When to visit New River Gorge without the crowds
New River Gorge (West Virginia, United States) is calmest in January, February, March, April, November and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in May, June, July, August and September. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
May & Sep
When everyone heads home
The first week of November.
Tip
Class V rafting on the Gauley runs only in autumn dam releases.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 5 °C (41 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 1/5 · calm | 10 °C (49 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 2/5 · calm | 13 °C (56 °F) | |
| April | 2/5 · calm | 18 °C (65 °F) | |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 22 °C (71 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 26 °C (78 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 5/5 · busy | 28 °C (82 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 4/5 · busy | 27 °C (80 °F) | |
| September | 4/5 · busy | 25 °C (76 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate ✦ | 19 °C (67 °F) | Bridge Day BASE jumping (October) |
| November | 2/5 · calm | 13 °C (55 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 8 °C (46 °F) | Christmas Day |
✦ = something special to see.
What to see, and when
- Fall colours (October).
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, New River Gorge National Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit New River Gorge without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually February (crowds 1/5). In February the average high is 10 °C (49 °F). All the calm months: January, February, March, April, November and December.
When is New River Gorge most crowded?
The busiest season is May, June, July, August and September. The first week of November.
What is the weather like in New River Gorge?
Average highs range from 5 °C (41 °F) in January to 28 °C (82 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What is there to see in New River Gorge by season?
Fall colours (October).
What festivals are there in New River Gorge?
The main ones: Bridge Day BASE jumping (October) (October).