West Virginia weather and outdoor projects
West Virginia is mountainous, and elevation shapes the weather. Charleston in the Kanawha Valley has warm, humid summers and fairly mild winters, while Elkins and the higher mountains are cooler and wetter, with an earlier frost and a shorter season.
Valley fog is common on calm mornings and can keep surfaces wet until late morning, so wait for it to clear before painting or staining. Late spring and September are the best months for most projects. Freeze-thaw cycles are frequent in winter, especially at higher elevations.
Frost dates in West Virginia
In Charleston, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 16 and the median first fall freeze is around October 26, a frost-free season of about 192 days.
In Elkins, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around May 5 and the median first fall freeze is around October 12, a frost-free season of about 159 days.
Frost dates matter for concrete, which must not freeze in its first 48 hours, for paint and caulk that need nights above their minimum, and for lawn care, since crabgrass preventer goes down as the soil warms in spring. See how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Best time to stain a deck in West Virginia
In Charleston, the most reliable months are August–September. April–July and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. In March and November, nights average about 35°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May–July averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Elkins, the most reliable months are August–September. May–July and October can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 48°F. In April, nights average about 37°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May and October, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–July averages about 10 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the deck staining forecast.
Best time to paint outside in West Virginia
In Charleston, the most reliable months are August–October. March–July and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In April, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May–July averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Elkins, the most reliable months are August–September. April–July and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 44°F. In March and November, nights average about 29°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 38°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May–July averages about 10 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the exterior painting forecast.
Best time to pour concrete in West Virginia
In Charleston, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March averages about 18 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Elkins, the most reliable months are June–September. May can also work on the right days. October–April averages about 19 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. May brings about 2 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the concrete pouring forecast.
Best time to seal a driveway in West Virginia
In Charleston, the most reliable months are August–September. April–July and October can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In April and October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May–July averages about 9 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
In Elkins, the most reliable months are August. May–July and September can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 48°F. In April and October, nights average about 38°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In May and September, nights average about 49°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–July averages about 10 wet days a month, so wait for a clear stretch.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the driveway sealing forecast.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in West Virginia
In Charleston, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Elkins, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 44°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the lawn fertilizer forecast.
How the weather differs across West Virginia
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 86°F | 26°F | 46 in | April 16 | October 26 |
| Elkins | 83°F | 20°F | 47 in | May 5 | October 12 |
Of the places above, Charleston has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (10 job-months), and Elkins has the fewest (8). If you live between them, expect something in between, and higher ground to be cooler with a shorter season.
Monthly weather in Charleston
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 26°F | 8 | 3.3 in | 57% | 23 |
| February | 48°F | 29°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 52% | 19 |
| March | 57°F | 35°F | 9 | 4.1 in | 45% | 14 |
| April | 69°F | 45°F | 8 | 3.6 in | 40% | 4 |
| May | 76°F | 53°F | 9 | 4.9 in | 49% | 0 |
| June | 83°F | 62°F | 9 | 4.7 in | 53% | 0 |
| July | 86°F | 66°F | 9 | 5.4 in | 54% | 0 |
| August | 85°F | 64°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 54% | 0 |
| September | 80°F | 57°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 51% | 0 |
| October | 69°F | 45°F | 7 | 2.9 in | 48% | 2 |
| November | 57°F | 36°F | 6 | 3.2 in | 48% | 13 |
| December | 48°F | 30°F | 8 | 3.6 in | 57% | 20 |
*Days with at least 0.1 inch of rain or melted snow. Freezing nights: average nights a month at or below 32°F. Humidity is calculated from NOAA hourly normal temperature and dew point at 3 PM.
Monthly weather in Elkins
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 20°F | 8 | 3.4 in | 58% | 26 |
| February | 45°F | 22°F | 8 | 3.3 in | 52% | 23 |
| March | 54°F | 29°F | 10 | 4.0 in | 45% | 21 |
| April | 66°F | 37°F | 10 | 4.1 in | 41% | 10 |
| May | 73°F | 47°F | 11 | 5.1 in | 48% | 2 |
| June | 80°F | 56°F | 9 | 4.5 in | 54% | 0 |
| July | 83°F | 60°F | 10 | 6.0 in | 56% | 0 |
| August | 82°F | 58°F | 8 | 3.9 in | 55% | 0 |
| September | 77°F | 52°F | 7 | 3.5 in | 52% | 0 |
| October | 66°F | 39°F | 7 | 3.1 in | 48% | 9 |
| November | 55°F | 30°F | 7 | 2.9 in | 49% | 20 |
| December | 45°F | 24°F | 9 | 3.6 in | 57% | 25 |
Use the averages, then check the forecast
These ratings describe a typical month, not a particular week. A warm spell in a “poor” month can give you a good day, and a wet week can spoil a “good” one. Use this page to plan the season, then check the 7-day forecast for your ZIP code before you buy materials or book help. Each project forecast checks the hours after you finish too: overnight lows, dew and rain that would ruin fresh stain, paint, sealer or concrete.
About this data
Monthly temperatures, rain days, snowfall and freeze dates are NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Climate Normals for 1991–2020 at CHARLESTON YEAGER AP, ELKINS RANDOLPH CO AP. Ratings apply the same temperature limits as our forecasts (for example, 50°F or warmer for deck stain and driveway sealer, and no freezing nights for new concrete) to the average month. Your product label always takes priority.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in West Virginia?
In Charleston, August–September. In Elkins, August–September. Look for at least 24 dry hours before and after, and nights above about 40°F. The deck staining forecast checks your exact week.
When is the last frost in West Virginia?
Charleston: around April 16; Elkins: around May 5. These are median dates from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, so a freeze after them happens in about half of years. Low spots and valleys freeze later in spring.
Can you pour concrete in winter in West Virginia?
Yes, but it needs cold-weather practices. Charleston averages about 62 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in West Virginia?
In Charleston, August–September. In Elkins, August. Most sealers need 50°F or warmer for 24 hours and a dry day after. See the driveway sealing forecast.