Last updated: January 18, 2025
West Virginia experiences a diverse climate characterized by three distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classes: Cfa, Cfb, and Dfb. The state endures a minimum temperature of -27°C (-17°F) during the frigid month of January, while average annual temperatures hover around 13°C (55°F). In stark contrast, the peak summer months can see temperatures soaring to a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in August. This temperature variability contributes to a rich ecological diversity, making West Virginia’s climate both intriguing and complex.
West Virginia exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are particularly frigid, with minimum temperatures plunging to around -27°C (-17°F) and -26°C (-15°F), while average highs barely reach 24°C (75°F) and 28°C (83°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures gradually increase, with averages rising to 7°C (45°F) and 12°C (54°F), signaling the end of the chill. This warming trend continues into May and June, where average temperatures reach 18°C (64°F) and 21°C (70°F), culminating in peak summer temperatures in July and August, when maximums can hit 38°C (100°F). The transition to fall is marked by cool nights and mild days, with September seeing average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), before dipping again into the colder months of October through December, creating a dynamic climate that shapes the region's rich biodiversity.
Berkeley Springs, Falling Waters, and Fayetteville, all located in West Virginia, experience diverse temperature ranges throughout the year. In Berkeley Springs, temperatures can drop to a chilly -21°C (-5°F) in January and climb to a sweltering 37°C (99°F) in July, reflecting its dynamic climate; for more information, see monthly temperature in Berkeley Springs. Similarly, Falling Waters witnesses extremes with the mercury dipping to -18°C (-1°F) in January and soaring to 37°C (100°F) in July, details of which are available at monthly temperature in Falling Waters. Fayetteville experiences slightly different patterns, with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) in January and rising to a peak of 32°C (90°F) in September. For further insights, visit monthly temperature in Fayetteville.
West Virginia experiences a relatively consistent distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with February often receiving the highest monthly total at 143 mm (5.6 in). The late winter and early spring months, particularly from January to May, see elevated levels of rainfall, contributing to an average of 11 to 16 days with measurable precipitation each month. This period plays a crucial role in providing necessary moisture for the burgeoning ecosystems and agricultural endeavors within the state.
As summer transitions into fall, precipitation levels generally stabilize, with monthly totals ranging from 107 mm (4.2 in) in September to 118 mm (4.7 in) in October. Notably, the summer months of July and August maintain moderate rainfall, averaging around 118 mm (4.6 in) and 112 mm (4.4 in), respectively. The year concludes with a dip in precipitation during November and December, which receive lower totals of 82 mm (3.2 in) and 119 mm (4.7 in), but still reflect the region's overall humid subtropical climate, supporting diverse plant and wildlife habitats.
In West Virginia, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, starting from the shorter days of winter and gradually increasing to the long, bright days of summer. January begins the year with a modest 120 hours of sunshine, which steadily climbs to 148 hours in February. However, the most significant leap occurs in the spring months, particularly in March and April, where sunshine hours surge to 235 hours and 241 hours, respectively. These increases herald the arrival of warmer weather, providing residents and visitors alike with more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
The peak sunshine occurs during the summer months, where July stands out with an impressive average of 345 hours of sunlight, making it the sunniest month of the year. Following closely, August also boasts considerable sunshine at 314 hours. As summer wanes, September sees 283 hours of sunshine, showcasing a gradual decline as the days shorten. The year comes full circle as the months transition into autumn and winter, with October, November, and December providing fewer hours of sunlight, dropping to 243, 201, and 156 hours, respectively. This cyclical pattern not only influences the region's weather but also impacts the lifestyle and activities of West Virginia's residents throughout the year.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index in West Virginia demonstrates a pronounced seasonal trend, reflecting the shifting intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. Starting with a moderate UVI of 4 in January, levels increase steadily during the early months, rising to 6 in February and 8 in March. As spring unfolds, the UV index reaches its annual peak in May, June, and July, with a high of 11 during these months, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This spike in UV intensity signals the importance of sun protection measures for residents and visitors during the warmer months.
As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index begins to decline, with August and September maintaining UVI levels of 10. The decrease continues into the autumn months, with October presenting a UVI of 7 and slipping further to 5 in November, and 3 in December, where the risk is considerably lower. This annual fluctuation highlights the critical times for sun safety awareness, particularly during late spring and summer when UV radiation is at its highest, impacting outdoor activities and health considerations in West Virginia.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in West Virginia follows a predictable annual cycle, reflecting the seasonal changes in sunlight exposure. The year begins with a modest 9 hours of daylight in January, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February and reaching 11 hours in March as spring approaches. This upward trend accelerates through April and May, peaking at 14 hours in both June and July, which are the longest days of the year. This increase in daylight not only enhances the region's natural beauty but also encourages outdoor activities during the warmer months.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight hours begin to recede, with August experiencing 13 hours, and September dropping to 12 hours. The decline continues into the autumn months, with October recording 11 hours, followed by November with 10 hours. By December, daylight shrinks back to 9 hours, mirroring the start of the year. This cyclical pattern signifies the importance of understanding daylight variability, impacting everything from agricultural practices to recreational opportunities across West Virginia as the seasons change.
Berkeley Springs experiences a climate with significant seasonal variations. In winter, January temperatures can drop to as low as -21°C (-5°F) while averaging around 1°C (34°F), accompanied by 61 mm of precipitation. Summer peak temperatures reach up to 37°C (99°F) in July, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and receiving 100 mm of rainfall. The area sees substantial sunshine, particularly in July with 352 hours, and moderately higher precipitation levels from April to September, peaking at 126 mm in May. For more detailed climate data, please refer to the Berkeley Springs climate.
Located in West Virginia, Falling Waters experiences a varied climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C (35°F) in January to 3°C (38°F) in February, and cold lows reaching -18°C (-1°F) in January. Summers are warm, peaking in July with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and highs reaching up to 37°C (100°F). The area also sees varying precipitation levels, with May being the wettest month at 135 mm (5.3 in). Sunshine hours increase from 137 in January to a height of 352 in July, indicative of sunnier, longer summer days. For more details, visit the Falling Waters climate.
Fayetteville, United States, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from chilly in winter to warm in summer. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), whereas July sees highs of up to 31°C (88°F). The region receives consistent precipitation, peaking in May at 172 mm (6.8 in), while the driest month is November with 83 mm (3.3 in). Sunshine is abundant from March to September, with July offering the most at 346 hours. For more detailed information about the climate, visit the Fayetteville climate page.
In conclusion, the climate of West Virginia is marked by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. These elements interplay to create a diverse and dynamic environment that shapes both the natural landscape and the lifestyle of its residents. As the state transitions through the seasons, from the stark cold of winter to the vibrant warmth of summer, the fluctuations in weather conditions significantly influence agriculture, outdoor activities, and health-related considerations. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for promoting sustainable practices and enhancing quality of life in West Virginia, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully appreciate the ecological and recreational richness that the state has to offer.