When to Visit Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg offers pleasant weather, lots of fun and fascinating events, and small crowds of visitors travelling back in time to Virginia‘s capital during the American Revolution.

Unfortunately, it rarely features all these things at the same time.

So when is the best time to visit?  The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking.  Fall colors?  Fewer crowds?  Festive celebrations?  Each time of year brings its own stellar charms and special considerations.

The purpose of this post is to help you determine the best time for you to mark your calendar for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.  I’ve divided the year into five seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Christmas:

Winter

During mid-January to mid-March, Colonial Williamsburg has a quiet charm.  This is when the crowds are smallest.

There are daily events, from walking tours to chats with George Washington, but they’re much fewer than at other times of the year.  Evening programs like “Cry Witch” tend to occur only on the weekends.

Carriage rides are weather-dependent.  The Liberty Ice Pavilion skating rink is open on Duke of Gloucester Street, between the Historic Area and the modern Merchants Square.

Winter is a good time take advantage of the smaller crowds and reduced  programming to visit with the tradesmen working in their shops and to tour historic buildings like the Capitol, the Governor’s Palace, and the Raleigh Tavern.

There’s usually at least one operating tavern open for lunch and dinner, and winter is a fabulous time to cozy up with some hearty 18th-century comfort fare after a brisk stroll along the brick streets.

Winter weather in Williamsburg is unpredictable but usually chilly during the day and cold at night.  Wear warm layers, and be sure to have a winter coat, hat, and gloves available.

Spring

Late March to late May is one of the nicest times in Williamsburg.

The gardens bloom.  Most of the taverns are open.

The historic town springs to life with full programming, offering a variety of options day and night — from musket demonstrations to ghost tours.

Drummers Call weekend in May features Fifes & Drums performances throughout the Historic Area.

While crowds tend to be manageable, they can swell during school breaks.

And the weather is pleasantly warm by day and cool by night, so layering is a good idea.  It’s also smart to pack a light windbreaker, just in case of spring showers.

Summer

Memorial Day weekend to mid-September is the worst time to visit Williamsburg, with July and August the worst of the worst — the only time of year when I deliberately avoid the area.

The weather in Virginia is miserable.  It’s hot — near 100 degrees during the day.  But worse, it’s humid — with percentages approaching 100 percent, it feels like you’re swaddled in a warm moist blanket.  And in the late afternoon, the skies often open up into drenching thunderstorms.  The crowds are big, because the schools are out.

The program is full of events, and the taverns are open, so you’ll have plenty of things to do and places to eat if you decide to come anyway.  July 4 is a special day, with public readings of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music, and fireworks at night.

Wear loose, light colored clothing, and be prepared to go through two outfits in a day.  Bring a light windbreaker.  Always wear a big hat in the sun.  And drink lots of water.

Autumn

During mid-September to Thanksgiving, Williamsburg becomes nice again.

The crowds decrease after Labor Day.  The temperatures drop down to reliably pleasant by mid-October.  The leaves are in full glory around late October, and they create a colorful carpet on the brick pathways into November.

Programming remains robust with events, and the taverns continue to welcome visitors with period food and drink.

Wear comfortable layers, and bring a windbreaker just in case.

Christmas

Williamsburg is at its most special during Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.  The buildings are lovely with authentic but creative decorations.

Regular programming continues, and special holiday events range from Governor’s Palace balls to Christmas Eve gunfire.  Grand Illuminations mark the season with music and fireworks.

The taverns are open, with special holiday meals and unique opportunities like wine dinners with Nation Builders.

The crowds pick up as the season goes on, so I recommend visiting early in the season if possible.

December weather is unpredictable during the day; evenings are cold.  Wear layers, and have warm outer clothing available.

Each season offers its own magic in Williamsburg, so you can’t go wrong.  It’s all about finding the right time for your priorities and preferences.  I hope this post helps you decide the best time for you to plan your own journey back to Revolutionary America.