The climate of Gettysburg
The climatological overview of
Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, USA, reveals a propensity for a Humid subtropical climate, scientifically classified under the Köppen climate designation as Cfa. The Humid subtropical climate refers to the region that has no dry season, implying that rainfall can be expected throughout the year. The city rests on the latitude where this type of climate prevails, neighboring regions with moderate subtropical and temperate climatic conditions.
From
January to
December, Gettysburg's climate presents an interesting variability in the range of temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, daylight and other meteorological parameters. The temperatures rise and fall throughout the year, reaching a peak of 84°F (28.9°C) in
July, and descending to a low of 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in January. There is a noticeable fluctuation in levels of humidity, wind speeds, and air pressure. These variations significantly shape the city's weather patterns, shaping the lifestyle and activities of the residents.
The city does not remain dry in any month, with rainfall measurements ranging from a minimum of 0.71in in January and
February to a maximum of 1.46in in July. The peak summer month, July, coincides with the maximum rainfall, pointing to the possible occurrence of hot and humid conditions. Additionally, the city witnesses snowfall from January to
April and in
November and December, reaching its maximum (1.3in) in
March.
Unpredictable weather events might occur but usually conform to the broader climate pattern. Exceptionally hot or cold months can register temperatures higher or lower than the annual average. Extreme climate events might also cause rainfall and snowfall levels to soar or fall drastically.
The best time to visit Gettysburg
Given the available climatological data, the most fitting time for tourism in
Gettysburg, would arguably be during the late spring, from
May to early
June. During this time, the temperature ranges from 61°F (16.1°C) to 71.1°F (21.7°C), offering a delightful climatic setting for sightseeing and outdoor activities. There is moderate rainfall during this period, averaging around 1.02in to 1.34in that would not disturb sightseeing and outdoor recreational activities.
The worst time to visit Gettysburg
Conversely, the least opportune time to visit
Gettysburg would be in the midst of winter, specifically between the months of
December to
February. During this period, temperatures plunge to a chilly range between 22.6°F (-5.2°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C), likely to be uncomfortably cold for visitors unaccustomed to such weather. Additionally, snowfall occurs during these months, which could potentially disrupt transport and accessibility to key tourist locations.
Spring weather in Gettysburg
Spring, encompassing the months from
March to
May, ushers in a period of gradual warming following winter's frigid embrace. March sees a significant jump in temperatures, climbing up from 32°F (0°C) to 48.4°F (9.1°C). By the end of May, temperatures have reached a welcoming 71.1°F (21.7°C). Despite the higher temperatures, Spring is also a relatively wet season with rainfall peaking in May at 1.34in. Sunshine hours increase from 6.5h in March to 8.5h in May, providing longer daylight hours for exploring the outdoors.
Summer weather in Gettysburg
Arriving in
June and spanning till
August, summer ushers in a combination of warmer temperatures alongside increased rainfall. The temperatures reach their annual maximum in
July, hitting a high of 84°F (28.9°C). Rainfall also steeply escalates reaching the annual maximum of 1.46in in July. However, sunshine hours peak at 10.6h offering bright and sunny days despite intermittent rain showers.
Autumn weather in Gettysburg
Autumn, covering
September to
November, provides a period of gradual cooling as temperatures slide from 74.8°F (23.8°C) in September to a much cooler 50.7°F (10.4°C) in November. Rainfall recedes back to a lower level of 0.87in in November from its peak in Summer. However, sunshine hours decrease considerably, falling from 8.9h in September to 5.6h in November, indicating shorter daytime hours.
Winter weather in Gettysburg
December welcomes the Winter season in
Gettysburg, with temperatures falling drastically to a nippy range of 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 41.5°F (5.3°C) in December. This season also marks the resumption of snowfall with December seeing snowfall of 0.83in, and snowfall days increasing to 3.4 days from zero in
November. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, there is a substantial amount of sunlight at 4.9h per day on average, with cloud coverage at 47%.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February marks the shift from the intensity of winter experienced in
January. Temperatures experience a slight increase hinting towards the upcoming spring season. Despite being the shortest month, February averages 1.14" (29mm) of snow, a modest decline compared to January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As the Spring season in
Gettysburg welcomes
March, the weather begins its transition from icy winter to milder spring temperatures that average from 32°F (0°C) to 48.4°F (9.1°C). Snowfall becomes less frequent, averaging around 1.3" (33mm), and rainfall increases.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's arrival brings growing daylight hours and an end to the winter season in
Gettysburg. There is a noticeable change in the weather patterns including reduced snowfall, with just 0.08" (2mm) recorded on average. More rainfall can be expected as April sees the onset of increasingly wet conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Gettysburg signifies the official start of the warm season with temperatures increasing significantly to fall between 52.2°F (11.2°C) and 71.1°F (21.7°C), contributing to the bloom of flora throughout the city. Changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature trends bring about regular rain showers, rendering it the wettest month with expected rainfall reaching 1.34" (34mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Gettysburg is characterized by long days and the onset of summer heat. There's a welcome drop in the cloud cover, promoting higher amounts of sunshine averaging around 15 hours a day. Precipitation trends shift from heavy rainfall towards more moderate rates at 1.1" (28mm) over the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the pinnacle of the summer season in
Gettysburg and is known for its hot temperatures reaching up to 84°F (28.9°C). The town is met with a decrease in relative humidity and cloud cover, allowing the maximum sunshine hours to peak at 10.6 hours a day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is characterized by slightly lower temperatures falling from 64°F (17.8°C) to 81.3°F (27.4°C), compared to
July, providing a refreshing relief from the peak of the summer heat. Rainfall continues to play a significant role providing 1.42" (36mm) over the month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September marks the transition from summer to fall in
Gettysburg, heralding a consistent drop in temperatures. The weather still feels predominantly warm, but rainfall becomes less frequent, decreasing to 0.75" (19mm) over the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a definite feel of autumn to
Gettysburg with cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and the increase in wind speeds up to 6.6mph (10.6km/h). As the month progresses, residents begin to notice shorter days and longer nights, a hallmark of the fall season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November unfolds in
Gettysburg, a crisp chill permeates the air, and signs of approaching winter become evident with temperatures ranging from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 50.7°F (10.4°C). Cloud cover shows an uptick, yet sunshine hours hold steady at 5.6 hours a day, signaling the increased likelihood of shorter, grayer days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Gettysburg brings the full onset of winter, with temperatures falling from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 41.5°F (5.3°C). Good amounts of snowfall are expected with an accumulation of approximately 0.83" (21mm) of snow over the month.
Weather in December »