If you’re planning a Christmas trip to West Virginia, get ready for cold weather and a real chance of snow in some parts of the state.
Average highs usually hang out in the low to mid-40s, while lows drop into the 20s. It’s definitely winter.
These chilly numbers really set the mood for a classic holiday.
Snow plays a big role in the Christmas vibe here, especially up in the higher mountains.
Down in the valleys, you might just get a dusting or even rain, but ski areas and mountain towns can hold onto a decent snow cover through the holidays.
It’s a mixed bag, honestly.
Each area feels a bit different, so you can pick between a snowy escape or a milder celebration.
The short days and cloudy skies also shape the week around Christmas.
You’ll get about ten hours of daylight, and the long evenings really make those holiday lights pop.
Whether you’re heading out for family, skiing, or just want some quiet mountain views, knowing what kind of weather to expect can help you make the most of your West Virginia holiday.
Typical Temperatures in West Virginia at Christmas
Christmas in West Virginia brings cold days, with highs usually in the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit.
At night, lows often dip into the 20s.
The exact temperature depends a lot on where you are.
Mountain towns feel much colder than the valleys, so keep that in mind.
Average Highs and Lows Across the State
By late December, you’ll see average highs in the upper 30s to low 40s°F (3–6°C) in many spots.
Charleston often hits about 42°F, while Wheeling is closer to the upper 30s.
After dark, things get colder.
Average lows land in the mid-20s°F (-4 to -2°C).
Charleston’s lows hover near 32°F, and Wheeling drops to about 27°F.
So, you get cold weather, but not extreme conditions.
Snow is possible, but in the lower areas, you might see more chilly rain or just a little snow around Christmas.
Regional Temperature Differences
West Virginia’s landscape creates some sharp temperature swings at Christmas.
Mountain towns like Snowshoe or Canaan Valley often see highs only in the 20s or low 30s°F.
Nights there can dip into the teens.
These spots are your best bet for snow on the ground.
Down in the river valleys and lower elevations—think Huntington or Charleston—it’s a few degrees warmer.
Highs usually reach the upper 30s to low 40s°F, and lows stay close to freezing.
Your Christmas experience really depends on your location.
Ski resorts usually get wintery weather, while western cities might have a damp but less snowy holiday.
Temperature Trends Over Recent Years
If you look at long-term records, Christmas in West Virginia has gotten a little warmer.
Cold Decembers still happen, but truly frigid days aren’t as common as they used to be.
For example, Wheeling’s recent Christmas highs often hit the upper 30s°F.
In the past, they stuck closer to the mid-30s.
Charleston now sees more years with highs in the low 40s°F instead of the upper 30s.
Cold weather still dominates, though.
Freezing nights and the chance for snow—especially in the mountains—are still part of the holiday.
Snowfall and the Likelihood of a White Christmas
Snow at Christmas in West Virginia really depends on where you are and the year’s weather patterns.
Higher elevations often get snow cover, while lowland cities usually have milder weather with less reliable holiday snowfall.
Historical Probability of Snow on Christmas Day
The National Weather Service calls it a white Christmas if there’s at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25.
In most populated areas of West Virginia, this doesn’t happen very often.
Lowland cities like Charleston and Huntington have a less than 20% chance for a white Christmas.
But up in mountain towns like Elkins and Snowshoe, the odds jump to 40–60% based on long-term averages.
The Appalachian terrain makes the difference.
Mountain valleys can hold onto snow longer, while river valleys warm up and lose their snow cover faster.
So, even a short drive can change your odds of waking up to snow on Christmas.
Average December Snowfall by Region
December snowfall varies a lot across West Virginia, mostly because of elevation.
Mountain counties in the east and southeast usually see the most.
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Snowshoe (4,800 ft elevation): 30+ inches in December on average
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Elkins (1,900 ft elevation): 10–15 inches
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Morgantown (1,000 ft elevation): 6–8 inches
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Charleston (600 ft elevation): 2–3 inches
Altitude really shapes your experience.
Stay in a ski area or up on a ridge, and you’re much more likely to see snow during the holidays.
Down in the valleys, snow is lighter and often melts within a day or two.
Factors Influencing Snowfall Patterns
A few things explain why snow totals swing so much across the state.
The Appalachian Mountains act as both a wall and a snowmaker.
Cold air from the north hits moist air from the Ohio Valley, and that mix creates upslope snow on the western slopes.
Elevation matters a lot.
Every 1,000 feet you go up, the average temperature drops about 3–5°F.
That’s why mountaintop towns are colder and get more snow than valley cities.
Regional weather patterns also play a role.
West Virginia sits where warm southern air meets cold northern air.
When those systems collide, snow usually falls in the mountains, while the valleys might get rain or a messy mix.
Precipitation and Weather Conditions During Christmas
You’ll usually get cold temps with a mix of rain, snow, and a lot of cloudy skies in late December.
Elevation and location change things, but most places see damp weather, not much sun, and light to moderate winds around Christmas.
Rainfall and Mixed Precipitation
Both rain and snow show up in West Virginia’s Christmas weather.
In lower spots like Charleston, average December precipitation is about 2.6 inches of rain and 1 inch of snow.
Higher elevations and northern spots, like Wheeling, get about 2.3 inches of rain and 1.5 inches of snow.
You’ll probably see precipitation on 8 days in December.
That gives you a fair shot at wet or wintry weather on or near Christmas.
Snow isn’t a guarantee, but light snow is common in the mountains.
Mixed precipitation happens pretty often.
Temperatures hover near freezing, so rain can flip to snow or sleet in just a few hours.
If you’re traveling, watch out—road conditions can change fast when the weather switches things up.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Levels
Christmas in West Virginia? Usually cloudy.
In Charleston, clear or partly clear skies only show up about 39% of the time in December.
Wheeling is about the same at 36%.
So, you’ll see more gray skies than sun.
Daylight is short, too.
You’ll get less than 10 hours of daylight per day in late December.
With short days and heavy clouds, sunshine is rare and usually filtered through the clouds.
If you’re hoping for a bright, sunny holiday, odds aren’t great.
But honestly, those cloudy days with a bit of snow can feel pretty cozy, especially in the mountains or out in the country.
Wind and Other Weather Variables
December winds usually stay light to moderate.
Charleston averages 4–5 mph, and Wheeling is a touch higher at 5–6 mph.
It’s not windy, but even a light breeze can make the cold feel sharper, especially when it’s damp.
Humidity runs high in winter, adding to the chill.
It’s not muggy, but the damp air can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
December brings the lowest shortwave solar energy, with less than 2 kWh per square meter per day.
So, there’s not much natural warmth from the sun, and you’ll rely more on indoor heat.
Daylight Hours and Seasonal Climate Patterns
December brings shorter days and colder weather, which really affects how you experience the season in West Virginia.
Daylight length directly impacts temperature, outdoor comfort, and the overall holiday vibe.
Average Daylight Duration in December
By late December, West Virginia averages about 9.5 hours of daylight per day—the shortest stretch of the year.
Sunrise is close to 7:30 AM, and sunset can happen before 5:00 PM.
With so little daylight, evenings show up fast.
This can change travel plans and outdoor activities.
If you’re driving in rural areas, get ready for long stretches in the dark and colder road conditions.
Short days also mean less time for the sun to warm things up.
Daytime highs often stick in the 30s °F, and nights dip below freezing.
Snow tends to linger since there’s not much melting time.
Here’s a quick look at Charleston, WV:
| Date (Approx.) | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Dec | 7:20 AM | 4:58 PM | ~9 hrs 38 min |
| Mid Dec | 7:28 AM | 4:57 PM | ~9 hrs 29 min |
| Late Dec | 7:35 AM | 5:02 PM | ~9 hrs 27 min |
Effect of Shorter Days on Weather Experience
Short days and cold air combine to create a real winter feeling.
You’ll probably notice temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Outdoor conditions stay damp thanks to high humidity and thick clouds, which makes the cold air feel even sharper, especially in valleys and near rivers.
With less sunlight, snow and ice stick around longer.
Roads, sidewalks, and trails can stay slick for days after a storm.
If you love holiday lights or evening events, the early sunset gives you more time to enjoy them.
Just remember to plan for colder, darker travel that starts well before dinner.
Travel Considerations for Christmas in West Virginia
Cold, snow, and mixed precipitation can impact roads and your travel plans.
A little planning goes a long way to avoid delays and stay safe as you move between towns, mountain resorts, and holiday gatherings.
Weather Impacts on Holiday Travel
December in West Virginia usually brings daytime highs between 3°C and 8°C, with nighttime lows around -5°C.
Snow and freezing rain show up often, especially in higher elevations like Snowshoe or Canaan Valley.
Those areas can get heavy snow, which slows traffic and sometimes causes road closures.
Down in cities like Charleston or Morgantown, you’ll see more rain than snow, but icy mornings are common.
When temps drop below freezing, wet roads can turn to black ice, which is tough to spot.
Fog can also cut visibility in valleys and on mountain passes.
With shorter daylight hours, travel gets even trickier.
It’s smart to expect slower driving and give yourself extra time.
| Area | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | Typical Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowshoe | 3°C | -5°C | Heavy snow |
| Morgantown | 7°C | -2°C | Rain/snow mix |
| Wheeling | 6°C | -2°C | Snow and rain |
Tips for Safe Winter Travel
Go ahead and pack a winter travel kit in your car. Throw in blankets, bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, and an ice scraper.
A small shovel and some sand or cat litter can really help if you get stuck on snowy back roads.
Check local forecasts before you leave. Mountain weather changes fast, so conditions can shift a lot even just a few miles away.
I usually rely on weather apps or tune in to local radio for the latest updates.
Drive cautiously on mountain highways. Use low gears when you’re heading down steep grades, since that helps save your brakes.
Try to keep your fuel tank at least half full, which can help avoid fuel line freeze.
If you’re flying into Charleston or Morgantown, plan for possible delays. Snow and ice often mess with regional flights and connecting routes.
Booking flexible tickets can take a lot of the stress out of last-minute changes.
Regional Highlights: Christmas Weather in Key West Virginia Locations
December in West Virginia usually brings cold days and frequent snowfall in the higher elevations. Daylight hours are short, and the weather can really depend on where you are.
The mountains see heavier snow, while the valleys get a mix of rain and light snow.
Eastern West Virginia
In the eastern highlands, like Snowshoe and Elkins, Christmas often means a solid snow cover. Average temperatures run from the low 20s °F at night up to the upper 30s °F during the day.
These higher elevations see some of the most snow in the state. Snowfall can get heavy, with double-digit totals by late December.
Resorts here count on both natural snow and snowmaking, so if you want a white holiday, this area’s a good bet.
Daylight is short—about 9 hours. The skies usually stay overcast.
Roads can get icy, so make sure you’re ready for winter driving if you’re heading to mountain towns.
Southern West Virginia
In the southern counties, including Beckley, the weather around Christmas feels colder than in the lowlands but not quite as harsh as the highest peaks. Daytime highs usually reach the mid-30s °F.
At night, lows drop into the 20s °F. Snow falls pretty often, and Beckley averages over 7 inches in December.
Snow tends to stick around here longer because of the higher elevation compared to the valleys.
You’ll probably notice rain and sleet sometimes mixing with the snow, which can make things slick. This part of the state feels more wintry than the northwestern lowlands, but it’s not as extreme as the eastern mountains.
Northwest West Virginia
Cities in the northwest like Parkersburg, Vienna, and Huntington follow a different pattern. You’ll notice temperatures feel a bit milder, with highs landing in the 40s °F and lows hanging out in the upper 20s °F.
Snowfall doesn’t usually pile up much here, just a few inches in December most years. Rain shows up more often than snow, and you’ll probably deal with a handful of drizzly days or that annoying mixed precipitation.
Snow does happen, but it tends to come and go quickly, melting away before you know it.
Daylight still feels short—about nine and a half hours—but the skies don’t seem as cloudy as in the mountains.
If you’re not a fan of heavy snow and want easier travel, this region is honestly a lot more manageable during the holidays.