and the capital’s influence has rubbed off on our attractions, recreation, and dining experiences. We’re not only about history. Our growing collection of breweries, wineries, and restaurants provides a great entertainment experience. Our outdoor resources include Virginia’s newest state park and lots of opportunities to get out on the trail and on the water. And our arts community is always creating new things. Visit Stafford, Virginia and find what you’re looking for.
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OUTDOORS
- You’ll find no shortage of ways to spend your free time when experiencing the great outdoors of Stafford County.
- You can hike at Widewater State Park, Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, and the Stafford Civil War Park; play a round of disc golf or golf at our various courses; and explore many waterways.
- Fishing in Stafford has caught national attention of anglers on the national scene with our large pool of snakeheads, bass, and catfish. You can also explore our kayak trail or get lost in history on Government Island, where Aquia Sandstone was quarried to make the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and other historic buildings in Washington, D.C.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Head over to the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a Broadway-quality dinner theater and performing arts center, for a dazzling show, or visit Gari Melchers Home and Studio, one of just 30 of America’s most significant artists’ spaces included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios consortium.
- The Stafford region is home to vibrant galleries, antiques, and exhibits for art enthusiasts.
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FOOD AND DRINK
- Stafford’s growing collection of award-winning breweries and wineries provide a great entertainment experience for everyone. Perks of these venues include pet friendliness, on-site restaurants and food trucks, and a new disc golf course.
- Looking for an experience? Grab an exclusive mobile passport and hop on the Stafford Kegs and Corks Trail! Stafford County also has its very own local savings passport, complete with an impressive collection of discounts and offers from local restaurants across the county.
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HISTORY
- Stafford has been on the front lines of history. George Washington grew up in Stafford on the banks of the Rappahannock. Stone for many of the buildings in Washington, D.C. were quarried in Stafford. Civil War soldiers walked the county on their way to war.
- The roots of history run deep through Stafford, Virginia. We’ve raised leaders, featured artists, and honored those heroes among us.
- We’ve learned from the battles fought, and we look to the future with hope. We take the time to focus on what makes us exceptional, while constantly remembering where we came from. Uncover the hidden gems of Stafford’s rich history.
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Getting Here
Just minutes from Washington, D.C. in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., Northern Virginia is within a day’s drive of 50% of the U.S. population, and within a 10-hour drive of the following cities:
- Atlanta
- 590 miles (8:50 hrs.)
- Baltimore
- 45 miles (50 min.)
- Boston
- 445 miles (7:05 hrs.)
- Burlington
- 518 miles (8:30 hrs.)
- Charleston (WV)
- 259 miles (5:00 hrs.)
- Charlotte
- 350 miles (5:00 hrs.)
- Chicago
- 660 miles (9:58 hrs.)
- Cincinnati
- 455 miles (7:40 hrs.)
- Cleveland
- 335 miles (5:10 hrs.)
- Columbia
- 430 miles (6:10 hrs.)
- Columbus
- 365 miles (5:55 hrs.)
- Detroit
- 480 miles (7:15 hrs.)
- Dover
- 105 miles (1:50 hrs.)
- Greensboro
- 262 miles (3:52 hrs.)
- Hartford
- 345 miles (5:25 hrs.)
- Indianapolis
- 535 miles (8:35 hrs.)
- Jacksonville
- 658 miles (9:12 hrs.)
- Louisville
- 540 miles (8:35 hrs.)
- Manchester
- 479 miles (7:35 hrs.)
- Montreal
- 589 miles (9:10 hrs.)
- Nashville
- 625 miles (9:15 hrs.)
- New York City
- 235 miles (3:45 hrs.)
- Philadelphia
- 145 miles (2:20 hrs.)
- Pittsburgh
- 210 miles (3:15 hrs.)
- Portland
- 545 miles (8:25 hrs.)
- Providence
- 411 miles (6:25 hrs.)
- Raleigh
- 231 miles (3:25 hrs.)
- Toronto
- 435 miles (8:00 hrs.)
- Virginia Beach
- 161 miles (2:30 hrs.)
- Washington, DC
- <5 miles (<10 min.)
Northern Virginia is very easy to get to…by planes, trains, and automobiles:
PLANES
- Northern Virginia offers the convenience of two major airports – Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) – offering more than 200 non-stop domestic and international flights combined.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI), offering more than 60 non-stop domestic and international flights, is about 45 miles away.
- With three great airport choices, you can compare flights for both ease of access and affordability.
TRAINS
- Amtrak offers passenger rail service between nearby Union Station in Washington, D.C., and major eastern cities. The AutoTrain is available from Lorton, VA, down the coast to Sanford, FL.
- You can also take Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line from parts of Southern Virginia (such as Lynchburg or Norfolk) straight to Burke Centre in Burke, VA. Additionally, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offers rail service from Manassas, VA to and from Union Station in Washington, D.C., with five other stops in Northern Virginia.
AUTOMOBILES
- Visitors who choose to drive to Northern Virginia and the National Capital region can use four major interstate highways (I-66, I-95, I-395, and I-495), the main transportation arteries by which many people arrive.
Getting Around
Northern Virginia maintains a robust transportation system engineered to handle large crowds. There are lots of convenient, reliable, and cost-effective options available to get around, another reason why the D.C. area is such a popular destination for state, regional, national, and international sports events.
PERSONAL & RENTAL CARS
- Personal vehicles are the easiest way to navigate the region. Interstates 95, 66, 395, and 495 are the main transportation arteries to get people to and from SportsNOVA partner destinations.
- Interstate 495 – commonly referred to as “The Beltway” – wraps around Washington, D.C. and runs through Northern Virginia and Maryland. To help make trips faster and more predictable during rush hours, the new 495 Express Lanes can be used, which are tolled and operate alongside regular lanes on the Virginia side of I-495.
- All major car rental companies are represented at Dulles International, Reagan National, and BWI airports, providing visitors with convenient transportation to host hotels, competition and social venues, and to explore the many amazing tourism sites in our area.
- Another wonderful perk of traveling in Northern Virginia is the abundance of parking, which in most cases is available at no charge.
UBER/LYFT & TAXI
- Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have a strong presence in the D.C. metro area. For those who prefer the traditional route of hailing a cab or reserving one in advance, several taxi companies (e.g., Yellow Cab, Northern Virginia Checker Cab) operate in our region to transport guests quickly and dependably.
METRORAIL & METROBUS
- The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which offers regional transit service in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, operates Metrorail (our area’s “Subway/Metro” that also travels above ground). Metro is not just a convenient way to access many of the region’s most memorable attractions, it’s part of the vacation experience itself! There are 10 stations in Fairfax County, many offering daily parking facilities and bicycle racks. In 2022, additional stops will be added in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, as well as at Dulles Airport.
- Also operated by WMATA, Metrobus offers bus routes in many parts of Fairfax County, with service available at Metro stations. Providing more than 400,000 trips each weekday throughout the D.C. area, Metrobus is the sixth busiest bus agency in the United States, with a fleet of more than 1,500 buses operating on 325 routes.
BUS SERVICE
- Each SportsNOVA partner destination offers a local bus system for cost-effective transportation (Fairfax: Fairfax Connector; Loudoun: Loudoun County Transit; Prince William: OmniRide; Stafford: FRED). Our local transit buses connect passengers to a variety of sites throughout Northern Virginia, including many Metro and Metrobus stations.
RAIL SERVICE
- Amtrak runs passenger rail service from Fairfax County to Union Station in Washington, D.C.
- Additionally, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offers local rail service in Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford Counties, with two stops in D.C. (Union and L’Enfant Stations).
AIRPORT & HOTEL SHUTTLES
- In addition to car rental, rideshare, and taxi services, the D.C. area’s three major airports offer shuttles and other modes of ground transportation to points throughout Northern Virginia.
- To transport guests to local restaurants and attractions, many of the region’s hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to these venues as well as to nearby airports.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICE VENDORS
- If there’s ever a need to shuttle small or large groups of people throughout the D.C. area during your event, we’ll gladly help to secure sedans, SUVs, limousines, vans, minibuses, or motorcoaches through one of the many transportation service vendors operating in our area.
WALKING & BIKING
- Washington, D.C. is a very walkable city. By foot, it’s easy to get from monuments to museums to memorials. Northern Virginia is pedestrian-friendly as well. Lifestyle centers abound, where you can walk to restaurants, retail shops, movie theaters, as well as town squares to enjoy a live concert or game of cornhole. Our county, state, regional, and national parks are ideal venues for a nice hike.
- Northern Virginia’s amazing bike trails include a diverse selection of easy to challenging rides with paved, off-road, and mountain biking options. From short, slow rides with the kids to heart-pumping, single-track pistes for avid mountain-biking enthusiasts, there’s something for every level of cyclist. Bike rentals are available through the Capital Bikeshare system.
Climate
Northern Virginia’s indoor sports facilities allow for year-round play. But even during our coldest season, many of our outdoor facilities – such as sites with synthetic turf fields – allow for competition well into the winter months. See the chart below for average monthly temperatures and precipitation in our region.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Temp. (°F) | 32.0 | 34.9 | 43.9 | 53.4 | 63.1 | 71.6 | 75.7 | 74.3 | 67.5 | 56.1 | 46.0 | 36.1 |
| Max. Temp. (°F) | 41.4 | 45.0 | 55.0 | 65.7 | 75.0 | 83.1 | 86.7 | 85.3 | 78.8 | 68.2 | 56.8 | 45.5 |
| Min. Temp. (°F) | 22.6 | 25.0 | 32.7 | 41.4 | 51.3 | 60.1 | 64.9 | 63.5 | 56.3 | 44.1 | 35.4 | 27.0 |
| Precipitation (inches) | 2.80 | 2.72 | 3.31 | 3.11 | 3.82 | 3.54 | 3.58 | 3.94 | 3.54 | 3.11 | 3.31 | 3.07 |
| Avg. Temp. (°F) | Max. Temp. (°F) | Min. Temp. (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32.0 | 41.4 | 22.6 | 2.80 |
| February | 34.9 | 45.0 | 25.0 | 2.72 |
| March | 43.9 | 55.0 | 32.7 | 3.31 |
| April | 53.4 | 65.7 | 41.4 | 3.11 |
| May | 63.1 | 75.0 | 51.3 | 3.82 |
| June | 71.6 | 83.1 | 60.1 | 3.54 |
| July | 75.7 | 86.7 | 64.9 | 3.58 |
| August | 74.3 | 85.3 | 63.5 | 3.94 |
| September | 67.5 | 78.8 | 56.3 | 3.54 |
| October | 56.1 | 68.2 | 44.1 | 3.11 |
| November | 46.0 | 56.8 | 35.4 | 3.31 |
| December | 36.1 | 45.5 | 27.0 | 3.07 |
