The climate of Athens
The city of
Athens, in
West Virginia, USA, enjoys a multitude of climatic influences but primarily falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb. This is defined as a Marine west coast climate with warm summers and it reverberates well with Athens's geographical position. The variation in climate conditions from one month to the next paints a vivid, dynamic weather landscape throughout the year.
On account of its position and classification, Athens enjoys a predominantly moderate climate. Temperatures range from a low of 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in the colder months, peaking at 81.7°F (27.6°C) during summer. Athens experiences highest rainfall of 3.5" (89mm) both in
February and
May. Conversely, the driest month is
September with a minimal rainfall of 1.69" (43mm). Snowfall is observed from
November to
April, with the maximum amount falling in
January, measuring 9.09" (231mm). The daylight duration varies from a minimum duration of 9.9 hours in
December and January, stretching to a maximum 14.7 hours in
June. The cloud cover over Athens also varies throughout the year, with highest cloudiness in January and December with 62% and 58% respectively. The minimum air pressure of Athens reaches around 29.99" (762mm) in June while the maximum happens in November with 30.16" (766mm).
The best time to visit Athens
The best time to visit
Athens would arguably be between late spring and early summer, that is, from
May to
June. The average temperatures during these months range from 71.4°F (21.9°C) to 81.7°F (27.6°C). These months also provide the longest daylight hours, with an average of 14.2 hours to 14.7 hours per day respectively, providing much time for sightseeing. June offers the highest average sunshine hours, clocking in at 9.9 hours per day, ensuring enough sunlight for outdoor activities. Finally, precipitation in May is relatively high at 3.5" (89mm) but reduces to 2.76" (70mm) in June, striking a balance between pleasing weather and lush, green surroundings.
The worst time to visit Athens
The least desirable months for a visit to
Athens would likely be
January and
February. During these months, the temperatures hover between a minimum of 23.2°F (-4.9°C) to 26.4°F (-3.1°C) and a maximum of 37°F (2.8°C) to 41.7°F (5.4°C) respectively. These months also witness considerable snowfall, with January seeing the highest at 9.09" (231mm). The cloud coverage is high in January at 62% which, combined with shorter daylight hours of approximately 9.9 to 10.8 hours, results in lesser sunshine hours of around 4.1 to 4.7 hours per day.
Spring weather in Athens
Spring in
Athens lasts from
March to
May, witnessing a transition from cooler to warmer temperatures. March begins with an average high of 50.4°F (10.2°C), extending up to 71.4°F (21.9°C) in May. During this season, night temperatures start at 32.7°F (0.4°C) and reach 50.5°F (10.3°C) by May. Rainfall in this period shows a steady pattern, ranging from 2.87" (73mm) to about 3.5" (89mm). The city also sees an increase in daylight from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May. The UV index also rises gradually during the spring, reaching up to 5 in May, indicating more sunshine time.
Summer weather in Athens
Athens experiences summer from
June to
August. Peak temperatures are observed during this season going up to a maximum of 81.7°F (27.6°C) in
July. The night temperatures are also notably comfortable, hovering between 55.8°F (13.2°C) to 59°F (15°C). The rainfall is lower during the summer months with the lowest being 2.6" (66mm) in August. The daylight hours reach their peak at 14.7 hours in June, gradually declining to 13.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Athens
Autumn unfolds in
Athens between
September and
November. The maximum temperature drops to a pleasant 62.4°F (16.9°C) by November and the minimum temperature also decreases to 33.6°F (0.9°C). Interestingly, rain starts to recede gradually to just about 2.09" (53mm) by November and September happens to be the driest month. Daylight hours decrease progressively from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Athens
Winter in
Athens spans from
December to
February. The cold season witnesses the lowest temperatures falling to a minimum of 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in
January. The highest temperature doesn't exceed 42.3°F (5.7°C) even in the relatively warmer February month. Snowfall is observed in December with significant amounts experienced in January measuring up to 9.09" (231mm). The daylight decreases to its shortest at 9.9 hours in December and January. The UV index hovers around 2 during these months, indicating the dominance of overcast conditions.
Weather in January
Weather in
Athens,
West Virginia begins the year with quite a chilly climate during
January. Temperatures often find themselves waving between 23.2°F (-4.9°C) and 37°F (2.8°C). Besides cold temperatures, snowfall plays a significant role with grounds receiving around 8.58" (218mm) of snow.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, the
Athens climate experiences gentle temperature shifts. Weather conditions manifest the cold characteristics of winter but with a slight increase in February's temperature compared to
January. Notably, the most significant meteorological change is a decrease in snowfall to 9.09" (231mm), although winter landscapes persist.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the transition from winter to spring in
Athens. The biting cold of winter lessens, yet the temperatures maintain the chill characteristic of
West Virginia's early year climate. Taking the center stage in major weather happenings is the reduction in snowfall to 7.2" (183mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Weather in
April suggests the full arrival of spring in
Athens. Contextually, the climate in April marks a significant leap from its predecessor, with no notable winter conditions persisting. A massive decrease in snowfall from 7.2" (183mm) in
March down to 2.01" (51mm) in April underscores spring's advent.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Athens,
West Virginia, offers a warm embrace with its climate. It stands apart with its distinction of being the first month of the year without snowfall, setting itself apart from its predecessor. The sweeping warmth amplified by bright sunshine starts painting May's canvas with a blend of vibrant colors.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Athens witnesses a complete transformation within its climatic pattern, announcing summer's arrival. The absence of snowfall from the previous month continues, further emphasizing the shift. To the relief of the townsfolk, sunshine extends itself generously across the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The peak of summer heat settles squarely in
July for
Athens,
West Virginia. July tops the calendar as the warmest month, with temperatures soaring to a yearly high of 81.7°F (27.6°C). The pronounced heat, coupled with long hours of daylight, sets a lively tone for most summer activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The summer warmth continues to envelop
Athens in
August. The temperatures in August exhibit a slight dip from
July's peak, yet the month shares a similar weather profile. However, the motion towards cooler evenings becomes noticeable by the latter half of the month, although the days retain radiant sunshine.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September can be seen as a soothing transition from the hot summer to the vibrant fall. A stark contrast from
August's temperatures is absent, as September's weather proceeds in harmony with the tail end of summer warmth. The cessation of rainfall to a minimum of the year at 1.69" (43mm) hints at the more dry months ahead.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October arrives with the full glory of fall in
Athens,
West Virginia. The change in weather from
September primarily lies in the cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. It is important to note that the snow graces Athens once again with a fall of 1.5" (38mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
November ushers in a direct shift towards the approaching winter. The chill in the air grows more prominent as the month progresses, especially when contrasted with
October. The increase in snowfall to a substantial 4.06" (103mm) from the slight 1.5" (38mm) in October solidifies the arrival of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The year's end in
Athens,
West Virginia, is characterized by full-blown winter conditions with
December standing as one of the coldest months. A peak in snowfall at 7.44" (189mm) reinforces the grip winter has on Athens. The chill, combined with the festive spirit of the holiday season, creates a uniquely beautiful end of the year.
Weather in December »