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Contents
- The climate of Lancaster
- The best time to visit Lancaster
- The worst time to visit Lancaster
- Spring weather in Lancaster
- Summer weather in Lancaster
- Autumn weather in Lancaster
- Winter weather in Lancaster
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in a stunning early morning panorama
The climate of Lancaster
Positioned in the humid subtropical climate classification, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, experiences a robust variation of weather conditions throughout the year, with high relative humidity ranging between 76% in April to 81% in May. This climate zone, predominantly identified as Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification, is characterized by no dry season.
Spanning across the entire year, the amplitude of temperature fluctuates significantly. Observing the statistics, the maximum temperature tends to oscillate from a chilly 35.4°F (1.9°C) in January to a more generous 82.9°F (28.3°C) in July, with the lowest temperature ranging between a cold 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in January to a warmer 64.8°F (18.2°C) in July.
Given its location, this region experiences yearly precipitation with a notable peak in rainfall observed in August, recording 3.35" (85mm). Despite the absence of any dry month, the least amount of rainfall during a month can be noticed in January, comprising of 1.97" (50mm). Snowfall is typically observed from January to March and in November and December with the most amount of snow during a month, 3.66" (93mm), appearing in March. The pattern of daylight hours increases from January’s 9.7 hours to a high of 15 hours in June before starting to decline again.
Spanning across the entire year, the amplitude of temperature fluctuates significantly. Observing the statistics, the maximum temperature tends to oscillate from a chilly 35.4°F (1.9°C) in January to a more generous 82.9°F (28.3°C) in July, with the lowest temperature ranging between a cold 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in January to a warmer 64.8°F (18.2°C) in July.
Given its location, this region experiences yearly precipitation with a notable peak in rainfall observed in August, recording 3.35" (85mm). Despite the absence of any dry month, the least amount of rainfall during a month can be noticed in January, comprising of 1.97" (50mm). Snowfall is typically observed from January to March and in November and December with the most amount of snow during a month, 3.66" (93mm), appearing in March. The pattern of daylight hours increases from January’s 9.7 hours to a high of 15 hours in June before starting to decline again.
The best time to visit Lancaster
For those keen to venture to Lancaster, the summer months, from June through August, are arguably the best time. The temperature during these months climb to a comfortable 81°F (27.2°C) to 82.9°F (28.3°C). With 14.7 to 15 hours of daylight, exploring the beautiful surroundings or indulging in outdoor activities become an absolute delight.
However, the humidity during this time also scales up to around 80%. Yet, this shouldn’t act as a deterrent because the areas’ abundant green cover typically tends to offset the mugginess, making the season truly pleasant for a visit.
However, the humidity during this time also scales up to around 80%. Yet, this shouldn’t act as a deterrent because the areas’ abundant green cover typically tends to offset the mugginess, making the season truly pleasant for a visit.
The worst time to visit Lancaster
If wardrobe choice includes prioritising winter wear, planning a trip in January to Lancaster might not be a prudent decision. The coldest month of the year features maximum temperatures of only 35.4°F (1.9°C) while the minimum temperatures drop to 23.2°F (-4.9°C), making outdoor exploration relatively challenging. In addition to the cold, the city records higher snowfall, approximately 3.15" (80mm), combined with lesser sunshine, only 4.7 hours per day.
Spring weather in Lancaster
Spring in Lancaster is marked by warming temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Starting from March when the maximum temperature is recorded at 48.4°F (9.1°C), it increases over the following months reaching 70.3°F (21.3°C) by May. A simultaneous increase in the amount of rainfall can be observed, from 2.2" (56mm) in March to 2.8" (71mm) in May, making Spring a slightly wetter season.
Summer weather in Lancaster
Welcoming the sunshine, Summer in Lancaster is warm with temperatures soaring from 78.1°F (25.6°C) in June to 82.9°F (28.3°C) in July and further dropping to 81°F (27.2°C) in August. Despite the heat, green foliage stays abundant due to a rainfall ranging from 2.44" (62mm) to 3.35" (85mm). The season is characterized by long daylight hours, up to 15 hours for outdoor enthusiasts.
Autumn weather in Lancaster
Autumn is a moderate season in Lancaster, characterized by cooling temperatures and a pleasant atmosphere. With a gradual reduction in temperature from 74.8°F (23.8°C) in September to 51.3°F (10.7°C) in November, it's no wonder residents regard this as a time of rejuvenation. Although the month of September starts with warmer days, a slow and steady decline in temperature brings a cool and comfortable ambiance by November.
Winter weather in Lancaster
Winter in Lancaster, starting from December and stretching until February, is defined by colder temperatures and snowfall. The mercury drops to a chilling 42.1°F (5.6°C) in December and dips further to 35.4°F (1.9°C) in January, only to rise to 39.4°F (4.1°C) in February. In accordance with the temperature, snowfall also makes its presence felt, with the highest amount of 3.66" (93mm) expected in March, making Lancaster a true winter wonderland.
Weather in January
January in Lancaster, Pennsylvania witnesses the coldest temperatures of the year. The cold snap continues from the previous month with temperatures dipping to a low of 23.2°F (-4.9°C), with daylight lasting only for around 9.7 hours. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February's weather conditions in Lancaster are very much alike to those in January. The temperatures show a marginal increase with the lowest recorded temperature around 25.2°F (-3.8°C). The remnants of winter linger, punctuated by occasional bouts of snowfall and increased daylight time. Weather in February »
Weather in March
With the advent of spring, March in Lancaster witnesses an upswing in temperatures. The tail end of the freezing conditions subside, as temperatures spring back to highs of around 48.4°F (9.1°C). The vestiges of winter recede with reduced snowfall while bouts of rainfall pave the way for blossoming landscapes. Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather transition from winter to spring completes its course in April in Lancaster. April experiences the most significant rise in the month-over-month increase in average temperatures, peaking at a high of 60.3°F (15.7°C). Weather in April »
Weather in May
May marks the official beginning of the warm season in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Displaying substantial heat compared to the preceding months, temperatures climb to an average high of about 70.3°F (21.3°C). The extended daylight hours and persistent rainfall provide optimal growth conditions for plant life. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June experiences a further surge in temperatures, ushering in the long-awaited summer in Lancaster. Holding the warm and inviting days of sun, the city witnesses temperatures scale to the highest of 78.1°F (25.6°C). The notable reduction in the percentage of clouds gives way to clear, sunny skies. Weather in June »
Weather in July
At the heart of the summer season, July is the hottest month in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Temperatures soar to an all-time high of 82.9°F (28.3°C) as warm winds continue to blow across the region. Rainfall is at its peak during July, enhancing the greenery of the city and bringing some respite from the heat. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Holding nearly the same climate patterns as July, August typically experiences peak summer conditions in Lancaster. Although the temperature sees a slight dip from the previous month, it still stands high at 81°F (27.2°C). Extended periods of daylight and warmth continue to prevail, making it an active season. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September in Lancaster serves as the transition from the scorching summer to the cooler autumn months. The departure from summer is marked by a perceptible drop in the temperature, with highs falling to around 74.8°F (23.8°C). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October embraces autumn in its full splendor in Lancaster. Temperatures continue their downward trend, reaching average highs of around 63.3°F (17.4°C). Being the shoulder season, October has fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time for those who wish to visit. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November in Lancaster is the marker of a sharp turn towards winter. The transition to colder temperatures becomes evident with recorded lows settling to about a chilly 36.1°F (2.3°C). The dwindling daylight hours and descent in temperatures are clear indicators of the imminent winter. Weather in November »
Weather in December
The final month of the year, December in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, sees the return of true winter conditions. The mercury further sinks, recording an average high of a cold 42.1°F (5.6°C). Snowfall, though less frequent than January and February, starts to make an appearance. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 4, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What month is the coldest?
Lancaster's coldest weather arrives in January, when temperatures average a high of 35.4°F (1.9°C) and a low of 23.2°F (-4.9°C).
How many days does it rain?
In Lancaster, during the entire year, the rain falls for 153.4 days and collects up to 28.27" (718mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Lancaster?
January through April, November and December are months with snowfall.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 20.8 snowfall days, and 11.46" (291mm) of snow is accumulated.
When is the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What is the driest month in Lancaster?
February and September are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 8 days and typically aggregates up to 1.89" (48mm) of rain.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 4.5h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.
What is the snowiest month?
The month with the most snowfall is March, when snow falls for 4.3 days and typically aggregates up to 3.66" (93mm) of snow.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
What is the least humid month?
The least humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
What is the most humid month?
The most humid month is May, with an average relative humidity of 81%.
When it does not snow?
In Lancaster, snow does not fall in May through October.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Lancaster?
May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 0min of daylight.
What part of the year is the hottest?
July registers as the month with the average highest temperatures, reaching 82.9°F (28.3°C) at its peak and 64.8°F (18.2°C) at the lowest.
What month has the most sunshine in Lancaster?
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.4h of sunshine.
What is the rainiest month?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.7 days and accumulates 3.35" (85mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Lancaster, PA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (35.4°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (23.2°F).
Average pressure
Lancaster, PA
- Average pressure in January:
30.1"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.94"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.13"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.1"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).
Average wind speed
Lancaster, PA
- Average wind speed in January:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
9mph - Average wind speed in April:
8.8mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.2mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.1mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in October:
7.2mph - Average wind speed in November:
7.7mph - Average wind speed in December:
8.4mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.1mph).
Average humidity
Lancaster, PA
The month with the highest relative humidity is May (81%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (76%).
Average rainfall
Lancaster, PA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.97" - Average rainfall in February:
1.89" - Average rainfall in March:
2.2" - Average rainfall in April:
2.4" - Average rainfall in May:
2.8" - Average rainfall in June:
2.44"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.83" - Average rainfall in August:
3.35" - Average rainfall in September:
1.89" - Average rainfall in October:
2.24" - Average rainfall in November:
2.17" - Average rainfall in December:
2.09"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.35").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February and September (1.89").
Average rainfall days
Lancaster, PA
- Average rainfall days in January:
8.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (8 days).
Average snowfall
Lancaster, PA
The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.66").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Lancaster, PA
- Average snowfall days in January:
6.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
5.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
4.3 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
3.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Lancaster, PA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 3min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Lancaster, PA
- Average sunshine days in January:
17.6 days - Average sunshine days in February:
14.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
14.4 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11.3 days).
Average UV index
Lancaster, PA
The months with the highest UV index are May, June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Lancaster, PA
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 33).
Average visibility
Lancaster, PA
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are May, August and September (5mi).
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
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