Beat the Heat
Planning a Visit in the Summer?
There’s no denying it! June, July, and August are some of the hottest months of the year in Virginia. We've put together a list of tips and tools to help you navigate the summer heat.
Tools for Your Visit
Events Calendar
Explore Up-to-date Programing.
Explore Historic Places
Find out what's open.
Know Before You Go
Everything you need to plan your trip.
Staying Safe
Safety is always our top priority. To safeguard the health and well-being of all staff and guests during periods of extreme heat, we follow strict hot weather protocols. Adequate hydration, structured breaks, and effective monitoring are critical to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure a safe working environment for our team.
Depending on the 'feels-like' temperature, specific outdoor programs, events, and experiences may be moved indoors, shortened, or canceled.
Visit the Art Museums
Wander through our two world-class Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. You’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the cool air conditioning and take in the collections and exhibitions we currently have on display. Want even more time in the Art Museums? Take in an afternoon program at the Hennage Auditorium. Take a break and indulge your appetite at the Museum Café. Our thoughtfully curated menu offers something for everyone.
Take a Trip through Time
Not all 301-acres of our museum are outside! Listen and learn from costumed interpreters about the 18th century in some of our most iconic sites, all while taking a bit of a break from the sun. Included in your admission, you’ll have access to sites like the Governor’s Palace, the Courthouse, and the Capitol, all of which offer the 21st-century luxury of air conditioning.
Parking & Buses
Did you know that our bus service is free? Our buses run Monday through Saturday, 9:00AM until 9:00PM and Sunday, 9:00AM until 6:00PM and offer a cool place to sit and relax as you’re whisked away to your next location. Located throughout the Historic Area, our bus service connects the Art Museums, Merchants Square, the Visitors Center, our resort properties, and several additional stops at some of our more iconic sites like the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, and more.
Want to park closer? You can take advantage of our paid parking lots. Download the the free Passport app prior to your visit to make parking easier.
Dine Inside
Treat yourself to a Colonial Williamsburg indoor dining experience! No trip to Colonial Williamsburg is complete without a meal in one of our historic taverns, featuring authentic colonial American dishes, in the heart of the Historic Area. Looking for something a bit more modern? Enjoy innovative cuisine throughout our resort properties or venture to Merchants Square.
Take a Dip
When you stay at an official Colonial Williamsburg Resort hotel, not only will you have premier access to our Historic Area, but you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and cool off any time of the day. Hotel guests will have access to a variety of pools, including a splash park with water cannons, slides, and mini waterfalls at the Williamsburg Woodlands.
You can also unwind in ultimate tranquility at THE SPA of Colonial Williamsburg. Enjoy soothing massages, facials, and holistic treatments.
Wait Until the Sun Goes Down
Spent all morning in the Historic Area and looking to escape the heat in the afternoon? The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down! From signature favorites like Haunted Williamsburg and our interactive trial programs, to 18th-century music concerts and outdoor storytelling experiences, there’s something for everyone after dark.
Animal Safety & High Temperatures
You can rest assured that the well-being of our Rare Breeds is a top priority. Read more to learn about the safety precautions in place.
Hydration
Providing our animals with water, of course, is the most basic protection against the heat. Our pastures feature automatic water bowls that continuously replenish, so every animal can drink their fill.
Guests often miss the large watering troughs and automatic waterers in each pasture, because they are purposely camouflaged to maintain the 18th-century authenticity of the colonial capital. But we can assure you our animals know where these plentiful water sources are. And if you see an empty black pan or brown, do not fear! That just means lunch time is over. These are feed pans, not empty water sources, and they are supplemental meals to the plentiful grass grazing available.
Heat Watch
Besides plenty of water, breaks, and shade, Coach & Livestock utilizes a heat index policy for working animals. The heat index combines the temperature with the relative humidity to check how hot it feels. Our policy includes a heat index cutoff point for each species.
When the heat index reaches 95°, all carriage rides are suspended. The same threshold applies to interpreters riding horses through the Historic Area. In addition to this heat index policy, horses temperatures are monitored every morning, midday, and in the evening.
Plenty of Shade
As with all of our animals, we ensure that Leicester Longwool sheep have plenty of shade and water.
When the animals are not working, they are either in a pasture with shade trees, or in the stables where large ceiling fans run constantly to provide air circulation.
Learn About Our Rare Breeds
Visit our Rare Breeds page to learn more about our oxen, horses, sheep, and fowl.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience heat advisories cause your plans, but we’re sure you can understand that everyone’s safety is the top priority.
Cool Down at Merchants Square
Located just steps from the Historic Area, Merchants Square offers cool treats, air-conditioned shopping, and a plethora of indoor dining that will allow you to escape the heat. Enjoy a variety of iced beverages, ice cream creations and other assorted cool treats. Shop for stylish summer fashions and accessories. Whether you’re looking for your next souvenir or just looking for a place for lunch, there’s no better place to cool down.
