West Virginia is a beautiful state known for its rolling mountains, forests, rivers, and small towns. While there is no truly “bad” time to visit West Virginia, there are certain times of year when you may want to avoid planning a trip. Here is an overview of the worst times to visit West Virginia and why you may want to plan your vacation for another season instead.
Summer
Hot and Humid Mid-Summer Weather
The middle of summer in West Virginia, spanning July and August, tends to be the hottest and most humid time of year. High temperatures often reach into the 80s and 90s, with plenty of muggy humidity. This can make participating in outdoor activities uncomfortable and draining, especially for those not used to heat and humidity.
Popular summer pastimes like hiking become far less enjoyable when you’re sweltering hot and dripping in sweat. The higher elevation mountains do tend to be cooler, but the humidity persists throughout the state during summer. Places at lower elevations like the New River Gorge can feel downright oppressive in mid-summer.
If you can handle the heat or don’t mind relaxing indoors in the A/C, summer may still be an option. But for enjoying the outdoors, spring or fall tend to be far more comfortable times to visit West Virginia.
Summer Crowds at Tourist Sites
West Virginia remains a less-visited state compared to many others, but popular tourist towns and outdoor destinations still attract larger summer crowds. Areas like the New River Gorge Bridge, Blackwater Falls, Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob tend to be the most crowded from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
You’ll encounter more people hiking on the same trails, longer waits at restaurants, and potentially sold out lodging during peak times. For a more peaceful trip and to avoid the crowds, late spring and early fall make for better choices.
Winter
Frigid Temperatures and Snow Storms
The winter months from December through February can mean freezing temperatures, bitter winds, icy precipitation and heavy snow storms throughout much of West Virginia. While the mountains do get some pretty reliable snow for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, winter storms can also snarl roadways.
The highest mountain peaks often dip below zero on winter nights. But even places like Charleston and Huntington can see winter temperatures down into the teens or single digits at times. When cold arctic air and moisture clash over the state, they can create intense snow squalls and blizzard conditions.
So unless you really enjoy winter weather and sports, try to avoid planning a West Virginia vacation during the winter months when snowed in roads or extreme cold could ruin your plans.
Limited Availability of Amenities
Many seasonal attractions, restaurants, shops, parks and campgrounds have reduced hours or completely close up shop during the winter low season in West Virginia. So your options for activities and dining may be much more limited, especially in more rural areas.
Some parks like Blackwater Falls State Park do remain at least partially open and plow roads/trails for winter recreation. But others like Seneca Rocks close campgrounds or limit facility access in winter. So be sure to check on any specific places you hoped to visit before braving a winter trip.
Spring
Potential for Floods and Storms
Early spring in West Virginia can still see cold temperatures combined with turbulent weather as the seasons change. As snow melts and spring rainstorms move through the region, the mountain rivers swell with high waters. When heavy rainfall leads to rapid snowmelt it can create dangerous flooding along waterways.
While spring flooding tends to impact locals the most, it can still cause damage and disruption for travelers if roads wash out or popular river recreation areas close. The early spring months of March and April have the highest likelihood of turbulent weather and rapidly changing conditions. By May flooding risks tend to subside across the state.
Muddy Trails and Parks
West Virginia springs are famous for abundant greenery, wildflowers, waterfalls and whitewater rapids. But that lush landscape comes with some muddier consequences too for the early season adventurer. With snow still melting out of higher elevations well into April, trails can stay wet and muddy long past when parks reopen from winter closure.
By May and June trails have had time to dry out fully across lower and higher elevations alike. But March and April visitors should expect soggier, sloppier trail conditions at many parks. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gear if hitting the trails before late spring.
Chilly Nights Still Possible
While spring days progressively warm in West Virginia, the state still sees some cooler and frosty nights even through May. Early spring nights can easily dip down into the 30s or 40s depending on location and elevation. So you may need to pack layers and warmer sleeping gear even as the season creeps towards summer.
These cooler overnight temperatures become less likely by late May and June. But the unpredictability of spring weather could still mix in a frosty night or two through the season. Simply check local climate data and forecasts if chilly weather will dampen your vacation plans.
Fall
Hunting Season
Late autumn in West Virginia brings fall foliage views at their peak from October into early November. However, this is also prime hunting season time across the mountain state. The regular firearms season for popular hunted species like deer and turkey runs from mid-November to early December each year.
During the busiest few weeks of hunting season, many local and state parks limit access or close trails altogether for safety reasons. So your recreation options become much more restricted if visiting the mountains solely to hike or camp at that time. Hunting season doesn’t prohibit travel to West Virginia, but you’ll have fewer parklands open to enjoy.
Changing Weather Conditions
One of the allures of a West Virginia autumn is the beautiful fall colors spreading across the mountains. But predicting the exact timing of peak conditions can be tricky year to year. Cooler weather, sunlight intensity, precipitation and elevation all play roles in when foliage will reach optimal hues.
This can make it tough to plan out trips around peak leaf colors, as some years vegetation may still be quite green by mid-October. And once peak conditions arrive, they only last 7-10 days typically before leaves begin falling from branches in earnest. You can hedge your bets on timing for the best color displays by planning trips for late October. But there are no guarantees when dealing with Mother Nature!
Holiday Crowds and Closures
West Virginia stays busy with visitors during autumn for the leaf peeping opportunities mentioned already. But as the holiday season approaches with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the calendar, popular towns and attractions only get busier.
Getaway rentals and hotels fill up fast, especially around the New River Gorge area. And many outdoor recreation sites like parks, camping areas, and trails close for the winter season soon after Thanksgiving weekend wraps up.
So if big holiday crowds and early seasonal closures will diminish your vacation plans, stick to early or mid-autumn. Just expect weather conditions to be less reliable vs. late fall.
Best Times to Visit West Virginia
Avoiding the worst times described above, when are the best time to visit West Virginia then? Here is a quick rundown of recommended times and why:
- Late Spring (May/Early June): Warming weather and drier trail conditions, without the summer heat and humidity or hunting seasons.
- Early Fall (Late September/Early October): Pleasant summer-like weather still but with less crowded towns and parks. Potential for fall colors starting by October too in higher elevations.
- Early Summer (Late May/June): Warm weather for rivers and mountains without the extreme heat and humidity to come in July/August. Still somewhat lighter tourist crowds this time of year as well compared to peak summer.
No matter when you choose to plan a trip, West Virginia’s beauty shines through all year long. Just be sure to prepare properly for the local conditions and potential closures of whichever season you pick to visit the mountain state!