Experience Lancaster County During Each Season of the Year
Lancaster County has four distinct seasons, each lending a distinctive personality to the countryside.
Temperatures throughout the year range from average highs in the ’80’s in July and August to lows in the ’30’s in January. (See our Lancaster PA Weather page for these monthly averages and for the current Lancaster weather forecast.)
We’ll highlight below the types of activities that occur during the different times of the year. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar for Lancaster County to confirm events and dates all year long.
Springtime in Lancaster County
As Springtime arrives in Lancaster, the flowers and trees begin to blossom and display their beauty, and activities in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country begin to move outdoors. Mud sales begin in mid-February and carry through most weekends in the Spring. Spring events include the Quilt Show, the Home builders Show, the Art Walk, and more. Fridays events slowly start to move outdoors with the warming temperatures. You can see demonstrations of sheep shearing and other traditional farming practices at local farms.
Visitors to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country find less crowds and lower lodging rates in the Spring. along with the the rebirth of greenery in the countryside. From their vehicles, visitors can see Amish farmers tilling and planting their fields with mule teams.
Spring in Lancaster County is a changing season. Temperatures can range from highs in the ’40’s to the ’70’s in March through mid-June. Visitors should keep a jacket or light raincoat on hand.
Summer in Lancaster County
In summer, the farmland takes on the look of a patchwork quilt as fields of corn, tobacco, wheat and other crops reach their peak.
Visitors during this season are treated to the heart of summer action. Many attractions feature specially themed weekends with music, dancing, magic, theatrical performances, reliving past eras, or just general festivity outdoors.
Summers in Lancaster County tend to be humid, so lightweight, light-colored clothing should be worn if outdoor stops are on the itinerary. Cottons, linens and airy knits are a best bet to keep cool during mid-June through early September.
Fall in Lancaster County
Brilliant blue skies and billowing, cotton-like clouds signal fall in Lancaster County. Foliage changes to soft amber and crimson usually in early to mid-October, depending on the weather.
In fall, the weather becomes drier, with comfortable days stirred by cool breezes; nights become chilly. Heavier cottons and lightweight wools are suggested, with a sweater or jacket for evenings.
Specially themed weekends at attractions continue throughout the fall. Harvest festivals and winery activities are also highlighted.
The Christmas Season in Lancaster
During the Christmas season, Lancaster County’s special gift of numerous holiday celebrations treats individuals and motorcoach groups to a most memorable Christmas. Candlelight tours of historic, elegantly appointed mansions offer groups the chance to experience Lancaster’s heritage in a different light. Visitors rejoice in old-fashioned Christmas customs, holiday craft markets, and madrigal feasts and recapture childhood memories of holidays past. Learn more about Christmas in Lancaster County.
Winter in Lancaster County
Lancaster County’s farmland receives occasional blankets of snow in mid-December through February. Major routes, however, are well maintained and are usually free of ice and snow.
Winter temperatures in Lancaster are usually in the high 20’s to low 30’s during the day, although they can occasionally drop into the teens during a cold spell. Therefore, Winter requires more layers, heavier wools and appropriate footwear. An all-weather coat with a zip-out lining is especially good for early winter traveling.
No matter what season of the year you choose to visit, we hope you’ll discover many of the reasons we are pleased to call Lancaster County “home”…and why so many visitors return to this area again and again!