Weather and Climate

The mountains in Shenandoah National Park are usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. Winters can be severe with snow and ice, and summer showers may be sudden. Layered clothing is always suggested. Learn more about weather in the park...

• Current Shenandoah Weather Forecast (NOAA)
  
• Current Conditions at Headquarters (SHEN-RAWS)
• Current Conditions at Big Meadows (AWS)
• Current Conditions at Sawmill Ridge SD (SHEN-RAWS)
  
• Current Conditions for areas around the park

Seasons

Four distinct seasons make Shenandoah a new and exciting place to be each and every month.  Although best known for its vibrant fall foliage, the park is no less spectacular (and a lot less crowded) in spring when the wildflowers and trees are in full bloom. Summer brings lush greens and welcome relief from the valley temperatures. The park’s elevation encourages as much as a 10 degree difference. That same difference can bring dramatic changes in winter. When surrounding lowlands are experiencing rain, the park can be blanketed in snow and ice. But the clear skies and bare trees of winter make the park’s vistas magnificent and wildlife tracking and viewing particularly rewarding.