Things to Do in Richmond in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Richmond
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter Restaurant Week runs mid-January, giving you access to prix-fixe menus at top restaurants for $35-45 that would normally cost $70-90 - the best dining value of the year and a genuine chance to try places like L'Opossum or The Roosevelt without the usual sticker shock
- The James River remains ice-free in January, making it one of the few months you can kayak or paddleboard without summer's oppressive heat or crowds - water temps around 4-7°C (40-45°F) mean you'll need a wetsuit, but you'll practically have Belle Isle to yourself on weekday mornings
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to spring and fall peak seasons - you can book boutique properties in the Fan or Shockoe Slip for $110-150 per night that go for $200+ in October, and you'll actually get upgraded since occupancy runs around 55-60% this month
- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts just opened its new contemporary wing in late 2025, and January crowds are minimal - you can spend quality time with the Fabergé egg collection without being jostled, and the museum café becomes an actual relaxing lunch spot rather than a feeding frenzy
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable and can shift dramatically within 24 hours - you might get a sunny 13°C (55°F) day perfect for walking Monument Avenue, followed by freezing rain that shuts down the city since Richmond doesn't have extensive snow removal infrastructure for its hills
- Outdoor attractions like Maymont's Italian and Japanese gardens look pretty bleak in January - the formal plantings are dormant, and while the mansion tour is still worthwhile, you're missing about 60% of what makes Maymont special when nothing is blooming
- Sunset hits around 5:15-5:45 PM throughout January, which compresses your outdoor sightseeing window considerably - by the time you finish a late lunch around 2:30 PM, you've only got about 2.5 hours of decent light left for photography or walking tours
Best Activities in January
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Extended Visits
January is actually the ideal month to properly explore VMFA's 50,000-piece collection without feeling rushed. The new contemporary wing opened late 2025, and winter weekday mornings see maybe 200-300 visitors total across the entire 5-acre facility. The Fabergé gallery, normally packed, becomes contemplative. Plan 3-4 hours minimum. The 70% humidity outside makes the climate-controlled galleries feel especially comfortable, and the natural light in the sculpture galleries works beautifully even with January's overcast skies.
Historic Church Hill and Libby Hill Walking Routes
Church Hill's brick sidewalks and 18th-century architecture look particularly atmospheric in January's grey light, and the cold keeps crowds minimal. The neighborhood sits on Richmond's highest point, giving you views across the James River without summer's haze. St. John's Church offers tours year-round, and you'll appreciate being indoors for Patrick Henry's famous speech reenactment when it's 2°C (36°F) outside. The walk from Libby Hill Park down to Main Street covers about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) with significant elevation change - those cobblestone sections get slippery when wet, which happens frequently in January.
James River Park System Indoor-Outdoor Combinations
Belle Isle and the river trails offer surprisingly good January hiking when weather cooperates - the lack of foliage actually improves views of the river rapids and Civil War ruins. You'll want to check conditions before going since trails can be muddy or icy, but on clear days between storms, the trails are nearly empty and temperatures in the 5-10°C (41-50°F) range make for comfortable hiking. The suspended pedestrian bridge to Belle Isle is always accessible and gives you a quick taste without committing to muddy trails. Combine this with indoor stops at the nearby Tredegar Civil War Museum.
Craft Brewery Tour Circuit
Richmond has evolved into a serious beer city with 30-plus breweries, and January is prime time for the indoor taproom experience. The Scott's Addition neighborhood alone has 8 breweries within a 1.6 km (1 mile) radius, making it walkable even in cold weather with short outdoor stretches between warm taprooms. Hardywood, The Veil, and Triple Crossing anchor the scene. Most taprooms run 68-72°F inside, offer food trucks or kitchen service, and maintain a locals-heavy vibe in winter that feels more authentic than summer's tourist crowds.
American Civil War Museum and Historic Site Combinations
Richmond's Civil War history becomes more accessible in January when you're not melting in 32°C (90°F) heat while touring outdoor sites. The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar offers comprehensive indoor exhibits, then you can walk or drive to nearby sites like Hollywood Cemetery where 18,000 Confederate soldiers are buried. The cold weather actually makes the cemetery's 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of roads and paths more pleasant for exploring - you'll see maybe a dozen other visitors on weekdays. The James River views from the cemetery's bluff are particularly dramatic in winter light.
Carytown Shopping and Dining District Extended Browse
This 1.4 km (0.9 mile) stretch of independent shops, vintage stores, and restaurants becomes much more enjoyable in January when you're not competing with summer crowds and can actually browse without feeling rushed. The district has enough indoor spaces that you can duck in and out of cold weather. Bygones Vintage, World of Mirth toy store, and 30-plus other independents offer the kind of browsing that takes time. Plan for 3-4 hours if you're a serious shopper. The neighborhood's restaurants don't require reservations in January except Friday-Saturday nights.
January Events & Festivals
Richmond Restaurant Week
Mid-January brings Richmond's biggest food event, with 200-plus restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe menus at $25, $35, or $45 price points. This is your chance to try upscale spots like Lemaire, The Roosevelt, or Rappahannock for a fraction of normal cost. Reservations open about 10 days before the event starts and the best restaurants fill within 48 hours. The event typically runs 10 days and includes both lunch and dinner options.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorations
Richmond takes MLK Day seriously given its Civil Rights history. The main commemoration happens at the Virginia State Capitol with speakers, performances, and a march that typically draws 2,000-3,000 participants. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture offers free admission this day and runs special programming on Civil Rights history. Temperatures will likely be 2-7°C (35-45°F), so dress warmly if attending outdoor portions.