10 Coldest Cities in West Virginia

Why are some cities in West Virginia colder than others? Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and Appalachian Plateau, several towns and cities in the Mountain State experience a unique blend of geographical and climatic factors that contribute to their chilly temperatures.

From high elevations to continental weather patterns, these locations stand out as some of the coldest spots in the region. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of West Virginia’s coldest cities, where winter’s icy grip lingers longer, and the beauty of snow-capped landscapes captivates the senses.

10 Coldest Cities In West Virginia

1. Davis

Geographical Location and Elevation

Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Davis is a small town in Tucker County, West Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 3,520 feet (1,073 meters) above sea level, making it the highest incorporated town in the state. Davis is situated along the Blackwater River, partially surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest and the scenic Blackwater Falls.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Davis experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The town’s high elevation and proximity to the Allegheny Mountains contribute to its cooler temperatures and increased precipitation compared to other parts of West Virginia.

Historical Temperature Records

Due to its elevated location, Davis has recorded some of the lowest temperatures in West Virginia. The record low temperature for the town is -27°F (-32.8°C), set on January 21, 1985. However, in January 2022, a nearby weather station in Canaan Valley recorded a bone-chilling -31°F (-35°C), potentially the lowest temperature ever recorded in the state.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Despite its chilly climate, Davis is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Blackwater Falls State Park, with its stunning amber-colored waterfall and hiking trails, is a major attraction. The town is also renowned for its world-class mountain biking trails, drawing cyclists from around the country. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports in the surrounding state parks and forests.

2. Canaan Valley

Geographical Features and Elevation

Canaan Valley is a large, bathtub-shaped upland valley located in northeastern Tucker County, West Virginia. With an average floor elevation of 3,200 feet (975 meters), it is the highest sizable valley east of the Mississippi River. The valley is defined by Canaan Mountain to the west and Cabin Mountain to the east, with the northern half of Cabin Mountain forming part of the Eastern Continental Divide.

Climate Classification and Weather Extremes

Canaan Valley has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb), similar to regions in northern New England and southern Canada. Due to its high elevation and unique topography, the valley experiences colder temperatures and more extreme weather conditions than the surrounding areas.

Record Low Temperatures

Canaan Valley is known for its exceptionally low temperatures, earning it the nickname “The Cold Spot of the East.” On January 15, 2022, a weather station managed by Virginia Tech at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge recorded a bone-chilling temperature of -31°F (-35°C), setting a new record low for the region. The previous record was -27°F (-32.8°C), set on January 21, 1985.

Winter Sports and Recreational Activities

Canaan Valley’s cold climate and abundant snowfall make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Canaan Valley Resort State Park and the nearby Timberline Resort offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing opportunities. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating are also popular activities in the valley and surrounding areas.

3. Terra Alta

Location and Topography

Terra Alta is a small town located in Preston County, West Virginia, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 2,600 feet (792 meters) above sea level, contributing to its cooler climate compared to other parts of the state.

Average Annual Snowfall and Temperature

Terra Alta experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb), with average annual temperatures ranging from the mid-20s°F (-4°C) in January to the mid-70s°F (24°C) in July. The town receives an average of around 60 inches (152 cm) of snowfall each year, significantly higher than the state average.

Historical Weather Data

While Terra Alta may not hold the record for the lowest temperature in West Virginia, it has experienced its fair share of extreme cold. In January 1994, the town recorded a low temperature of -22°F (-30°C), one of the coldest readings in the state’s history.

Local Attractions and Events

Despite its chilly climate, Terra Alta offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors. The town is home to the Potomac State Forest, which provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities in the area. Terra Alta also hosts an annual Maple Syrup Festival in March, celebrating the region’s rich maple syrup tradition.

4. Elkins

Geographical Setting and Elevation

Elkins is a city located in Randolph County, West Virginia, situated along the Tygart Valley River. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet (579 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains.

Climate Overview and Seasonal Variations

Elkins experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s average annual temperature is around 50°F (10°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Cold Records

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Elkins has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the city recorded a low temperature of -20°F (-29°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Cultural and Recreational Highlights

Despite its chilly winters, Elkins is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural events. The city is home to the Augusta Heritage Center, which hosts various music and arts festivals throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Monongahela National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as the Snowshoe Mountain Resort for winter sports enthusiasts.

5. Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Location and Elevation

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a year-round resort located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, within the Allegheny Mountains. The resort sits at an elevation of 4,848 feet (1,478 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the state.

Climate and Snowfall Statistics

Snowshoe Mountain Resort experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb), with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The resort receives an average of 180 inches (457 cm) of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest locations in the state and a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Record Low Temperatures

Due to its high elevation, Snowshoe Mountain Resort has recorded some of the lowest temperatures in West Virginia. In January 1994, the resort experienced a record low of -27°F (-32.8°C), tying the state’s record at the time.

Winter Sports and Resort Activities

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is primarily known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with over 60 trails and 14 lifts. The resort also offers snow tubing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing at the resort’s championship course.

6. Bluefield

Geographical Context and Elevation

Bluefield is a city located in Mercer County, West Virginia, near the state’s border with Virginia. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 2,600 feet (792 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Bluefield experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s average annual temperature is around 52°F (11°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Temperature Data

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Bluefield has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the city recorded a low temperature of -18°F (-28°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Local Attractions and Events

Despite its chilly winters, Bluefield is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural events. The city is home to the Bluefield State College, which hosts various cultural and educational events throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the East River Mountain Overlook, offering scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Bluestone State Park, which provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

7. Pineville

Geographical Location and Elevation

Pineville is a town located in Wyoming County, West Virginia, situated along the Guyandotte River. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet (366 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.

Climate Overview

Pineville experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The town’s average annual temperature is around 54°F (12°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Weather Records

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Pineville has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the town recorded a low temperature of -16°F (-27°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Despite its chilly winters, Pineville is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The town is home to the Pinnacle Rock State Park, which offers hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Nearby attractions include the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, a network of off-road vehicle trails, and the Guyandotte River, which provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking.

8. Beckley

Geographical Setting and Elevation

Beckley is a city located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, situated along the Piney Creek. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet (732 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.

Climate and Seasonal Weather Patterns

Beckley experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s average annual temperature is around 53°F (12°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Temperature Extremes

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Beckley has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the city recorded a low temperature of -18°F (-28°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Cultural and Recreational Highlights

Despite its chilly winters, Beckley is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural events. The city is home to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, which offers tours of an underground coal mine and exhibits on the region’s mining history. Nearby attractions include the New River Gorge National Park, which provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.

9. Marlinton

Location and Topography

Marlinton is a town located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, situated along the Greenbrier River. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet (640 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Marlinton experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The town’s average annual temperature is around 52°F (11°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Temperature Data

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Marlinton has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the town recorded a low temperature of -18°F (-28°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Local Attractions and Events

Despite its chilly winters, Marlinton is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The town is home to the Pocahontas County Opera House, a historic theater that hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Monongahela National Forest, which provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as the Greenbrier River Trail, a popular destination for biking and horseback riding.

10. Chester

Geographical Context and Elevation

Chester is a city located in Hancock County, West Virginia, situated along the Ohio River. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 700 feet (213 meters) above sea level, nestled in the Northern Panhandle region of the state.

Climate Overview

Chester experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s average annual temperature is around 53°F (12°C), with summer highs reaching the mid-80s°F (29°C) and winter lows dipping into the teens°F (-9°C to -12°C).

Historical Weather Records

While not as extreme as some of the higher-elevation towns in West Virginia, Chester has experienced its fair share of cold weather. In January 1994, the city recorded a low temperature of -16°F (-27°C), one of the coldest readings in its history.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Despite its chilly winters, Chester is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. The city is home to the Chester World Murals, a collection of outdoor murals depicting the city’s history and culture. Nearby attractions include the Tomlinson Run State Park, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as the Ohio River, which provides opportunities for fishing and boating.

Conclusion:

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience the true essence of winter? West Virginia’s coldest cities offer a glimpse into a world where the chill lingers, and the beauty of nature’s icy embrace is on full display. From the snow-capped peaks of Davis to the frosty valleys of Canaan, these destinations beckon adventurers and nature lovers alike.

So, bundle up and embrace the chill, for in these coldest corners of the Mountain State, unforgettable memories await those brave enough to venture forth.