Wrapped in the scenic countryside of central Pennsylvania, Lancaster, PA is a gem of an American city. With only 60,000 souls or so, Lancaster is small, and that’s fine for the folks here. What Lancaster lacks in size; it makes up for in culture, history, and diversity. Lancaster boasts a downtown filled with stunning architecture, and the city is well-known for its delightful cuisine.
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If you’re moving to Lancaster, PA, sometime soon, lucky you! You’ll find the people here to be inviting, open-minded, friendly, and overall chill vibe. Speaking of chill, the weather in Lancaster, PA, does demand some preparation. That’s especially true in the depths of Winter when the cold in Lancaster can chill your bones. Don’t let that discourage you, though, as the cold doesn’t last too long. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Lancaster’s weather. From winter’s chill to summer’s comfy climate and everything in between, we’ve got it for you below.
The Good News about the Weather in Lancaster
Lancaster, PA, gets some surprisingly high marks for its weather. Below we’ve listed the top reasons why including:
Lancaster’s Comfort Index
No matter where you live, it’s important to be comfortable. That’s especially true if you commute or have a job that involves being outside often. Lancaster has a Comfort Index of 8.7 out of 10 stellar. (1 = very uncomfortable, 10 = Ahhhhhhhh.) Yes, it gets cold in winter, but on average, Lancaster is a very comfy town, weather-wise.
Summer In Lancaster is Amazing
Yes, the word “amazing” gets thrown around a lot, but it’s perfect to describe Lancaster’s summer weather! Hot but rarely oppressive, and the city has low humidity. Yes, you’ll see some rain, but it usually passes quickly. After a good rain, the city truly comes to life, and there’s greenery everywhere.
It Snows, but not Often.
Does it snow in Lancaster, PA? Every once in a while, it snows a lot! Lancaster only sees 9 days of snow annually. That’s just a little over a week, nothing compared to many far north cities.
The Temperature Rarely Goes Above 85℉
We talked about how summer in Lancaster, PA, is impressive. A big reason is that the temperature rarely pushes past 85℉, which is cool compared to many other cities in the US.
The Four Seasons in Lancaster
You’ll find four distinct seasons in Lancaster, with notable changes. Winter and summer differ substantially, much like most of the northeast. For those who enjoy experiencing seasonal transformations, there’s much to like in Lancaster, PA.
Winter in Lancaster, PA
Winter in Lancaster can sometimes feel a little long, it’s true. However, only December, January, and February see any freezing temps. For the rest of the winter, the mercury stays above 50℉. There are fewer than 10 days of snow in Lancaster, which pleases many folks here. You might have to shovel some snow, but it won’t be a daily affair for months like in some cities. When it does snow, Lancaster turns into a winter wonderland, at least for a few days. If you can do it safely, a drive in Lancaster’s countryside after a big snowfall can be exquisite!
Spring in Lancaster, PA
Spring comes relatively early to Lancaster, with April already seeing days in the 60s. Being prepared for a rainy day is a necessity in Lancaster during Spring. It gets soggy and, admittedly, a little dreary sometimes. However, if you can get past the first few weeks, your reward is Lancaster’s best season, summer.
Summer in Lancaster, PA
With a comfort index of 8.7 out of 10, summer in Lancaster is close to perfect. You’ll see plenty of sunny days but very few with sweltering heat. There’s always a breeze, and the air is crisp and dry. Waking up to Lancaster the day after a good night’s rain can be magical! The air is so fresh you’ll want to bottle it up!
Fall in Lancaster, PA
The first time you experience fall in Lancaster, you’re in for a real treat. The city and surrounding countryside dramatically change, and the colors are spectacular. The nights are dry and cool, so sleeping is a dream. Plus, the turn from summer to winter is gradual in Lancaster, so you’ll get used to it at a nice pace. However, November can be a little tricky, with fluctuating temps. Our diverse cultures mean you find many fall events and activities to enjoy all over the city! Still, Lancaster is a wonderful place to be in the fall.
Severe Weather in Lancaster, PA
Unlike many cities and towns in this part of the country, Lancaster doesn’t experience severe winter weather often. The occasional big snowfall smacks the city in winter, but that’s about it. One thing Lancaster does see more than occasionally, however, are tornadoes. In the last 50 years, Lancaster has had nearly 70 tornado events with a level of 2 or higher. That averages almost 1.5 per year, which is high. Indeed, Lancaster has more tornadoes on average than the rest of the United States. It also has 60% more tornadoes than the Pennsylvania average.
Lancaster is also, unfortunately, a place that sees flooding regularly. Flooding is the severe weather Lancaster is most prone to experience. Damaging floods have been a thorn in Lancaster’s side for a long time. Flash floods can be dangerous here, and those in low-lying areas must be extra cautious during flood season.
Weather in Lancaster Brought to you by Moove-In Self Storage
We hope the information we’ve provided today will help you prepare for the weather in Lancaster, PA. Living here will be quite enjoyable if you relish watching the four seasons come and go. If you’re moving here soon and need a storage unit in Lancaster, you can reserve one online in minutes. There’s no deposit necessary, and it will be waiting here when you (or your movers) arrive.
Click here to see a list of our 6 Lancaster, PA, self storage locations. You’ll get the addresses and phone numbers for each. You can also call or visit the self storage facility nearest you. The on-site manager at each location will be more than happy to help! They can show you the different Lancaster storage units and help you choose the size that fits your needs perfectly!
This post was originally published on 08/04/2020. It was updated on 09/26/2022.