Area code 304 is a vital part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), serving the entire state of West Virginia in the United States. If you’ve ever received a phone call from this area code, or need to contact someone within it, understanding its location and context is essential. This article will delve into the specifics of area code 304, providing a comprehensive overview of its location, time zone, and the communities it encompasses.
Delving into the Location and Time Zone of Area Code 304
Area code 304 is geographically situated within the state of West Virginia. West Virginia is located in the Appalachian region of the United States, bordering Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland and Virginia to the east and south, and Ohio and Kentucky to the west. As the sole area code for the entire state, 304 covers a diverse landscape ranging from rolling hills to mountainous terrain.
Time Zone Alignment: Eastern Time
Area code 304 operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This time zone is a significant one in North America, encompassing a large portion of the eastern United States and parts of eastern Canada. Within the Eastern Time Zone, area code 304 observes both:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): During standard time, area code 304 is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC/GMT-5:00).
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): When daylight saving time is in effect, typically from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, area code 304 shifts to EDT, becoming 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC/GMT-4:00).
It’s important to be mindful of these time differences, especially when contacting individuals or businesses in area code 304 from other time zones.
Daylight Saving Time Schedule for Area Code 304
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed in area code 304, following the standard North American schedule. For the year 2025, Daylight Saving Time will commence on:
- Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 AM
And will conclude on:
- Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
During this period, clocks are moved forward by one hour to make better use of daylight during the longer summer days.
Major Cities and Communities Served by Area Code 304
Area code 304 serves a wide array of cities and communities across West Virginia. To provide a clearer picture of its coverage, here’s a breakdown by county, highlighting some of the major cities within each:
Kanawha County
- Charleston (largest city served by area code 304)
- South Charleston
- Dunbar
- Nitro
- Sissonville
- Montgomery
- Clendenin
Cabell County
- Huntington
- Barboursville
- Milton
Wood County
- Parkersburg
- Vienna
- Mineralwells
- Rockport
Monongalia County
- Morgantown
- Core
Ohio County
- Wheeling
Hancock County
- Weirton
- Chester
- New Cumberland
Marion County
- Fairmont
- Mannington
- Rivesville
- Fairview
Berkeley County
- Martinsburg
- Inwood
- Hedgesville
Raleigh County
- Beckley
Harrison County
- Clarksburg
- Shinnston
- Salem
- West Milford
- Sardis
- Wallace
Mercer County
- Bluefield
- Princeton
- Bramwell
- Matoaka
Marshall County
- Moundsville
- Cameron
Fayette County
- Oak Hill
- Fayetteville
- Ansted
- Mount Hope
- Gauley Bridge
- Meadow Bridge
Randolph County
- Elkins
- Mill Creek
- Harman
Jefferson County
- Charles Town
- Harpers Ferry
Upshur County
- Buckhannon
- Rock Cave
Mineral County
- Keyser
- Fort Ashby
- Elk Garden
Wetzel County
- New Martinsville
- Pine Grove
- Hundred
Taylor County
- Grafton
- Flemington
Mason County
- Point Pleasant
- New Haven
- Mason
Lewis County
- Weston
- Jane Lew
- Walkersville
Greenbrier County
- Lewisburg
- Alderson
- Rupert
- Frankford
Jackson County
- Ravenswood
- Ripley
Nicholas County
- Summersville
- Craigsville
- Richwood
- Birch River
Barbour County
- Philippi
- Belington
Wayne County
- Kenova
- Wayne
- Fort Gay
- Prichard
- Dunlow
- East Lynn
Mingo County
- Williamson
- Delbarton
- Matewan
- Gilbert
- Kermit
Preston County
- Kingwood
- Terra Alta
- Reedsville
- Rowlesburg
- Newburg
- Tunnelton
- Bruceton Mills
Boone County
- Madison
- Whitesville
Brooke County
- Wellsburg
- Beech Bottom
Summers County
- Hinton
Grant County
- Petersburg
Hardy County
- Moorefield
- Wardensville
Putnam County
- Winfield
- Buffalo
- Scott Depot
Roane County
- Spencer
- Walton
McDowell County
- Welch
- Gary
- War
- Davy
- Bradshaw
- Iaeger
- Maybeury
- Kimball
Ritchie County
- Harrisville
- Pennsboro
- Ellenboro
- Cairo
- Smithville
Hampshire County
- Romney
- Capon Bridge
- Augusta
Logan County
- Logan
- Chapmanville
- Man
Gilmer County
- Glenville
Wyoming County
- Mullens
- Oceana
- Pineville
Tucker County
- Parsons
- Davis
- Thomas
Tyler County
- Sistersville
- Middlebourne
Lincoln County
- Hamlin
- Branchland
- Griffithsville
Pocahontas County
- Marlinton
- Hillsboro
Webster County
- Webster Springs
- Cowen
- Hacker Valley
Braxton County
- Sutton
- Gassaway
- Burnsville
Wirt County
- Elizabeth
Doddridge County
- West Union
Morgan County
- Berkeley Springs
- Paw Paw
Pendleton County
- Franklin
- Brandywine
- Riverton
Monroe County
- Peterstown
- Union
- Greenville
Calhoun County
- Grantsville
Clay County
- Clay
- Ivydale
Area Code 304 Location Map: This map visually represents the area covered by the 304 area code within West Virginia, highlighting its statewide reach.
Conclusion: Understanding Area Code 304
In summary, area code 304 is geographically located across the entire state of West Virginia, operating within the Eastern Time Zone. It encompasses a diverse range of cities and communities, from bustling urban centers to smaller, rural towns. Understanding the location and time zone of area code 304 is crucial for effective communication and for anyone needing to connect with this region of the United States. Whether you are planning a call, researching business locations, or simply curious about US area codes, this guide provides a solid foundation for understanding “Where Is Area Code 304”.
