Are you thinking about visiting Roanoke, Virginia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Roanoke worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this town for one to three days because of the many great activities. Roanoke is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers access to hiking trails, museums, and parkland. It's also one of the largest cities in western Virginia and has a diverse selection of restaurants and activities.
Roanoke, Virginia
Reasons to Visit Roanoke
Hiking
The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.
Museums
There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.
Nightlife
There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.
Shopping
Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.
Authenticity
Roanoke has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Roanoke worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Roanoke, 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 Roanoke is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (79°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.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to take a hike, browse through museums, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Roanoke
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| August | 26°C (78°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Roanoke worth visiting in the Autumn?
The high season for travel in Roanoke is the autumn, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Roanoke
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (60°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| November | 11°C (51°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| December | 5°C (42°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Roanoke worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Roanoke can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Roanoke 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 browse the museums and dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Roanoke
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (38°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| February | 5°C (41°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| March | 10°C (50°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Roanoke worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Roanoke. Even though Roanoke is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Roanoke
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| June | 24°C (75°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Roanoke
Food: Roanoke doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.
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, Roanoke might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Roanoke here or see if Roanoke is expensive here.
Related
What is Roanoke most famous for?
Roanoke is most famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. Also, it's known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic.
What is the most famous sight in Roanoke?
The most popular sight in Roanoke is the Roanoke Star. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Roanoke on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Roanoke Star and other attractions here.
How touristy is Roanoke? Is it a popular town to visit?
Roanoke is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
- Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $78
- Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139
- Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Roanoke to Afton) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Roanoke Holiday Season E-Bike Tour: $92
- Blue Ridge Parkway – Driving Audio Tour (Roanoke ↔ Afton): $12
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
How long should I spend in Roanoke?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Roanoke is one to three days. Since Roanoke has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to three 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 Roanoke? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Roanoke?.
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