Are you thinking about visiting Richmond, Virginia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Richmond worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to two days because of the many great activities. Richmond is the capital city of the state of Virginia. It's one of the country's oldest major cities and it is filled with history and culture. The are historical buildings, museums, and many parks that are fun to explore. It also has a growing food scene and fun nightlife. We first visited Richmond in as young kids and returned many times through the years. During our time here, we fell in love with its historical charm and friendly people.
Richmond, Virginia
Reasons to Visit Richmond
Museums
The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.
Food
The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.
Nightlife
You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.
Shopping
You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.
Authenticity
Richmond has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Richmond worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Richmond, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The weather in Richmond is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (89°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Richmond
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (78°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| September | 21°C (71°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Richmond worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Richmond. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks.
Autumn Weather in Richmond
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 5°C (41°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Richmond worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Richmond can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Richmond is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities.
Winter Weather in Richmond
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) |
| February | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| March | 9°C (49°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Is Richmond worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Richmond. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Richmond
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (58°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 98 mm (3.8 in) |
| June | 24°C (74°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Richmond
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Richmond might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Richmond here or see if Richmond is expensive here.
Related
What is Richmond most famous for?
Richmond is most famous for its cultural and historical sights. The city is very popular for its museums. Also, it's known for food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as historical, growing, and friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Richmond?
The most popular sight in Richmond is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Richmond on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and other attractions here.
How touristy is Richmond? Is it a popular city to visit?
Richmond is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Scott's Addition Booze & Bites Tour: $90
- Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
- Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
- Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
- Richmond's Street Art Segway Tour: $76
- Scavenger Hunt Experience in Church Hill: $36
- Richmond Landmark Segway Tour: $55
- Signature Shockoe, Canal 2-Hour Walking Tour: $38
How long should I spend in Richmond?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Richmond is one to two days. Since Richmond has activities such as museums, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Richmond? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Richmond?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.