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Newport News

Newport News travel guide

Independent city in Virginia, United States

Best time to visitApril and October
Nearest airportPHF · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population186,247

About Newport News

Newport News is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 186,247. Located in the Hampton Roads region, it is the fifth-most populous city in Virginia and 140th-most populous city in the United States. The city is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the northern shore of the James River to the river's mouth on the harbor of Hampton Roads.

Places to visit in Newport News

  1. The Mariners' Museum

    The Mariners' Museum

    Museum

    A major maritime museum with ship models, figureheads and the recovered turret of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, set beside a large park with a lakeside walking trail.

  2. Virginia Living Museum

    Virginia Living Museum

    Zoo

    A combined zoo, aquarium and nature center focused on the plants and animals of Virginia, with boardwalk trails, a planetarium and close views of native species.

  3. Colonial Williamsburg

    Colonial Williamsburg

    Historic · 18 mi from centre

    A short drive away, the restored capital of colonial Virginia brings the eighteenth century to life with costumed tradespeople, historic taverns and the Governor's Palace.

  4. Historic Jamestowne

    Historic Jamestowne

    Historic · 19 mi from centre

    The site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, where active archaeology, the reconstructed church and an artifact museum explain the colony's early struggles.

  5. Yorktown Battlefield

    Yorktown Battlefield

    Historic · 10 mi from centre

    Driving tours trace the earthworks and fields where the decisive siege of the American Revolution ended, with a visitor center and the nearby riverside village of Yorktown.

  6. Fort Monroe

    Fort Monroe

    Historic · 11 mi from centre

    A moated stone fort in neighboring Hampton with a casemate museum, waterfront views and a deep history tied to the Civil War and the end of slavery.

  7. Virginia War Museum

    Virginia War Museum

    Museum · 4 mi from centre

    A compact museum covering American military history from the Revolution onward, with weapons, uniforms, vehicles and a section of the Berlin Wall. It is a worthwhile stop for military history enthusiasts visiting the Peninsula.

Best time to visit Newport News

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Newport News is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 70–71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 32° – 47° 10
Feb 37° – 52° 9
Mar 44° – 62° 10
Apr 52° – 71° 6
May 62° – 77° 13
Jun 70° – 87° 10
Jul 75° – 88° 16
Aug 70° – 83° 12
Sep 67° – 78° 11
Oct 55° – 70° 5
Nov 47° – 62° 8
Dec 36° – 50° 8

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.

Newport News weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 62° 53° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 68° 50° 1%
  • Fri 23 Oct 63° 53° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 62° 56° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 64° 54° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 67° 54° 1%

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 Newport News

These are the airports closest to central Newport News. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • PHF Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Newport News

Newport News travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Newport News?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Newport News is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 70–71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Newport News?

July is usually the warmest month in Newport News, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 32°F (0°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 171 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Newport News?

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Newport News.

What time zone is Newport News in?

Newport News uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Newport News?

Top sights in Newport News include The Mariners' Museum, Virginia Living Museum, Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne. A major maritime museum with ship models, figureheads and the recovered turret of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, set beside a large park with a lakeside walking trail.