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Beckley

Beckley travel guide

City in West Virginia, US

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportBKW · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population17,286

About Beckley

Beckley is a city in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States, and its county seat. The population was 17,286 at the 2020 census, making it the ninth-most populous city in the state. It is the principal city of the Beckley metropolitan area of Southern West Virginia, home to 115,079 residents in 2020. Beckley was founded on April 4, 1838, and was long known for its ties to the coal mining industry. It is the home of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology, as well as an annex of Concord University and the University of Charleston.

Places to visit in Beckley

  1. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

    Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

    Museum

    Ride a mine car deep into a real former coal mine guided by veteran miners, then explore restored coal camp buildings including a church, school and miner's home showing Appalachian mining life.

  2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Nature · 14 mi from centre

    A deep river gorge near Beckley offering whitewater rafting, rock climbing and hiking, with overlooks such as Grandview giving dramatic views of the river winding far below.

  3. New River Gorge Bridge

    New River Gorge Bridge

    Landmark · 21 mi from centre

    A long steel arch bridge soaring high above the river near Fayetteville, best viewed from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center boardwalk, with guided walks offered on the catwalk beneath the roadway.

  4. Tamarack

    Market

    A showcase for West Virginia arts and crafts just off the interstate, with working artisans' studios, a large shop full of handmade goods and a cafe serving regional food.

Where to stay in Beckley

Popular hotels in Beckley, out of 40 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Beckley

Best time to visit Beckley

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Beckley is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 22° – 39° 14
Feb 29° – 49° 11
Mar 34° – 55° 11
Apr 43° – 64° 13
May 52° – 70° 17
Jun 59° – 78° 14
Jul 65° – 82° 16
Aug 62° – 79° 13
Sep 57° – 74° 10
Oct 45° – 63° 7
Nov 37° – 54° 11
Dec 29° – 44° 14

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Beckley weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 62° 39° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 62° 41° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 64° 40° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 63° 39° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 67° 40° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 64° 44° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Beckley

These are the airports closest to central Beckley. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BKW Raleigh County Memorial Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Beckley

Beckley travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Beckley?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Beckley is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Beckley?

July is usually the warmest month in Beckley, with average highs of 82°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 22°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 121 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Beckley?

Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Beckley.

What time zone is Beckley in?

Beckley uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Beckley?

Top sights in Beckley include Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, New River Gorge Bridge and Tamarack. Ride a mine car deep into a real former coal mine guided by veteran miners, then explore restored coal camp buildings including a church, school and miner's home showing Appalachian mining life.

Where should I stay in Beckley?

Popular areas for hotels in Beckley include Beckley Area. Well-reviewed options include Courtyard By Marriott Beckley and Country Inn Suites By Radisson Beckley Wv.

How many hotels can I book in Beckley?

Destina Holidays currently lists 40 properties in and around Beckley, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.