The climate of Harrisburg
Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, USA, sits within the realm of a Humid subtropical climate zone, according to the Köppen climate classification. It carries the Cfa classification, indicating no dry season throughout the year. Throughout the 12-month cycle, Harrisburg observes significant variations in weather parameters, ranging from temperature and rainfall to wind speed and daylight hours.
Temperature fluctuates broadly, rolling from a frigid low of 22.1°F (-5.5°C) in
January to a balmy high of 83.8°F (28.8°C) at the peak of
July. Relative humidity hovers around the 75-80% mark, contributing to the region's "humid" classification. On the topic of precipitation, the rainfall scale swings from 0.71" (18mm) in January and
February to a high of 1.3" (33mm) in
August, with an average of 9.7 days seeing precipitation.
Uniquely, sunlight hours also experience considerable shifts, from a low of 4.6 hours per day in January to a high of 10.5 hours per day in July. Wind speed dips and rises as well, with 4.8mph (7.7km/h) in July and August, climbing to 8.1mph (13km/h) in
March and
April. It's also worth mentioning the sporadic snowfall from
December to March, peaking at 1.3" (33mm) in February.
The best time to visit Harrisburg
Optimal timing for a visit to
Harrisburg would be during the transition months. Specifically,
May and
September present the most appealing conditions. May offers a blend of moderate temperatures, at 70.3°F (21.3°C), relatively low rainfall at 1.26" (32mm), and a generous sunlight window of approximately 8.5 hours per day. Similarly, September also provides temperate conditions, ample sunlight, and lesser rainfall.
The worst time to visit Harrisburg
The least travel-friendly period in
Harrisburg falls in winter, starting from
December to
February. During this span, temperatures can plummet as low as 22.1°F (-5.5°C), accompanied by snowfall ranging from 0.08" (2mm) to 1.3" (33mm).
January in particular experiences the harshest cold, combined with the maximum annual cloud cover at 50%.
Spring weather in Harrisburg
Spring, spanning
March to
May, is marked by progressively warming temperatures, with averages ascending from 47.8°F (8.8°C) to 70.3°F (21.3°C). Corresponding with the temperature shift, daylight duration noticeably extends from 12 hours to 14.4 hours. Meanwhile, precipitation shows a moderate uptick, culminating in May with 1.26" (32mm).
Summer weather in Harrisburg
Harrisburg's summer, extending from
June to
August, boasts the highest temperatures, maxing at 83.8°F (28.8°C) in
July. Despite higher temperatures, rainfall remains steady, with August seeing the most precipitation at 1.3" (33mm). Longer days prevail in this season, offering between 14.7 hours and 15 hours of daylight.
Autumn weather in Harrisburg
The autumn months,
September through
November, ushers in a gradual decrease in temperatures, from 74.3°F (23.5°C) to 50°F (10°C), and reduced daylight hours. Rainfall, however, undergoes a slight upswing in
October, with a monthly average of 1.06" (27mm).
Winter weather in Harrisburg
Harrisburg's winters, spanning
December to
February, are defined by colder temperatures, reaching lows of 22.1°F (-5.5°C) in
January. Notably, December sees the least amount of daylight, with averages dropping to 9.4 hours per day. Winter also bears witness to the city's annual snowfall, which can reach as much as 1.3" (33mm) in February.
Weather in January
The year begins with chilly temperatures in
Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, bringing crisp air and frosty mornings to the city. Snowfall of 1.18" (30mm) and measures of cold wind gusts of 13mph (20.9km/h) often chill the bones. Locals are used to bundling up, and outdoor activities are often enjoyed despite the cold.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Harrisburg, the second month of the year is not a dramatic departure from the first, still characterized by cold, but slightly milder conditions. It's important to note that snowfall increases to 1.3" (33mm), and there's an uptick in the average wind speed from 8mph (12.9km/h) to 8.1mph (13km/h).
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring draws near, temperatures in
Harrisburg start to rise, making the city gradually come alive with colors.
March witnesses a decline in snowfall to 1.1" (28mm) and temperatures taking a swing towards warmth. Less harsh weather conditions allow for outdoor adventures, and residents see daylight stretching for 12 hours on average.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals a definite arrival of spring in
Harrisburg, with warmer days and gentle showers replacing the remnants of winter. Observations indicate a significant fall in snowfall, dwindling to 0.04" (1mm), and temperatures climbing higher.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a glorious season for this city of
Pennsylvania, as summer begins to unfold itself. Rainfall increases to 1.26" (32mm) in May, ushering lush green landscapes across
Harrisburg. Fresh foliage, scattered rain showers, and increasing warmth create pleasing afternoons and memorable sunsets.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the full majesty of summer to
Harrisburg with long, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Interestingly, June ushers in a surge in UV index to 6, indicating bright, strong sunshine. People seek refuge under trees in parks or near water bodies during the midday hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With
July arrives the peak of the summer heat in
Harrisburg, denoting pool days, picnics, and cookouts. In terms of temperature, July tops the chart with highs averaging at 83.8°F (28.8°C), making it the warmest month. Evening walks, riverboat cruises, and dining under the stars are common activities during this time.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Harrisburg,
August continues the robust summer trend of
July, though slightly less intense. The peak heat from July slightly diminishes with the temperature lowering down to 81.5°F (27.5°C). Outdoor activities continue to be popular as locals venture out to enjoy the remaining summer days.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September approaches, signs of the impending fall surface and a transition from the high summer heat to milder temperatures begins. A significant drop in temperature to an average high of 74.3°F (23.5°C) makes September a pleasant month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Harrisburg is renowned for its autumnal charm, combined with mellow temperatures and less rainfall. Original data has shown wind speed increasing from 5.3mph (8.5km/h) to 6.6mph (10.6km/h), bringing along a breezy ambiance.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November carries along the transition from colorful fall to stark winter in
Harrisburg. Interestingly, November sees a slight return of snowfall with 0.08" (2mm) recorded on average. It's a time when the remaining leaves fall, leaving trees bare and the skies often grey.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Harrisburg greets
December with the arrival of winter, characterized by chilling temperatures and festive moods. Data reflects the increase of snowfall to 0.59" (15mm), adorning the city in a white blanket. Twilight falls earlier, and the city is adorned with holiday decorations, creating a magical ambiance.
Weather in December »