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Contents
- The climate of Wilkes-Barre
- The best time to visit Wilkes-Barre
- The worst time to visit Wilkes-Barre
- Spring weather in Wilkes-Barre
- Summer weather in Wilkes-Barre
- Autumn weather in Wilkes-Barre
- Winter weather in Wilkes-Barre
- 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 cityscape of the scenic Wilkes - Barre, Pennsylvania
The climate of Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania experiences a predominant Köppen climate classification of Dfb. This refers to a humid continental climate, with no dry season and a warm summer period. Its geographical position in northeastern United States greatly influences its climatic conditions, resulting in a stark contrast between winter and summer periods.
Throughout the year, the weather in Wilkes-Barre fluctuates significantly depending on seasonal variations. January tends to be the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to approximately 18.7°F (-7.4°C). Conversely, July is the hottest month, with highs reaching up to 80.8°F (27.1°C). Temperature varies from an annual low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in the depth of winter to a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) during peak summer.
Notably, rainfall is relatively evenly spread across the year. July receives the highest rainfall, totalling approximately 1.5" (38mm), while September receives the least amount of rainfall around 0.71" (18mm). Snowfall, on the other hand, predominantly occurs during winter - from late December to early March, with February recording the highest snowfall at around 2.83" (72mm).
These variations in rainfall and snowfall are complemented by changes in daylight and sunshine. December offers minimal daylight, estimated at 9.3 hours, while June luxuriates in the most daylight at approximately 15.1 hours. Correspondingly, December offers fewer sunshine hours, about 3.9 hours, while July provides more generous sunshine, around 10.2 hours.
Throughout the year, the weather in Wilkes-Barre fluctuates significantly depending on seasonal variations. January tends to be the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to approximately 18.7°F (-7.4°C). Conversely, July is the hottest month, with highs reaching up to 80.8°F (27.1°C). Temperature varies from an annual low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in the depth of winter to a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) during peak summer.
Notably, rainfall is relatively evenly spread across the year. July receives the highest rainfall, totalling approximately 1.5" (38mm), while September receives the least amount of rainfall around 0.71" (18mm). Snowfall, on the other hand, predominantly occurs during winter - from late December to early March, with February recording the highest snowfall at around 2.83" (72mm).
These variations in rainfall and snowfall are complemented by changes in daylight and sunshine. December offers minimal daylight, estimated at 9.3 hours, while June luxuriates in the most daylight at approximately 15.1 hours. Correspondingly, December offers fewer sunshine hours, about 3.9 hours, while July provides more generous sunshine, around 10.2 hours.
The best time to visit Wilkes-Barre
Considering the overall climate pattern of Wilkes-Barre, the most pleasant period to visit would be from late May to early September. During these months, temperatures hover between comfortable limits of 67.6°F (19.8°C) and 80.8°F (27.1°C). This period is also complemented by a significant amount of sunshine duration, averaging between 8.1 hours in May and 10.2 hours in July.
Coupled with these temperatures, the relative humidity ranges from 78% to 79%, resulting in a warmer, yet still tolerable, climate. Furthermore, these months receive moderate levels of rain, providing breaks from the sunshine and contributing to the city's lush and scenic outdoors.
Coupled with these temperatures, the relative humidity ranges from 78% to 79%, resulting in a warmer, yet still tolerable, climate. Furthermore, these months receive moderate levels of rain, providing breaks from the sunshine and contributing to the city's lush and scenic outdoors.
The worst time to visit Wilkes-Barre
The less desirable time to visit Wilkes-Barre would be from the late December to early March period. During these months, the city experiences its coldest temperatures, hitting an annual low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in January. Limited daylight hours during winter, coupled with a significant increase in snowfall, can drastically affect travel plans and the overall visitor experience.
The amount of sunshine during this period also drops to about 3.9 hours in December, reducing opportunities for outdoor exploration. The decline in visibility to a monthly average of 5 miles due to snow and fog further amplifies challenges for sightseeing and travel.
The amount of sunshine during this period also drops to about 3.9 hours in December, reducing opportunities for outdoor exploration. The decline in visibility to a monthly average of 5 miles due to snow and fog further amplifies challenges for sightseeing and travel.
Spring weather in Wilkes-Barre
Spring in Wilkes-Barre introduces a gradual transition from the freezing winter temperatures to milder conditions. The season, spanning from March to May, sees average temperatures rise from an initial 43°F (6.1°C) to 67.6°F (19.8°C). Rainfall during this period increases steadily with 1.1" (28mm) in March to 1.18" (30mm) by May. While snowfall is common in the early parts of spring, it practically disappears by April.
Summer weather in Wilkes-Barre
Summer, occurring from June to August, ushers in the warmest part of the year. Temperatures rise to an annual high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) in July. Rainfall also hits its peak in July with an average of 1.5" (38mm). Despite being the warmest season, the relative humidity remains quite consistent, making the heat bearable.
Autumn weather in Wilkes-Barre
Autumn commences in September and lasts till November. During this period, temperatures begin to cool down, with the high temperatures dropping from 71.4°F (21.9°C) in September to 46.2°F (7.9°C) in November. Rainfall lessens compared to the summer months, and the frequency of rain days decreases.
Winter weather in Wilkes-Barre
Winter weather in Wilkes-Barre, which spans from December to February, is characteristic of a snow-laden landscape. Temperatures drop drastically during this period to reach a low of 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in January. The amount of snowfall peaks in February, accumulating up to 2.83" (72mm). The winter months are also characterized by the least amount of daylight and sunshine, dropping to a low of 3.9 sunshine hours in December.
Weather in January
January in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania starts the year with chilly weather, where the cold reigns supreme. Accumulated snowfall of 2.28" (58mm) over nearly 14 days is common, marking characteristic snowy landscapes of this Northeastern US city. Weather in January »
Weather in February
The cold conditions continue into February in Wilkes-Barre, with slightly increased snowfall from January at 2.83" (72mm). February tends to be marginally warmer than January, creating somewhat more comfortable conditions. The daylight hours start to increase, although it is just over 10 hours a day, providing a glimpse of the coming spring season. Weather in February »
Weather in March
In March, Wilkes-Barre begins to welcome spring with average high temperatures gradually reaching 43°F (6.1°C). The city also experiences a reduced snowfall dropping to 1.38" (35mm), signaling the retreat of winter. The increasing daylight hours contribute to the mild thawing of the cold temperatures from the preceding winter months. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Wilkes-Barre brings along a definitive feeling of spring with increased average temperatures and extended daylight hours. However, there is a notable increase in rainfall, suggesting a changing weather pattern. A distinct feature of this month is the nigh elimination of snowfall, showing 0.28" (7mm) only, marking an end to the winter season completely. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May witnesses significant transitions in the weather of Wilkes-Barre with the average high temperatures reaching a comfortable 67.6°F (19.8°C). The noteworthy feature in May is the enhanced daylight with up to 14.5 hours, offering ample opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy various outdoor activities. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June is characterized as the start of summer in Wilkes-Barre with days becoming hotter, reaching an average high temperature of 75.2°F (24°C), the highest so far for the year. It is the sunniest month so far with nearly 9.4 hours of sunlight daily. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer for Wilkes-Barre, boasting the highest average high and low temperatures of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and 59.2°F (15.1°C) respectively. With a high average UV index of 5, it is advisable to take necessary precautions for skin protection. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August continues the summer conditions seen in July, but with a slight decrease in temperatures. Despite the slight dip, prolonged warm days mark the city's summer experience. Rainfall levels drop slightly to 1.46" (37mm) but continue to keep the city's landscapes fresh and green. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, Wilkes-Barre starts witnessing early signs of autumn, with temperatures dropping to an average high of 71.4°F (21.9°C). The noteworthy decrease in rainfall to 0.71" (18mm), the lowest of the year, marks a shift in weather patterns. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Wilkes-Barre is a true display of the fall season, with temperatures further dropping to an average high of 59°F (15°C). Although there are still over 11 hours of daylight, the cooling temperatures and changing colors of leaves signal the transition from late summer to early winter. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November sees the start of late fall in Wilkes-Barre with temperatures dropping to an average high of 46.2°F (7.9°C). The city sees the advent of the winter season as snowfall starts to occur with 1.1" (28mm) encountered, preparing the city for the later cold months. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Wilkes-Barre marks the arrival of winter with average low and high temperatures dropping to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and 36.9°F (2.7°C) respectively. The chilling winter weather is reinforced by an increased snowfall of 1.93" (49mm), more than likely resulting in white landscapes towards Christmas. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 22, 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 time of the year is the coldest?
January, recording an average high temperature of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) and a low temperature of 18.7°F (-7.4°C), is Wilkes-Barre's coldest month.
How much does it rain?
In Wilkes-Barre, during the entire year, the rain falls for 142.7 days and collects up to 13.19" (335mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 49.9 snowfall days, and 9.92" (252mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
The months with the least sunshine are January and February, with an average of 3.7h of sunshine.
What are the most humid months?
February and December, with an average relative humidity of 84%, are most humid months.
What is the snowiest month?
February is the month with the most snowfall in Wilkes-Barre. Snow falls for 11.5 days and accumulates 2.83" (72mm) 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 in Wilkes-Barre?
April is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.
When it does not snow?
In Wilkes-Barre, snow does not fall in June through September.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 6min of daylight.
What month is the hottest?
Wilkes-Barre's warmest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) to a low of 59.2°F (15.1°C).
What is the wettest month?
July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.2 days and accumulates 1.5" (38mm) of precipitation.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine.
What is the driest month?
September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9.9 days and accumulates 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 18min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
With an average maximum UV index of 1, December is the month with the lowest UV index.
Average temperature
Wilkes-Barre, PA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (30.6°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18.7°F).
Average pressure
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average pressure in January:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"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:
30"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.12"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.09"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).
Average wind speed
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average wind speed in January:
8mph - Average wind speed in February:
8mph - Average wind speed in March:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in April:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.1mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in October:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in November:
7.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
7.6mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (8.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.2mph).
Average humidity
Wilkes-Barre, PA
The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (77%).
Average rainfall
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average rainfall in January:
0.91" - Average rainfall in February:
0.91" - Average rainfall in March:
1.06" - Average rainfall in April:
1.1" - Average rainfall in May:
1.18" - Average rainfall in June:
1.22"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.5" - Average rainfall in August:
1.46" - Average rainfall in September:
0.71" - Average rainfall in October:
1.14" - Average rainfall in November:
1.02" - Average rainfall in December:
0.98"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.5").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (0.71").
Average rainfall days
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average rainfall days in January:
8.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in April:
13.7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
15.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15.2 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
9.8 days - Average rainfall days in December:
11.3 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (15.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (8.3 days).
Average snowfall
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average snowfall in January:
2.28" - Average snowfall in February:
2.83" - Average snowfall in March:
1.38" - Average snowfall in April:
0.28" - Average snowfall in May:
0.04" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.83").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average snowfall days in January:
13.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
11.5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
7.6 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 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:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
10 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (13.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Wilkes-Barre, 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 3min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 2min
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 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Average sunshine days in January:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
12.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12 days - Average sunshine days in May:
13.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
14.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
16.9 days - Average sunshine days in December:
13.7 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (16.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (11.6 days).
Average UV index
Wilkes-Barre, PA
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Wilkes-Barre, PA
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 61).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 36).
Average visibility
Wilkes-Barre, PA
The month with the highest visibility is April (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
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