Gauley River National Recreation Area in February
February at Gauley River National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 23°F, with about 3.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.3× the park's average month, which makes February a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 23°F
- Average high
- 44°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 3.1 in
- Daylight
- 10.6 hours
Roughly 2% of the park's yearly visitors come in February: roughly 3,600 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993 to 2025.
That makes February the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (3.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score February rates 46/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 33°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% of annual visitors, choosing February instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 10.6 hours of daylight in February to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 213,596 recreation visits, down 21.7% from 272,898 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 79.1%, so a February visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How February compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F / 21°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
| February | 44°F / 23°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 46 Fair |
| March | 52°F / 29°F | 0.6× Quiet | 51 Fair |
All twelve months at Gauley River, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
February averages a daytime high near 44°F and an overnight low around 23°F at Gauley River National Recreation Area, with about 3.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
February is very quiet at Gauley River National Recreation Area (about 0.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 46/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is January. February sits at about 0.3× the park's average, or 2% of annual visitation.
A typical February sees about 4,000 recreation visits at Gauley River National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993–2025.
Where to stay near Gauley River in February
Booking a February trip to Gauley River National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live February availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gauley River
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in February.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1993–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.