Spring is officially here, and many West Virginians can personally attest to it; robins have arrived, daffodils are blooming, and spring peepers are singing. But don’t get too comfortable with the warmer weather because we’ve still got to survive the many “Little Winters” that often characterize an Appalachian spring. For instance, have you ever heard of locust winter? Let’s face it; winter in West Virginia is never boring!

There's Redbud Winter...
Thomas/Flickr
Redbud winter is the first of these "Little Winters" and usually arrives in late March. It is characterized by several heavy frosts between warm spells. Winter in West Virginia is often very beautiful.
Jennifer Boyer/Flickr
You'll know to watch for it when the redbuds and apple trees start to bloom. It’s a gorgeous season that we love.
...and Locust Winter...
Dan Keck/Flickr
Some folks think Locust Winter happens in early April, when the locust leaf buds start to unfurl.
aecole2010/Flickr
Others place it after the Dogwood Winter, in late May when the locusts begin to bloom. West Virginia winters are utterly enchanting.
... and Dogwood Winter ...
mark m/Flickr
Dogwood Winter occurs in mid to late April, when the dogwood trees are in full blossom. Who knew winter in West Virginia could look like this?

Related Stories

Prepare Yourself For Polar Temperature Swings This Winter In West Virginia, According To The Farmers Almanac

Prepare Yourself For Polar Temperature Swings This Winter In West Virginia, According To The Farmers Almanac

 This Tiny West Virginia Town Is The Grandest Winter Wonderland You’ll Ever Visit

This Tiny West Virginia Town Is The Grandest Winter Wonderland You’ll Ever Visit

 Best Viewed In Winter, This West Virginia Waterfall And Ruin Are A Perfect Pair

Best Viewed In Winter, This West Virginia Waterfall And Ruin Are A Perfect Pair
ccpoor/Flickr
A heavy frost is not unusual during this time. But we think it just makes everything more beautiful.
... and Blackberry Winter...
color line/Flickr
In early to mid-May, the blackberries begin to bloom. West Virginia winter is your typical winter.
born1945/Flickr
Blackberry Winter is also known as the notorious "May 10th Cold Snap" that often dashes the early efforts of over-eager gardeners. Still, this cold snap during the blackberry bloom helps to set on the blackberry fruit. It’s good to know that the berries need that cold snap!
... and Whippoorwill Winter...
Biodiversity Heritage Library/Flickr
Many folks merge this one with Britches Winter, but traditionally it refers to a cold spell in mid to late May that coincides with the Whip-poor-will migration. These little West Virginia winters are easier to manage with beautiful things like flowers and birds to sweeten it up.
... and Britches Winter.
Denise Krebs/Flickr
Finally, if there's a bit of a cool down around Memorial Day, it's probably Britches Winter (or Long John Britches Winter or Cotton Britches Winter or Linsey-Woolsey Winter), referring to the last time you might need to wear long underwear until fall. We can get behind that!

Of course, there’s plenty of regional debate about the names and order and dates of these winters, but here’s the thing that all experienced mountain folk agree on: even though we’re seeing plenty of signs that spring has come, don’t think that we’ve seen the last of old man winter just yet.

Which of these “Little Winters” are you watching for? Are there any we missed?

Oh, and if you’d like to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather in between these cold snaps, check out these 7 easy and beautiful spring hikes in West Virginia.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Winter in West Virginia

Megan McDonald | December 02, 2022

Does West Virginia a lot of snow?

West Virginia does get a lot of snow, depending on where you are in the state. The warmer, drier areas of West Virginia average less than an inch a year, whereas the wetter, more humid mountain ranges can see over 100 inches a year. 

You’ll find that the central portion of West Virginia tends to receive 50 or more inches of precipitation per year. The western portion of the state, situated along the Ohio River, will receive around 40 inches on average.

What are the temperatures in West Virginia in the winter?

The temperatures in West Virginia in the winter range from the low 20s in the colder, mountainous areas in the central and northwest portions of the state. In the warmer southern borders, temperatures can hover at around 30 degrees in the winter season, making the weather far more temperature and pleasurable.

What is there to do in West Virginia in the winter?

There are tons of great winter activities to do in West Virginia in the winter.  If you love winter sports, heading into the mountains is a great place to go. Popular activities cover the wide range of winter fun you’d see in most areas with snowfall, including:

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia

Featured Addresses
West Virginia, USA