Planning for Halloween in West Virginia? Get ready for crisp fall air and the possibility of changing skies. Most days, you’ll see daytime temperatures in the 50s or low 60s, while evenings often drop into the 40s. Costumes with layers just make sense, especially if you’re heading outside for festivities.
Rain might show up, but it’s not a given, and snow almost never arrives by late October. Days get shorter, with just about 10 hours of daylight, so trick-or-treating and fall events usually happen under early sunsets.
The cool air and fading light bring out that classic autumn vibe everyone waits for.
You’ll also get a backdrop of colorful mountain scenery. By Halloween, some places still hang on to their fall leaves, though the higher mountains might look a little bare.
That mix of brisk air, shorter days, and bright foliage really sets the tone for a season that feels uniquely West Virginian.
Typical Halloween Weather in West Virginia
Late October brings cool days, chilly nights, and a back-and-forth between dry and damp weather. Valleys and higher elevations can feel pretty different, with changes in temperature and chances for rain or even a dusting of early snow.
Average Temperatures in Late October
By October’s end, most of West Virginia sees average highs in the mid-50s°F to low 60s°F (12–16°C). At night, lows usually fall into the upper 30s°F to mid-40s°F (3–7°C).
Charleston, for example, starts the month around 67°F but drops to 50–55°F by Halloween. Cities like Wheeling up north run a bit cooler.
Up in the Appalachian Mountains—think Snowshoe or Canaan Valley—daytime highs often stick in the 40s°F (4–9°C), and nights can fall to the low 30s°F (0–2°C). Frost pops up a lot, and sometimes you’ll even spot a little snow.
With this cooling trend, you’ll want to dress in layers if you’re outside in the evening for trick-or-treating or local events.
Usual Weather Patterns and Conditions
October in West Virginia acts as a bridge between mild fall days and the first hints of winter. Skies are usually partly cloudy, and by month’s end, daylight drops to about 11 hours.
Rainfall averages 2.5–2.8 inches for October across much of the state. You’ll typically see about 8 days with measurable precipitation. Most days stay dry, but passing showers are common, and heavy storms don’t show up much this late in the month.
Humidity usually feels comfortable, but cooler nights can get damp, especially in valleys and river towns. In the mountains, a cold front sometimes brings the first snowflakes of the season, though these are usually light.
Winds generally stay light or moderate, around 4–6 mph. Breezy days happen when weather systems sweep through from the Midwest.
Regional Variations Across the State
West Virginia’s mountainous terrain creates big differences in late October weather. In the southern valleys near Beckley or Bluefield, you might find slightly warmer afternoons than up in the northern panhandle.
Eastern mountain ranges like the Alleghenies cool down faster and often record the state’s lowest Halloween temperatures. Trick-or-treaters in those spots should bring coats, gloves, and hats.
River valleys along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers hold onto warmth a bit longer. Evening temperatures there might stay in the low to mid-40s°F, making outdoor events a little more comfortable.
If you’re traveling across West Virginia, expect a 10–15°F difference between lowland towns and mountain communities on the same day. That’s something to keep in mind when planning Halloween outings.
Temperature Trends for October
October in West Virginia brings steady cooling as autumn slides toward winter. You’ll notice temperatures shift from mild afternoons to chilly nights, and the range depends a lot on where you are.
Historical data shows these patterns don’t change much, but you’ll still get occasional surprises—warm spells or cold snaps can show up out of nowhere.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Most of October, daytime highs in West Virginia fall between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C). Lower elevations like Charleston and Huntington usually lean toward the warmer side of that range.
Mountain towns like Snowshoe and Canaan Valley stay cooler, with highs in the low 50s to mid-60s.
Nights drop off sharply. Lows often hit 35°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C), especially in higher terrain. Places like Elkins or Marlinton see frost pretty often by mid to late October.
Valley cities like Charleston tend to stay a few degrees warmer at night than the hills around them.
This swing from day to night matters if you’re outside. A light jacket might work in the afternoon, but you’ll want heavier layers once the sun goes down. The quick changes really stand out—sometimes it feels like two different seasons in one day.
Historical Temperature Data
Long-term climate records show October temperatures in West Virginia have held steady for decades. From 1991–2020, Charleston averaged highs near 69°F (20°C) and lows around 45°F (7°C). Morgantown and Parkersburg look similar, but up in the mountains it’s cooler.
Here’s a quick look at some averages:
| Location | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 69 | 45 | 20 | 7 |
| Morgantown | 66 | 45 | 19 | 7 |
| Elkins | 66 | 39 | 19 | 4 |
| Snowshoe | 53 | 38 | 12 | 3 |
These numbers give you a sense of what to expect, but elevation and geography really make a difference. Higher ridges cool off fast, while river valleys keep their warmth a bit longer.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Averages help, but October can flip between warm and cold quickly. Early in the month, afternoons might still hit the mid-70s°F (about 24°C), especially in the south. By the last week, you might see highs stick in the low 50s°F (10–12°C).
Cold snaps aren’t rare. Nighttime lows sometimes dip below freezing in mountain valleys, bringing the first hard frosts. On the other hand, you’ll occasionally get a short warm spell with temps above 75°F (24°C), but it doesn’t last.
Get ready for big swings from one day to the next. A cold front can drop temperatures by 15–20 degrees in a day. That’s just part of the region’s autumn climate, and it keeps October interesting.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Late October in West Virginia usually brings cooler air and a fair amount of rain. Moderate precipitation is the norm, with rain more likely than snow at most elevations.
Average Precipitation in October
October ranks as one of West Virginia’s wetter months, though it’s not exactly a washout. The state averages 2.5 to 3.5 inches of precipitation for the month. Higher spots in the Allegheny Mountains pick up a little more, while the lower valleys get less.
Rain usually comes as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours. Most regions see 8 to 10 wet days. Central and eastern areas often get more rain than the western lowlands along the Ohio River.
Snow rarely shows up in October, but you might see a flurry or two on higher ridges above 3,000 feet. These early-season snows don’t stick around.
If you’re heading outdoors, be ready for damp ground, especially in forests or mountains where trails can get muddy. Waterproof shoes and layers are a good idea.
Likelihood of Rain Showers Around Halloween
Around Halloween, rain chances are moderate. History shows 20–30% of the last October days bring measurable rainfall. Showers tend to be brief and scattered, but cloudy skies are pretty common.
Evening temperatures drop into the 40s°F (4–9°C), and damp air feels colder. Drizzle or light rain is more likely than a thunderstorm this time of year.
Western counties by the Ohio River usually see drier weather than the eastern highlands, where the mountains wring out more rain. In places like Snowshoe or Canaan Valley, you might also run into fog with the light rain, which can cut down visibility.
If you’re out for trick-or-treating or a festival, expect cool, maybe wet weather. A light rain jacket or umbrella could save the night if showers pop up.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
By late October, West Virginia days get shorter and skies trend cloudier. You’ll notice less direct sunshine than in summer, which changes the feel of outdoor plans and evening events.
Typical Hours of Sunshine in Late October
At this point in the season, you get about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight each day. Sunrise is usually around 7:40 AM, and sunset comes close to 6:30 PM.
Actual sun is less than total daylight. Most places see 4 to 5 hours of direct sun daily. Higher elevations like the Alleghenies sometimes get even less, thanks to more cloud cover.
For outdoor plans, late morning through mid-afternoon usually offers the brightest conditions, especially in valleys and lower areas.
Impact of Cloud Cover on Halloween
Clouds really shape how Halloween night feels. In Charleston and Wheeling, skies are only clear or partly clear about 50–60% of the time in October. Many afternoons bring at least some clouds.
Cloudier days mean less sunshine and make evenings feel darker, even before sunset. That matters if you’re out trick-or-treating or at an outdoor party.
Cloud layers soften the daylight, so it feels less bright than in summer. On really overcast days, you might only get 2–3 hours of sunshine. On rare clear days, you could see 6 or more hours before dusk.
Autumn Scenery and Fall Colors
West Virginia’s mountains stretch out the fall season and show off a huge variety of colors. Elevation, temperature, and rainfall decide when and how the forests put on their best display.
Peak Fall Foliage Timing
Fall colors don’t peak everywhere at once in West Virginia. Higher elevations in the Alleghenies—places like Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley, and Blackwater Falls State Park—usually hit peak reds and oranges in late September or early October.
Mid‑elevation spots follow in mid‑October. Lower valleys and river regions often hold their peak until late October.
This staggered timing means you can chase fall color from north to south or from the mountains down into the valleys over several weeks. For a road trip, that’s pretty ideal.
Here’s a quick guide to when and where to look:
| Elevation Range | Typical Peak Color Period | Example Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000–4,000 ft | Late Sept – Early Oct | Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley |
| 2,000–3,000 ft | Mid – Late Oct | Seneca Rocks, Elkins |
| Below 2,000 ft | Late Oct – Early Nov | Charleston, Huntington |
This gradual change makes West Virginia one of the best places in the region to see fall colors over a long stretch of time.
How Weather Affects Fall Colors
Weather patterns really shape the brightness and length of fall foliage season. Warm days mixed with cool, crisp nights let trees crank out those vivid reds and golds everyone hopes to see.
But if a sudden frost rolls in, leaves might drop early, sometimes before they even reach peak color.
Moisture matters, too. A wet summer, then a dry start to fall, usually brings out more intense colors.
When drought hits, it tends to dull the leaves and cuts the season short. Strong winds or heavy rain can strip trees quickly, especially up on those exposed mountain ridges.
West Virginia’s terrain is all over the place, so conditions can flip fast between valleys and mountaintops. You might spot bright color hanging on in a sheltered hollow, even after the higher ridges have already gone bare.
If you’re planning a visit, check recent temperature swings and rainfall totals. That’ll help you guess if the season will be long and vibrant or if it’s going to be short with more muted tones.
Comparing Halloween to Other Months
Late October in West Virginia usually brings cool days, chilly nights, and a mix of clear skies and rain. The shift from early fall warmth to colder months makes the weather around Halloween feel unique compared to mid-winter.
Weather Differences Between October, January, and February
October temperatures in Charleston see average highs near 67°F and lows around 47°F. By Halloween, evenings usually drop into the mid-40s, so you’ll probably want a jacket if you’re outside.
Rainfall averages about 2.5 inches, spread over roughly 8 days with measurable precipitation.
In January, things get a lot colder. Charleston averages highs around 44°F and lows near 28°F.
Wheeling runs even chillier, with highs at 38°F and lows close to 24°F. Snowfall is pretty common, averaging 2–3 inches for the month.
February keeps the winter chill going, with Charleston highs near 48°F and lows around 30°F. Wheeling averages 41°F for highs and 26°F for lows.
Snow still falls regularly, though it starts to taper off a bit compared to January.
Transition from Autumn to Winter
By late October, Charleston usually gets about 11 hours of daylight. In January, you’ll see less than 10 hours.
This drop in sunlight during the winter months really changes temperatures. People also find it affects how much time they want to spend outside.
Humidity shifts too. October almost never feels muggy, since you rarely get days above a 65°F dew point.
Winter air turns much drier, and honestly, that makes the cold sting a bit more.
In October, wind speeds stay pretty gentle, averaging around 3.9 mph in Charleston.
By February, the winds pick up a little, with monthly averages landing closer to 5 or 6 mph.
Pair that with colder air, and you’ll feel a sharper chill.
October’s cool evenings quickly give way to winter’s freezing nights. It’s surprising how fast the season flips once November rolls in.