Climate and monthly weather forecast
Scranton, PA

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These houses are set in a hilly spot and circled by trees full of the beauty of the fall foliage on a typical day in the Scranton region of Pennsylvania
These houses are set in a hilly spot and circled by trees full of the beauty of the fall foliage on a typical day in the Scranton region of Pennsylvania

The climate of Scranton

Perched in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, USA, Scranton adheres to the principles of the Dfb Köppen climate classification, featuring a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. This typology of climate is characterized by substantial seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, rainfall, and daylight hours.

Regarding temperature variations, Scranton experiences a rather wide range, with low temperatures dipping to 18°F (-7.8°C) in January and steadily rising to peak at 80.2°F (26.8°C) in July. The degree of humidity in the atmosphere maintains a relatively consistent fluctuation from 78% to 85% throughout the year, not showing extreme discrepancies from one season to another.

Precipitation levels follow a somewhat uniform path all year round. Scranton does not have a dry season, with rainfall amounts ranging from 1.38" (35mm) to 2.4" (61mm) and the city witnesses somewhere between 5.2 to 17.4 days of rainfall on a monthly average. Despite this, snowfall is fairly common in the winter months, reaching its highest at 5.08" (129mm) in March and disappearing completely from May till October.

A unique weather pattern commonly observed in Scranton is the beautiful range of daylight hours it receives. January, the darkest month, gets 9.6 hours of daylight, while June, the brightest, enjoys up to 15.1 hours, indicating considerable day length variations throughout the year.

The best time to visit Scranton

Considering all the factors of climate and weather, the most favorable time to explore Scranton would be between May and September. These months offer warm temperatures catering to enjoyable outdoor activities, with highs typically ranging from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C). Scranton also receives the most sunshine during these months, with the average daily sunshine duration varying from 7.1 hours to 10 hours.

The humidity levels remain fairly stable during these months, hovering from 78% to 79%, ensuring there is not an excess of moisture in the air. Rainfall is evident but not overwhelming, with rainfall measurements between 1.81" (46mm) to 2.4" (61mm) and it rains for approximately 14.5 to 17.4 days in these months.

The worst time to visit Scranton

The chilliest period in Scranton, making it less appealing for travel, runs from December to February. The city experiences its lowest temperatures in this timeframe, with the thermometer regularly displaying numbers between 18°F (-7.8°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C). Further on, daily sunshine during these months diminishes to a meager 3.5 hours to 3.6 hours, resulting in shorter and colder days.

Scranton also witnesses its maximum snowfall during this period, reaching 4.65" (118mm) in December and 4.45" (113mm) in February. If frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall are not appealing, it is advisable to avoid these months for your visit to Scranton.

Spring weather in Scranton

Spring in Scranton sees a noticeable upswing in temperatures, presenting a wide spectrum from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C) between March and May. Relative to the winter months, the onset of spring commences the reduction in snowfall days, from around 9.9 days average in March to nearly null by May.

The increase in temperature is met with an increase in rainfall as well, starting at 1.65" (42mm) in March and peaking at 2.4" (61mm) in May. Delivering more daylight hours, spring marks the shift towards brighter days with daylight duration increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.5 in May.

Summer weather in Scranton

Summer in Scranton entails higher temperatures averaging from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C), making it an ideal time for a variety of outdoor activities. The months of June, July, and August witness relatively lower rainfall days averaging from 15.1 days to 16.8 days with an equivalent reduction in the quantity of rainfall to an average between 2.17" (55mm) to 2.4" (61mm).

These months also bring in the longest days of the year, providing maximized daylight hours - up to an impressive 15.1 hours in June, making it the city’s sunniest period.

Autumn weather in Scranton

Autumn ushers in a significant drop in temperature with average lows and highs tumbling from a comfortable 57.4°F (14.1°C) in September to a chilly 31.5°F (-0.3°C) by November. Rainfall also takes a dip during these months, falling from an average 1.89" (48mm) in October to 1.81" (46mm) in November, and the city experiences fewer rainfall days as well.

Scranton experiences shorter daylight hours with each passing autumn month, declining from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours by November.

Winter weather in Scranton

Winter in Scranton presents shorter, colder days with the onset of snowfall. The months from December to February reveal temperatures critically dropping to a range between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C). Rainfall is relatively low, falling between 1.38" (35mm) to 1.54" (39mm), but this is replaced with snowfall, reaching up to 4.65" (118mm) in December. The brightness of the day reduces significantly, delivering only 9.6 hours of daylight in December.

Weather in January

Scranton, Pennsylvania starts the year under a blanket of snow, as the city experiences regular snowfall in January. With noticeably lower temperatures than December from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C), winter jackets are essential. Weather in January »

Weather in February

By February, the wintry ambiance continues in Scranton, and while the temperatures do see a slight rise, it still hovers in the low range. The days are slightly longer compared to January, but still lacking in significant sunshine time. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As March arrives, it signals the transition from winter to spring in Scranton. The city experiences a gradual increase in temperature, which is a notable shift from the cold weather conditions observed in February. One distinctive highlight is the drop in snowfall amounting to 5.08" (129mm), providing a sigh of relief for the residents after experiencing more intense snowfall in February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The advent of April announces the arrival of true spring in Scranton, showcasing a more temperate climate when compared between the previous and the next month. April stands out as the first month of the year when residents can expect little to no snowfall, with 0.55" (14mm) seen sporadically across a few days. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As Scranton moves further into May, the city experiences noticeable improvements in weather conditions with longer, warmer days setting the stage for outdoor activities. The city encounters the most rainfall in the year with 2.4" (61mm) spread across approximately 17.4 days, marking a shift from snowy to rainy conditions. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes the summer in Scranton and the days are at their longest, giving the residents more time to enjoy the outdoors. Compared to May, there is a significant rise in temperature, however, temperatures stay comfortably below the extreme heat. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In Scranton, the heart of summer is in July with peak temperatures, leading to outdoor water activities becoming the norm. This month stands out for having not only the highest temperatures of the year between 80.2°F (26.8°C) to 59°F (15°C) but also the longest sunshine duration with an average of 10 hours per day. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather in Scranton showcases a subtle shift from the scorching summer heat of July towards the cooler autumn months ahead. The temperatures see a small drop, though the weather remains comfortably warm for outdoor pursuits. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September heralds the arrival of fall in Scranton, characterized by a noticeable decline in average temperatures. This temperature shift from the preceding month renders a cooler and more pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying autumn's radiant colors. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October, in Scranton, ushers in a definitive fall atmosphere, with a significant decrease in both temperature and daylight hours compared to September. The month is characterized by increasing amounts of rainfall, with 1.89" (48mm) spread across various days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Scranton nearly marks the end of fall, with temperatures sinking further down. The city observes a transition from rain to snow indicative with snowfall reaching 2.13" (54mm). This month is the onset of winter, as evident from the increased snowfall and decreased temperatures. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year in Scranton, December brings in the full force of winter with decreasing temperatures and increasing snowfall. In comparison to November, there is a clear increase in snowfall amounting to 4.21" (107mm). This significant jump transforms the city into a winter wonderland, setting the stage for the year-end holiday season. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Scranton?

The month of January, characterized by an average high of 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and a low of 18°F (-7.8°C), is recognized as the coldest.

What is the driest month?

January and September are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 5.2 days and typically aggregates up to 1.38" (35mm) of rain.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 139.9 rainfall days, and 22.28" (566mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

In Scranton, during the entire year, snow falls for 48.4 days and aggregates up to 22.01" (559mm) of snow.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the most humid month in Scranton?

February and December, with an average relative humidity of 85%, are most humid months.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine in Scranton is February, with an average of 3.5h of sunshine.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall in Scranton is March, when snow falls for 9.9 days and typically aggregates up to 5.08" (129mm) 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 are the least humid months?

The months with the lowest humidity are April, June and July, with an average relative humidity of 78%.

What is the rainiest month?

The wettest months are May and July, with an average 2.4" (61mm) of rainfall.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index in Scranton are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 6min of daylight.

What is the hottest time of year?

July, marked by an average high-temperature of 80.2°F (26.8°C) and a low-temperature of 59°F (15°C), is the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Average temperature
Scranton, PA

Average temperature - Scranton, PA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18°F).

Average pressure
Scranton, PA

Average pressure - Scranton, PA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed
Scranton, PA

Average wind speed - Scranton, PA

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.3mph).

Average humidity
Scranton, PA

Average humidity - Scranton, PA

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April, June and July (78%).

Average rainfall
Scranton, PA

Average rainfall - Scranton, PA

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are May and July (2.4").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and September (1.38").

Average rainfall days
Scranton, PA

Average rainfall days - Scranton, PA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (5.2 days).

Average snowfall
Scranton, PA

Average snowfall - Scranton, PA

The month with the highest snowfall is March (5.08").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Scranton, PA

Average snowfall days - Scranton, PA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (11.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Scranton, PA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Scranton, PA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Scranton, PA

Average sunshine days - Scranton, PA

The month with the most sunshine days is January (18.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11 days).

Average UV index
Scranton, PA

Average UV index - Scranton, PA

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Scranton, PA

Average visibility - Scranton, PA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).

Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA

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