The Best and Worst Times to Visit Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state that truly experiences all four seasons, from freezing winters to hot and humid summers. Deciding when to visit can make or break your trip, as the weather and seasonal events vary greatly throughout the year. To help you plan the perfect Pennsylvania getaway, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting during each season, taking into account factors like weather, crowds, costs, and special events.

Spring (March – May)

Pros:

1. Affordable Prices: Spring is considered the shoulder season in Pennsylvania, meaning hotels and airfares are generally lower than peak summer rates.

2. Fewer Crowds: With the exception of school breaks, spring sees smaller crowds at major attractions like Philadelphia’s historic sites, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

3. Beautiful Blooms: From the stunning cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park to gardens coming alive across the state, springtime offers a colorful backdrop for your journey.

4. Seasonal Events: Philadelphia’s iconic Flower Show, St. Patrick’s Day parades, and events like the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s yearly Cherry Blossom Festival make for memorable experiences.

Cons:

1. Unpredictable Weather: While average temperatures range from 50-70°F, spring can be a real mixed bag, with potential snowstorms, heavy rain, and chilly winds.

2. Shorter Days: With daylight savings time just starting, days are still relatively short in early spring, limiting outdoor exploration time.

3. Muddy Conditions: The snow melt and heavy spring rains can make hiking trails and parks quite muddy and unpleasant.

Early to Mid-Summer (June – July)

Pros:

1. Warm, Sunny Weather: With average highs in the 70s-80s and lower humidity, these months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

2. Lush Scenery: Pennsylvania’s forests, farms, and parks are in full bloom, creating a green and vibrant landscape to explore.

3. Festivals Galore: From arts/music festivals like the Roots Picnic to community celebrations, this is peak festival season across the state.

4. City Exploration: Philadelphia’s murals, beer gardens, waterfront parks, and pedestrian scenes come alive during these months.

Cons:

1. Rising Costs: Hotels, flights, and even some attractions raise prices to capitalize on the summer demand.

2. School’s Out Crowds: Expect larger crowds, especially at family-friendly attractions and historical sites, as kids are out of school.

3. Afternoon Thunderstorms: While short-lived, these can dampen afternoons/evenings during the summer months.

Late Summer (August)

Pros:

1. Smaller Crowds: As families wrap up summer vacations, crowds start thinning out in many parts of the state.

2. Lower Rates: Hotels and airlines begin lowering rates after the peak summer season.

Cons:

1. Extreme Heat/Humidity: August is typically the hottest and most humid month, with highs reaching 90°F+ and oppressive humidity.

2. Thunderstorms: Pop-up afternoon/evening thunderstorms are incredibly common during this sultry month.

3. City Discomfort: Exploring Philadelphia’s urban core can be extremely uncomfortable in the intense August heat and mugginess.

Fall (September – November)

Pros:

1. Stunning Fall Foliage: As temperatures cool, Pennsylvania’s forests, parks, and even city streets transform into a vibrant display of red, orange and yellow leaves.

2. Comfortable Weather: Daytime highs range from 60-75°F, with crisper air and low humidity, making it ideal for hiking, biking, or city exploring.

3. Smaller Crowds: Apart from the first few weeks of October, you’ll encounter fewer tourists during this shoulder season window.

4. Harvest Festivals: From Oktoberfest celebrations to pumpkin patches and apple picking, Pennsylvania fully embraces the fall harvest.

5. Lower Prices: Like spring, airfare and hotel rates drop after the summer peak season concludes.

Cons:

1. Rain/Wind: While mild overall, fall does bring periods of heavy rain, wind, and dreary conditions as winter approaches.

2. Limited Daylight: After the end of October, daylight hours become more limited for sightseeing or outdoor pursuits.

Winter (December – February)

Pros:

1. Low Season Pricing: This is the least expensive time for hotels, airfare, and even some attractions due to low demand.

2. Minimal Crowds: Apart from the holidays, Pennsylvania’s destinations are delightfully uncrowded during the winter months.

3. Seasonal Beauty: A fresh snowfall can transform cities like Philadelphia and turn state parks into winter wonderlands.

4. Holiday Events: From the dazzling Longwood Gardens Christmas displays to Philly’s Christmas Village, there’s holiday magic throughout.

Cons:

1. Freezing Temps: Highs average 20-40°F, with lows dipping well below freezing. Travel disruptions from snow/ice storms are common.

2. Gloomy Weather: Overcast skies, freezing rain, and shorter days make for overall dreary conditions much of the season.

3. Attraction Closures: Some outdoor sites, tours, and activities have limited availability or are closed entirely during winter.

The Best Times to Visit

Based on the seasonal pros and cons, the optimal times to visit Pennsylvania are:

Late Spring (May): With crowds still manageable and blooming scenery, May’s mild temps are ideal for city tours and outdoor adventures

Early Fall (September-October): Stunning foliage, comfortable weather, harvest festivals, and fewer tourists make this conducive for all activities.

If your schedule allows flexibility, early June and late September are perhaps the two best overall windows, combining nice weather with smaller crowds and reasonable pricing.

The Worst Times

January-February: While affordable, the winter cold, gloomy skies, and risk of storms create challenges for sightseeing or outdoors pursuits.

August: The extreme heat and humidity, combined with thunderstorm chances, make summer’s final month less than desirable for most travelers.

March: Despite blooming flowers, this transition month brings unpredictable winter/spring weather that can disrupt travel plans.

No matter when you visit, Pennsylvania offers a wealth of activities and scenery for all travelers. With some thoughtful planning around the seasonal trends, you can maximize your Pennsylvania experience and make memories that last a lifetime in this diverse state.