So, you’re going to West Virginia! Maybe you’re moving for retirement, the low cost of living, or simply for the beautiful scenery of “The Mountain State.” West Virginia is a beautiful state with many outdoor recreational activities. However, you may be wondering which city in West Virginia has the best weather?

The city in West Virginia with the best weather is Parkersburg. Parkersburg has the most optimal weather year-round compared to other cities in West Virginia. One of the reasons is because it receives about 42 inches of rain annually compared to the state’s average of about 45 inches.

Parkersburg, like most of West Virginia, is known for hot, humid summers and cold winters. But what sets Parkersburg apart from the other cities in West Virginia? Keep reading to learn more about why Parkersburg has the best weather in West Virginia.

Why Does Parkersburg Have the Best Weather In West Virginia

On average, West Virginia has hot, humid summers and mild, cold winters. However, the degree of how hot or cold the weather gets and how overall temperate the climate is, can vary considerably from city to city. This is because of the mountainous terrain West Virginia is known for.

Parkersburg has the best weather in West Virginia because of the comparatively temperate climate it has. As a result, Parkersburg has more sunny days, less rain, less snow, less muggy days, and a lower risk of extreme weather compared to most cities in West Virginia.     

With more sunny days, less snow and rain precipitation, less muggy conditions in summer, and a lower risk for extreme weather, Parkersburg made the top of the list for cities in West Virginia.

Average Temperature In Parkersburg Warmer 

The average temperature in summer, winter, and annually in Parkersburg ranks favorably against other cities in West Virginia. In addition, the average temperature is warmer than other cities in winter, summer, and overall.

  • Parkersburg has an average annual temperature of about 53 degrees Fahrenheit. West Virginia’s average is also about 53 degrees.
  • Summers in Parkersburg peak in July and have an average high of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. West Virginia’s average is about 83 degrees.
  • Winters in Parkersburg peak in January and have an average low of around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. West Virginia’s average is about 21 degrees.

Compared to other cities, Parkersburg is generally warmer. Parkersburg also has a “comfort index” rating of 8 or higher 6 months a year compared to West Virginia’s 5 months a year.

Winter Conditions Are Milder in Parkersburg

Winters in Parkersburg are milder than in other cities in West Virginia. On average, Parkersburg receives 17 inches less snow than West Virginia’s average. Parkersburg is also typically warmer than other areas, with the average January low about 2 degrees higher than West Virginia’s average.

Summer Conditions Are Less Muggy 

Summers in Parkersburg are warmer than average, with temperatures reaching about 86 degrees in Parkersburg, whereas West Virginia’s average is 83 degrees. However, even with higher temperatures, you can expect less muggy conditions than in other cities. Additionally, there are more sunny summer days than in other WV cities.

Parkersburg has 179 sunny days, on average, a year. West Virginia overall has about 164 sunny days, and the United States average is about 205 days. Parkersburg is about 4% sunnier than West Virginia on average.

There are 4 pleasant months in Parkersburg, where temperatures are between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit. May, June, and September have the best weather in Parkersburg.

Parkersburg Has Less Precipitation Annually

West Virginia gets regular precipitation throughout the year. Parkersburg is drier than most WV cities, which can allow for more time outside.

  • The average rainfall is about 42 inches annually, which is less than most cities in West Virginia.
  • The average snowfall is around 16 inches annually, which is significantly less than West Virginia’s average of 28 inches.
  • There are about 142 days a year with precipitation (rain or snow) in Parkersburg, which means there’s precipitation around 38.9% of the time. This makes Parkersburg drier than other cities.

On average, West Virginia has precipitation 145 days a year, or 39.7% of the time, and averages about 45 inches annually. This makes Parkersburg just under 1% drier than West Virginia’s average, and you can expect around 3 inches less precipitation annually.

There Are More Sunny Days In Parkersburg

Parkersburg has more sunny days than most of the other cities in West Virginia. With 179 sunny days per year, there are sunny conditions about 49% of the time. This is great if you’re planning to have a garden or simply enjoy the outdoors. You’ll see the clearest skies and sunshine between June and November in Parkersburg.

Overall Parkersburg Humidity Is Higher

Parkersburg is generally more humid than other cities in West Virginia, with an average humidity of about 81%, whereas West Virginia’s average is only 78.2%. During the summer, muggy conditions are actually lower than in other cities.

To keep your home comfortable, try BLACK+DECKER’s 3000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier.

Average Wind Speed

West Virginia generally has mild variation in windy conditions throughout the year. Parkersburg is no different and is about average compared to other cities.

Risk of Extreme Weather

Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding are all extreme weather concerns in West Virginia. Parkersburg has a lower risk of weather extremes than other cities in West Virginia. The highest risk is flooding.

  • Tornado risk in Parkersburg is minimal; very few occur in West Virginia as a whole and are usually very weak. Between 1967 and 2021, there have only been 12 historical tornado events in and around Parkersburg. Parkersburg has a tornado index value of 47.25, which is higher than West Virginia’s average but lower compared to other cities with similar weather.
  • Flooding is the most likely extreme weather to occur anywhere in West Virginia. Parkersburg is less likely than other cities to flood and has an overall better projected decrease in properties likely to be affected by flooding over the next several decades.

Overall, the main risk due to weather is flooding. But fortunately, unlike the rest of West Virginia, Parkersburg isn’t as affected by this.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about moving to or visiting West Virginia, Parkersburg is the city with the best weather year-round. Parkersburg is overall more temperate than other West Virginia cities, and you’ll likely have more opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the weather.