Gauley River National Recreation Area in January
January at Gauley River National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 21°F, with about 3.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.2× the park's average month, which makes January a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 21°F
- Average high
- 41°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 3.5 in
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
Roughly 1% of the park's yearly visitors come in January: roughly 2,200 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Gauley River; by contrast September, the busiest, runs about 3.6× the average.
On our Best Time to Visit score January rates 3/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 31°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 January instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 9.6 hours of daylight in January to explore — near the year-round minimum.
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 January visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How January compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 45°F / 26°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 45 Fair |
| January | 41°F / 21°F | 0.2× Very quiet | 3 Poor |
| February | 44°F / 23°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 46 Fair |
All twelve months at Gauley River, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
January averages a daytime high near 41°F and an overnight low around 21°F at Gauley River National Recreation Area, with about 3.5 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.
January is very quiet at Gauley River National Recreation Area (about 0.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 3/100. Our recommended month is May. January draws about 17% of the visits Gauley River sees in an average month. Numbers that low usually mean limited access: closed roads, closed facilities or deep-winter conditions. The count alone does not say which, so check the park's current conditions before planning around January.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is January. January sits at about 0.2× the park's average, or 1% of annual visitation.
A typical January sees about 2,000 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 January
Booking a January trip to Gauley River National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live January 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 January.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1993–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.