About Charlottesville
Charlottesville, colloquially known as C'ville, is an independent city in Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities. The former capital of Virginia, it is named after Queen Charlotte. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 46,553. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the City of Charlottesville with Albemarle County for statistical purposes, bringing its population to approximately 160,000. Charlottesville is the heart of the Charlottesville metropolitan area, which includes Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, and Nelson counties.
Places to visit in Charlottesville
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Monticello
Historic · 2 mi from centreThomas Jefferson's hilltop home, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with house tours, terraced gardens and exhibits on the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
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University of Virginia
Historic · 1 mi from centreThe Academical Village designed by Jefferson, centered on the domed Rotunda and the terraced Lawn, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open for walks and free tours.
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Downtown Mall
NeighborhoodA brick pedestrian street lined with restaurants, independent shops, theaters and outdoor dining in the historic downtown, at its liveliest on warm evenings with street musicians.
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Highland
Historic · 4 mi from centreThe plantation home of President James Monroe, a short drive from Monticello, with tours sharing ongoing archaeological research about the property and the people who lived there.
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Shenandoah National Park
Nature · 35 mi from centreWest of town, the park's Skyline Drive offers scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and access to hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife such as deer and black bears.
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Carter Mountain Orchard
ViewpointA hilltop orchard near Monticello with fruit picking in season, a farm market known for apple cider donuts and wide views over Charlottesville and the surrounding hills.
Where to stay in Charlottesville
Popular hotels in Charlottesville, out of 57 properties you can book.
Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville
From $130 per night
Omni Charlottesville
From $260 per night
Kimpton The Forum Hotel An Ihg Hotel
From $213 per night
Graduate by Hilton Charlottesville
From $162 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlottesville - Mon
From $102 per night
Boar S Head Resort
From $326 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlottesville
From $145 per night
English Inn Of Charlottesville
From $97 per night
Hampton Inn Waynesboro/Stuarts Draft
From $146 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville - University
From $166 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlottesville Downtown
From $180 per night
Hampton Inn Charlottesville
From $130 per night
Best time to visit Charlottesville
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Charlottesville is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Charlottesville weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 66° 39° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 71° 42° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 64° 43° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 63° 40° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 67° 40° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 70° 44° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Charlottesville
These are the airports closest to central Charlottesville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CHO Charlottesville Albemarle Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Charlottesville
Getting around the University of Virginia, often called UVA (with each letter pronounced), is easy using the free University Transit System (UTS) buses. The Central Grounds area is very walkable, but some areas of campus (called "Grounds" by students) can be over a mile away. From the University to the downtown mall is a walk of 20-30 minutes and there is a free trolley bus that runs in a loop from the University to the Downtown Mall approximately every 20 minutes.
City of Charlottesville
The city is reasonably well connected by free city buses, the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT). Don't use Google Maps for CAT bus routes; Google sometimes has the wrong bus data. Parking in nearly all areas of the city is free and easy to find. Parking at the Downtown Mall will often require paying a modest rate at a lot or parking garage.
Surrounding area
Transportation outside of the city is best accomplished by car, although taxi and certain buses may be available for some locations. Main roads are well signed and in good repair, but can be hilly and curvy. If traveling to an unusual location or taking a shortcut through smaller country roads, be prepared for unpaved roads, limited signs, and frequent curves.
Taxis
With the possible exceptions of the airport and the Downtown Mall, you must call for taxi service in Charlottesville. There are several taxi companies in the city.
Charlottesville travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Charlottesville?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Charlottesville is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Charlottesville?
July is usually the warmest month in Charlottesville, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 24°F (-4°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 142 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Charlottesville?
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (12 km) from the centre of Charlottesville.
What time zone is Charlottesville in?
Charlottesville uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Charlottesville?
Getting around the University of Virginia, often called UVA (with each letter pronounced), is easy using the free University Transit System (UTS) buses. The Central Grounds area is very walkable, but some areas of campus (called "Grounds" by students) can be over a mile away.
What are the best places to visit in Charlottesville?
Top sights in Charlottesville include Monticello, University of Virginia, Downtown Mall and Highland. Thomas Jefferson's hilltop home, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with house tours, terraced gardens and exhibits on the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
Where should I stay in Charlottesville?
Popular areas for hotels in Charlottesville include Downtown. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville and Omni Charlottesville.
How many hotels can I book in Charlottesville?
Destina Holidays currently lists 57 properties in and around Charlottesville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
