The climate of York
Nestled in
Pennsylvania, USA,
York experiences a Humid subtropical climate with no dry season, defined by the Köppen climate classification as 'Cfa'. This city embraces distinctive climate fluctuations throughout the year, owed to its longitude and latitude. Diving into the climate variables paints a vivid picture of York's weather throughout the year.
Temperature fluctuations paint a broad spectrum, ranging from a low of 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in winter to an apex of 83.3°F (28.5°C) in the summer months. Expect humidity levels to hover around 76% to 80% throughout the year. Sunshine hours, another important factor for weather dispositions, demonstrate a significant shift, indicating shorter days in the winter months and extensive daylight during the summers. On average, sunshine hours peak at 15 hours in
June and dwindle to 9.4 hours by
December.
Rainfall in York shows patterns of increase and decrease, with the maximum precipitation noticed in
July and
August, reaching up to 2.01" (51mm). The city also witnesses around 10 to 16 rainfall days from
March to August. York's snowfall, mostly observed from
January to March, hits its zenith at 2.4" (61mm) in January. During these months, snowfall days range between 4.2 to 6.8 days.
The best time to visit York
In alignment with the climate assessment, the clear winner for the best time to visit
York emerges as the late spring and early summer months, from
May to
July. The weather during this period is characterized by comfortable temperatures between 70.3°F (21.3°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C). Long, sunny days further elevate the appeal of these months, with daylight hours extending up to 14.4 hours in May and 15 hours in
June. While rainfalls increase progressively during this time, spanning 1.89" (48mm) to 2.01" (51mm), the number of rainy days stays between 16 to 14.5 days, allowing ample dry periods.
The worst time to visit York
On the contrary, the less appealing months to visit
York stretch from
November to
February. During this time, frigid temperatures from 22.6°F (-5.2°C) to 39.2°F (4°C) dominate the weather scene. Daylight hours take a nosedive, recording a low of 9.4 hours in
December. Snowfall is also a common feature in these months, with snowfall days ranging from 3.5 to 6.8 days. Although rainfall drops to 1.06" (27mm) to 1.18" (30mm) during this period, frequent snowfall and chilling temperatures contribute to less conducive weather for tourists.
Spring weather in York
Spring in
York signifies a climate transformation, where chilling winters make way for warmer weather. Commencing with a low of 32.5°F (0.3°C) in
March, temperatures graduate towards a pleasant 60.6°F (15.9°C) by the end of
May. Rainfall also witnesses an upward trend, from 1.26" (32mm) in March to 1.89" (48mm) in May. However, compensating for this increase in precipitation is the lengthening daylight, which spans from 12 hours in March to 14.4 hours in May.
Summer weather in York
Summer in
York unfurls itself with temperatures soaring to their highest levels, peaking at 83.3°F (28.5°C) in
July. Humidity levels rise in parallel, reaching the annual maximum of 80% in
June and retaining high levels throughout the season. Rainfall experiences a similar crest at 2.01" (51mm) in July and
August. However, the bright side of summer lies in its extended daylight hours, reaching a whopping 15 hours in June.
Autumn weather in York
With autumn's arrival, a downswing in temperature sets in, cascading from 74.7°F (23.7°C) in
September to a brisk 50.9°F (10.5°C) by
November. A gradual decrease in humidity parallels this temperature shift. Rainfall follows a similar trajectory, oscillating from 1.22" (31mm) in September to 1.26" (32mm) in November. Meanwhile, daylight hours dwindle gradually, with November clocking only 10 hours.
Winter weather in York
Characterized by a sharp dip in the mercury, winter in
York ranges from 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in
January to 41.9°F (5.5°C) in
December. Alongside, daylight hours also contract to nearly 9.7 hours in January. While rainfall remains low, with precipitation averaging between 1.06" (27mm) to 1.26" (32mm), snowfall is expected with up to 6.8 days of snow in January, reaching a high of 2.4" (61mm). Winter wind speeds also peak during this time, with maximum speeds measuring up to 8.8mph (14.2km/h) in December.
Weather in January
York,
Pennsylvania, greets the New Year with chilly temperatures and a smattering of snowfall.
January exhibits winter's coldest temperatures, which rise slightly from an average low of 22.6°F (-5.2°C) to an average high of 35.4°F (1.9°C).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The onset of
February witnesses a slow but steady climb in temperatures. With the sun aloft for approximately an hour longer each day, daylight stretches to 10.7 hours, providing a subtle reminder of the upcoming spring. Despite having fewer snowfall days than
January, February's weather might still be reasonably characterized as wintery, with an average high of only 39.2°F (4°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the advent of
March,
York's climate starts to change from the frosty grip of winter to the milder conditions of spring. The city bathes under more sunlight than the previous months, teaming up with gentler winds to boost temperatures to an average high of 48.4°F (9.1°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with
York a sharp transition to spring, aided by significant improvements in temperature and sunlight.
March's rains often continue into April, further blurring winter's lingering traces and offering a consistent, healthy sprinkling to the burgeoning flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks
York’s full entry into spring, with an associated surge in temperature and abundant growth in the city's flora. As the days stretch further, sunshine access increases significantly, hinting at the upcoming summer solstice's longer days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
York enjoys the extended hours of daylight characteristic of the summer solstice, with the city basking in sunlight for up to 15 hours on average. Along these lengthy days, York sees an uptick in temperature, reaching a comfortable annual high of 77.9°F (25.5°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is
York's warmest month, with summer in full swing across the city. Seasonal temperatures peak at an average high of 83.3°F (28.5°C), worthy of note amongst the annual temperature records. The period’s warm, humid weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, albeit with appropriate sun protection measures due to the heightened UV index.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
York sees the beginning of summer’s gradual descent, while still basking in its warmth. Fine weather prevails, with fewer clouds dotting the sky and temperatures registering an average high of 81°F (27.2°C), slightly lower than
July's peak.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a perceptible shift in
York's weather, marking the transition from summer to autumn. Temperatures gently fall from summer highs, offering an average high of 74.7°F (23.7°C), providing a noticeably cooler but comfortable climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
York's weather in
October fully embraces the autumn spirit, with cooler temperatures and a notable increase in rainfall. The city’s verdant cover transforms to shades of amber and rust, punctuated by October's crisp breezes. Average high temperatures moderate to 63.1°F (17.3°C), while increased cloud cover and reduced sunshine hours add to the climate's overall cooling trend.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
York introduces a pronounced shift in the weather as the last breath of autumn gives way to early winter. The city mourns the loss of autumn leaves, revealing skeletal branches against the backdrop of a gradually cooling sky.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
York plunges into winter, with its characteristic frosty conditions and pared-back landscapes. The climate sees an average low of 29.7°F (-1.3°C), reestablishing the onset of colder months, while daylight diminishes further, curtailing to a scant 9.4 hours.
Weather in December »