Arlington, VA Fall Weather: What To Expect From September Through November

Fall in Arlington starts warm and turns crisp. Expect average highs near 81°F in September, 69°F in October, and 58°F in November, with rain easing from about 4 inches in September to near 3 inches by November. Peak foliage usually hits mid to late October, and the first frost commonly arrives in early November, especially away from the river.
Updated: September 12, 2025 · Arlington, VA

If you love sweater weather, Arlington delivers. Think golden-hour walks at Long Bridge Park, leaf-peeping loops on Theodore Roosevelt Island, and patio season that lingers well into October. Use this guide to plan hikes, photo days, and weekend events with confidence.

TLDR

• September feels like bonus summer early, then cools fast by month’s end.

• Peak color often lands mid to late October in Northern Virginia.

• First frost typically arrives in early November in most neighborhoods.

What are normal fall temperatures in Arlington?

Short answer: Highs trend from the low 80s in September to the upper 60s in October and upper 50s in November, with nights sliding from mid 60s to low 40s.

Quick reference:

• September: ~81° / 64° (mean ~72°)

• October: ~69° / 52° (mean ~61°)

• November: ~58° / 42° (mean ~50°)

What to wear: Layer a breathable base, a light mid layer, and a wind blocking shell for evenings or waterfront breezes.

How much does it rain in fall?

Short answer: Plan on about 4 inches in September, easing closer to 3 to 3.7 inches by October, and roughly 3 inches in November.

Checklist:

• Watch weekend forecasts in September for tropical leftovers.

• Aim photo days for clear, post front evenings.

• Keep a light, packable shell in your day bag.

When does fall color peak?

Short answer: Mid to late October is the sweet spot for Northern Virginia. Higher elevations peak earlier; color then rolls east toward Arlington.

Go to leaf strolls: Theodore Roosevelt Island, Potomac Heritage Trail segments, Long Bridge Park.
Weekend idea: Skyline Drive one week, Arlington waterfront the next.

When is the first frost?

Short answer: In Arlington, the first frost commonly arrives in early November, later along the river and near denser urban blocks.

Planning tip: Protect porch plants around Halloween and watch the 7 to 10 day outlook as nights dip into the 30s.

Key Takeaways

• September daily mean is roughly 72°F, October 61°F, November 50°F.

• Rain trends down from about 4 inches in September to near 3 inches by November.

• Peak foliage typically arrives October 10 to October 31 in Virginia.

• Use early November as a planning anchor for frost protection.

FAQ

Is September still humid?
Early September can feel summery, but humidity drops into October.

What should I wear for a full fall day out?
Layer a breathable base, a light mid layer, and a wind blocking shell for evenings.

Does hurricane season affect Arlington in fall?
Remnants can juice a wet September weekend; October and November trend drier.

When is the best weekend for peak color in Arlington?
Aim for mid to late October, with some color lingering into early November.

Will I see frost before Halloween?
Usually not in the urban core, but higher, open spots can see an early cold snap.

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