When Is The Best Time To Visit Pennsylvania?
The Northeastern state of Pennsylvania offers many distinct seasonal attractions, making it a popular travel destination year-round. From its snow-covered mountains in winter to the magnificent displays when the leaves change color in autumn, each season brings with it countless unique experiences for visitors to enjoy.
The best time to visit? Well, that depends on your personal interests, such as skiing, hiking, attending festivals, or enjoying scenic drives. Whether you're interested in winter sports, spring blooms, summer outdoor activities, or fall foliage, Pennsylvania’s changing seasons ensure there’s always something to enjoy, whatever your pleasure.
Winter in Pennsylvania (December - February)
Winter is a peak time for visitors to Pennsylvania, especially for those looking to embrace snow sports and seasonal festivities. The Pocono Mountains (aka, the “Poconos”) and other regions offer excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, drawing both families and winter sports enthusiasts for winter fun. Popular ski areas like Camelback Mountain and Seven Springs Mountain Resort see an influx of visitors during these months thanks to their well-maintained slopes and cozy lodges.
Additionally, winter festivals such as the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, a downtown tradition since 2008, along with New Year’s Eve celebrations like First Night Pittsburgh, make the coldest season even more special. For those seeking a memorable winter escape, Pennsylvania's smaller towns like Bellefonte and Smethport come alive in winter and provide the perfect combination of winter adventure and cozy retreats.
Winter Tips & Tactics: Book your accommodations early if you're planning to visit ski resorts like Camelback Mountain, as winter is a busy season. Winters can be pretty cold here, with places like Scranton dipping as low as 21 1°F, so layer up with weather-appropriate gear. If driving, check road conditions before heading to higher elevations in the Pocono Mountains.
Spring in Pennsylvania (March - May)
Spring in Pennsylvania is a beautiful time of year to visit, with temperatures rising after winter to daily averages of between 48°F to 78°F. And yes, spring is when the state’s natural beauty quite literally “springs” into life. If visiting between March and May, expect to see blooming flowers, budding trees, and mild enough weather makes it an ideal season for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Popular springtime destinations include the Philadelphia Flower Show, the longest-running horticultural event on the planet (it started in 1829) and the largest in the USA, and state parks such as Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle, where waterfalls and wildflowers are at their peak. Add to this mix the fact that the winter thaw sees the maple sap flow, and festivals such as the Maple Syrup Festival in Somerset County make a springtime visit to Pennsylvania an extremely appealing (and sweet) proposition.
Spring Tips & Tactics: Although spring can bring warmer weather, if planning outdoor activities, pack a few extra layers for changing temperatures. Visit popular parks like Ricketts Glen midweek to avoid crowds, and bring rain gear as spring showers are common.
Summer in Pennsylvania (June - August)
Summer is one of the busiest tourism seasons in Pennsylvania as families and outdoor adventurers take advantage of the warm weather and long days, with temperatures rising to daily averages of around 83°F and occasional highs in the 90s. Come summer, the state’s lakes, rivers, and parks come alive with activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, with popular destinations like the beaches of Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie luring visitors with swimming and kayaking fun.
Summer also brings with it a host of festivals to participate in. Two of the best are Musikfest in Bethlehem, one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, and the Kutztown Folk Festival, which celebrates Pennsylvania’s Dutch culture. Traveling with kids? Families often plan road trips to Hersheypark in Hershey, the country’s chocolate capital.
Summer Tips & Tactics: To avoid peak crowds, plan trips to popular destinations like Hersheypark during weekdays. Be sure to book campsites and outdoor activities, such as kayaking at Presque Isle, in advance since summer is a prime travel season.
Fall in Pennsylvania (September - November)
Autumn is arguably one of the most beautiful times to visit Pennsylvania, especially for those who enjoy stunning fall foliage. The state’s rolling hills, forests, and scenic byways are transformed into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, attracting leaf peepers from across the country. Popular destinations for fall foliage include the Endless Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Allegheny National Forest, with more than 500,000 acres of trees to explore.
Fall also marks the start of harvest festivals, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. Events like the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim and the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville draw large crowds, making fall an exciting time for cultural and seasonal activities. Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds also make it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking.
Fall Tips & Tactics: For the best fall foliage, plan your visit for mid- to late October and explore scenic byways like Route 6. While September temperatures average around 68°F, by November, they can drop to 45°F (or lower), so dress in layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. Oh, and arrive early at harvest festivals to beat the crowds.
Pennsylvania’s Year-Round Appeal
Pennsylvania isn’t just great for seasonal tourism. In fact, the “Keystone State” offers year-round attractions for visitors of all kinds. For example, historic sites in Philadelphia such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are open year-round and attract visitors regardless of the season. The state’s many museums, including the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, provide cultural experiences that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Additionally, popular destinations like Hershey, known for its chocolate factory tours and theme park, see visitors throughout the year.
Deciding on the best time to visit Pennsylvania will largely depend on the activities you're most interested in. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while spring and fall offer mild weather perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walks. Summer is the prime season for beach trips, camping, and outdoor festivals, while wildlife watching as bird migration is at its peak in spring and fall. So whatever time you choose to travel to Pennsylvania, you won’t be disappointed.
