Beckley, located in the heart of southern West Virginia’s coal country, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located in Raleigh County, Beckley serves as a hub for outdoor recreation, historical exploration, and community events. With a population of approximately 16,000 residents, Beckley maintains a welcoming atmosphere and offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy. From exploring the depths of underground coal mines to hiking scenic trails in the Appalachian Mountains, Beckley provides an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Climate and Weather Overview
Beckley experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers, mild winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Understanding the climate and weather patterns of Beckley is essential for residents and visitors to plan outdoor activities and adapt to seasonal changes.
Monthly Weather Statistics
To provide a comprehensive overview of the weather in Beckley, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 38°F | 3.10 inches | 13 days |
| February | 41°F | 3.00 inches | 13 days |
| March | 49°F | 3.60 inches | 15 days |
| April | 58°F | 3.50 inches | 16 days |
| May | 67°F | 4.20 inches | 16 days |
| June | 75°F | 4.00 inches | 15 days |
| July | 78°F | 4.30 inches | 14 days |
| August | 77°F | 4.20 inches | 14 days |
| September | 71°F | 3.40 inches | 13 days |
| October | 60°F | 3.00 inches | 13 days |
| November | 50°F | 3.20 inches | 12 days |
| December | 41°F | 3.10 inches | 12 days |
Weather by Month
January
January brings chilly temperatures to Beckley, with an average of 38°F. Precipitation levels are moderate, with an average of 3.10 inches of snowfall. January is perfect for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at nearby Winterplace Ski Resort. Visitors can also enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace, ice skating, and winter hikes through the snow-covered landscapes of Little Beaver State Park.
February
February sees similar chilly temperatures to January, with averages around 41°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, with an average of 3.00 inches of snowfall. February is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and ice fishing at nearby lakes and reservoirs. Visitors can also explore scenic snowshoeing trails, attend winter festivals, and sample local cuisine at cozy restaurants serving hearty comfort food.
March
March brings milder temperatures to Beckley, with averages around 49°F. Precipitation levels increase slightly, with an average of 3.60 inches of rainfall. March is perfect for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the scenic countryside. Visitors can also enjoy early spring wildflower blooms, maple sugaring demonstrations, and seasonal events celebrating the arrival of spring in southern West Virginia.
April
April sees a significant increase in temperatures in Beckley, with averages around 58°F. Precipitation levels continue to rise, with an average of 3.50 inches of rainfall. April is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in local parks and nature reserves. Visitors can also explore historic landmarks such as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, attend spring festivals showcasing local artisans, and embark on scenic drives through the Appalachian Mountains.
May
May brings warmer temperatures to Beckley, with averages around 67°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, with an average of 4.20 inches of rainfall. May is perfect for outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and rock climbing in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Visitors can also explore scenic hiking trails, visit historic sites such as the Tamarack artisan center, and attend outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets featuring local produce and crafts.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Beckley, with temperatures averaging around 75°F. Precipitation levels increase slightly, with an average of 4.00 inches of rainfall. June is perfect for outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing, and picnicking at nearby lakes and state parks. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives along the Coal Heritage Trail, explore underground caverns at Lost World Caverns, and attend outdoor festivals celebrating Appalachian culture and heritage.
July
July is the warmest month in Beckley, with temperatures averaging around 78°F. Precipitation levels decrease, with an average of 4.30 inches of rainfall. July is ideal for water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, and tubing on the New River. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor dining at local restaurants, attend Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays, and explore scenic trails in the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest.
August
August sees similar temperatures to July, with averages around 77°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, with an average of 4.20 inches of rainfall. August is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions such as Grandview State Park, Little Beaver State Park, and Bluestone State Park, or embarking on scenic drives along the Midland Trail and the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. Visitors can also enjoy berry picking, farmers’ markets, and agricultural fairs showcasing West Virginia’s rich farming heritage and culinary traditions.
September
September brings cooler temperatures to Beckley, with averages around 71°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, with an average of 3.40 inches of rainfall. September is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and leaf-peeping drives through the scenic landscapes ablaze with fall colors. Visitors can also enjoy apple picking, cider tasting, and harvest festivals celebrating West Virginia’s agricultural bounty and cultural heritage.
October
October marks the peak of fall foliage season in Beckley, with temperatures averaging around 60°F. Precipitation levels decrease slightly, with an average of 3.00 inches of rainfall. October is perfect for leaf-peeping drives along the Highland Scenic Highway, visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and attending fall festivals and craft fairs showcasing local artisans and craftsmen.
November
November brings cooler temperatures to Beckley, with averages around 50°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, with an average of 3.20 inches of rainfall. November is ideal for enjoying the last of the fall foliage, hiking, and birdwatching in local parks and nature reserves. Visitors can also prepare for the upcoming holiday season by attending craft workshops, holiday markets, and seasonal cooking classes featuring traditional Appalachian recipes and ingredients.
December
December marks the beginning of winter in Beckley, with temperatures averaging around 41°F. Precipitation levels increase, with an average of 3.10 inches of snowfall. December is perfect for festive holiday activities such as Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, holiday shopping, and seasonal events featuring caroling, festive music, and visits with Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, and holiday light displays, or cozy up indoors with hot cocoa and holiday movies for a festive winter retreat.
Natural Disasters
While Beckley enjoys a relatively mild climate throughout the year, the region is susceptible to occasional natural disasters such as severe thunderstorms, flooding, and winter storms, particularly during the spring and winter months. Residents and visitors should stay informed about weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by local authorities to ensure their safety during severe weather events.
Recommended Activities
Regardless of the season, Beckley offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. From exploring scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation to attending local festivals and cultural events, there’s something for everyone to experience in this charming West Virginia city. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or relaxation amid natural beauty, Beckley provides the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences and meaningful connections.