If you’re planning a trip to Pennsylvania around New Year’s, you’ll want to get ready for cold, wintry conditions. Daytime temperatures usually hang out in the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit, and snow is pretty common, especially up north and out west.
Some areas get a mix of rain and snow, but the higher elevations? They really get hammered with heavier snowfall, so you get that classic winter vibe.
The weather can change on a dime during this time of year. If you pack layers and plan for both icy mornings and soggy afternoons, you’ll stay way more comfortable.
Mountains draped in snow draw skiers and winter sports fans. Meanwhile, cities like Philly and Pittsburgh have plenty of indoor spots where you can soak up history and culture without freezing.
If you know what to expect, you can make the most of your trip. Whether you’re hitting outdoor trails, checking out holiday lights, or just cozying up in a small-town café, it helps to be prepared.
Let’s break down what you might see—temperatures, snowfall, daylight, and a few travel tips—so you can plan with a little more confidence.
Typical Temperatures in Pennsylvania Around New Year’s
Pennsylvania gets cold as the year wraps up. Daily highs usually land in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit, but lows can dip well below freezing.
It really depends on where you are. Cities near Lake Erie and the mountains tend to be colder than the southeast.
Average Highs and Lows in Late December and Early January
In late December and early January, high temperatures average mid-30s °F in places like Erie and Scranton, and about 40 °F in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh sits in the middle, with highs near 37 °F.
Lows are chillier, often in the 20s °F. Philadelphia usually averages around 27 °F, while Pittsburgh is closer to 24 °F. Scranton and Erie? They’re similar, with lows between 21 and 23 °F.
So, you’ll want to be ready for freezing mornings and afternoons that never really warm up. Wind makes it feel even colder, especially if you’re out in the open or up in the hills.
Most days, at least some part of the day stays below freezing.
| City | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 41 | 27 |
| Pittsburgh | 37 | 24 |
| Erie | 34 | 23 |
| Scranton | 34 | 21 |
Regional Variations Across Pennsylvania
Your New Year’s weather really depends on where you land in Pennsylvania. In southeastern spots like Philly, things are usually a touch milder and you get more thaws. Highs sometimes reach into the low 40s °F, making it the warmest region.
In the west and north, including Pittsburgh and Erie, it feels colder. Erie’s proximity to the lake brings more snow and a damp chill. Scranton, up in the northeast, matches Erie’s cold but doesn’t get quite as much lake-effect snow.
The mountain regions in central Pennsylvania run a few degrees colder than the valleys nearby. If you’re driving through higher elevations, brace yourself for stronger wind chills and a higher risk of icy roads.
Notable Temperature Extremes
Averages are helpful, but wild swings happen around New Year’s. Sometimes, cold snaps send lows into the single digits °F, especially up north or in the mountains. Occasionally, it even drops below 0 °F overnight.
Warm spells show up too, just not as often. Daytime highs can climb into the upper 40s or even low 50s °F in southern counties. These thaws never seem to stick around long before the cold air moves back in.
Pennsylvania winters are unpredictable. If you’re heading outdoors or traveling, it’s smart to prep for both ends of the spectrum instead of just counting on the averages.
Precipitation Patterns and Snowfall
Cold weather and frequent precipitation come together around New Year’s in Pennsylvania. Most regions see more snow than rain, but the totals swing a lot depending on your location.
Average Rainfall and Snowfall Amounts
Pennsylvania gets measurable precipitation all year, but winter brings more snow than rain. In January, average precipitation (rain plus melted snow) sits at about 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on where you are.
Snowfall varies a ton. The northwest, around Erie, can get 20 to 30 inches of snow in January thanks to lake-effect storms. Central and northern mountains average 10 to 15 inches. Near Philadelphia, you might only see 4 to 6 inches.
Rain happens less often but isn’t unheard of. Sometimes, warmer air brings light rain or freezing rain, especially in the southeast. When temps hover near freezing, you might see rain, sleet, and snow all in one storm.
Chances of Snow on New Year’s
Whether you’ll see snow on the ground around New Year’s depends a lot on where you are. In the northwest snowbelt and higher elevations, snow cover is common most years. Towns like Erie or Bradford usually have several inches on the ground by late December.
Central Pennsylvania has less reliable snow cover but still gets some, especially in the hills. Down in the southeast, including Philly and the surrounding counties, snow cover is a lot less likely. Winters there run milder, and even if it snows earlier in December, the ground might be bare by New Year’s.
Snowfall right on New Year’s Day is possible, but hardly a sure thing. Historical data shows that measurable snow falls on about 20–30% of New Year’s Days around the state, with better odds up northwest and slimmer chances in the southeast.
Historical Weather Events
Old records show just how wild New Year’s weather can get in Pennsylvania. Some years, intense lake-effect storms near Erie have dumped over a foot of snow during the holiday stretch. These storms disrupt travel and leave behind deep snowpack that sticks around well into January.
Other years have felt surprisingly mild. In southeastern Pennsylvania, temps have sometimes climbed into the 50s, swapping snow for rain. Rarely, freezing rain has coated roads and power lines, making holiday travel a real headache.
The driest winters, like those in the early 1930s, left many places with little or no snow by New Year’s. Compare that to winters like 2000–01 up north, when counties saw over 200 inches of snow for the season. These extremes just go to show how much the weather can shift from one year to the next.
Weather in Major Pennsylvania Cities
Conditions really change based on where you stay in Pennsylvania. Coastal influence, elevation, and how close you are to the Great Lakes all shape how cold, snowy, or damp your New Year’s feels.
Philadelphia Climate Overview
Philadelphia sits in the southeast corner, so winters are milder than in the rest of the state. Around New Year’s, you’ll see average highs near 40°F (4°C) and lows close to 27°F (-3°C). Snow happens, but not as often as up north. Rain or mixed precipitation often replaces heavy snow.
Humidity can make the cold feel even damper. Streets usually stay wet instead of icy, though overnight freezes are normal. You’ll also want to expect cloudy skies, since sunshine is in short supply in late December and early January.
If you’re coming for the holidays, dress in layers and bring waterproof shoes. Weather can swing from chilly rain to light snow in just a few hours. Severe storms are rare, but sudden cold snaps can pop up.
Weather in Pittsburgh and Erie
Pittsburgh, over in western Pennsylvania, is colder and snowier than Philly. Typical highs hover around 35°F (2°C), while lows dip into the low 20s (-6°C). Snow showers happen a lot, and the city usually sees several inches pile up by early January.
Erie, right on the lake, deals with even harsher New Year’s conditions. Lake-effect snow brings heavy bursts that add up fast. Erie’s average highs are near 33°F (1°C), with lows around 20°F (-7°C). Travel delays are more common here than almost anywhere else in the state.
Both cities see a lot of gray days, slick roads, and steady cold. If you’re driving, remember that visibility can drop fast during lake-effect squalls, especially up near Erie.
Smaller Towns and Rural Areas
Smaller towns in central and northern Pennsylvania get colder nights than the bigger cities. Places like Scranton, Harrisburg, and those tucked into mountain valleys often see overnight lows in the teens (°F). Daytime highs rarely get above the mid-30s (1–2°C).
Snow is more reliable here than down southeast. Mountain ridges and higher elevations pick up more snow, making travel on back roads a challenge. Meanwhile, valleys may get a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Rural spots cool off faster once the sun sets. Without the urban heat you find in Philly or Pittsburgh, ice sticks around longer on sidewalks and side roads. If you’re staying in a small town, pack warm clothes and give yourself extra travel time.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Early January brings some of the shortest days of the year in Pennsylvania. Daylight is limited and clouds are common, so you won’t see much sun.
Sunshine hours are low, and the UV index barely registers, which affects how much sun exposure you get.
Length of Day Around New Year’s
Around New Year’s, daylight only lasts about 9 to 9.7 hours, depending on your spot in Pennsylvania. Sunrise comes after 7:30 a.m., and sunset happens before 5:00 p.m.
Northern cities like Erie and Scranton get a little less daylight than southern places like Philly. It’s a small difference, but you’ll notice if you’re driving across the state.
With so little daylight, you need to plan outdoor activities carefully. Hiking, sightseeing, or driving in rural areas means you’ll have to work around early darkness. Small towns might not have much street lighting, so knowing sunset times helps you avoid getting caught out.
| City | Daylight Hours (early Jan) |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | ~9.7h |
| Pittsburgh | ~9.7h |
| Erie | ~9.5h |
| Scranton | ~9.6h |
Typical Cloud Cover and Sunlight
Clouds stick around a lot in January. In Erie and Pittsburgh, skies are clear or partly clear only about 30–35% of the time. Philly and Scranton do a little better, with clearer skies closer to 45%.
So, expect more gray than blue. Sunshine averages just 3 to 4 hours per day, and the rest is mostly overcast or partly cloudy.
If you’re hoping for bright photos or scenic views, you’ll probably get softer, diffused light instead. Snow on the ground reflects what little sunlight there is, so some days feel brighter than the sky looks.
UV Index Considerations
January’s UV index in Pennsylvania is very low, usually around 1 to 2. The risk of sunburn is minimal, even if snow reflects some extra light.
You probably won’t need sunscreen for a quick walk, but if you’re outside for hours skiing or hiking, sunglasses and a low-SPF sunscreen can help.
With the UV index so low, you won’t get much vitamin D from sunlight. If you rely on the sun for a mood boost or health, you’ll notice the difference during these short, cloudy days.
Comparing Pennsylvania to Nearby Regions
Pennsylvania’s winter usually feels colder and snowier than places farther south, but it still shares some mid-Atlantic weather patterns. Factors like elevation, distance from the coast, and latitude all play a part in how temperatures and precipitation stack up against neighboring states.
Weather Differences with Washington, D.C.
When you look at Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., the temperature difference jumps out right away. Around New Year’s, average highs in D.C. usually hang out in the low 40s °F.
Pennsylvania, on the other hand, tends to hover closer to the mid-30s °F. Nights in Pennsylvania can drop into the 20s, which really makes things feel harsher.
Snowfall creates even more of a gap. Washington typically gets just a few inches of snow in January.
Pennsylvania, especially up north and out west, can see 6 inches or more. The higher spots, like the Allegheny Plateau, almost always have at least some snow on the ground.
Precipitation isn’t the same, either. Washington gets more cold rain or that annoying wintry mix.
Pennsylvania leans more toward snow and ice. If you’re driving between the two, you’ll notice the shift—wet roads in Washington turn into snow-packed highways as you head north.
Regional Trends in the Mid-Atlantic
The mid-Atlantic region has some shared winter weather patterns, but honestly, each state feels a bit different. Coastal areas like New Jersey and Delaware usually stay warmer near the ocean.
Inland states such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia tend to be colder. Pennsylvania sits right where these trends meet.
Cold air from Canada pushes into the state pretty often. Southern systems bring moisture, so snow and ice happen more here.
That mix leads to frequent winter storms compared to spots farther south.
Snowfall isn’t equal across the state. Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, usually gets lighter snow totals—kind of like Maryland.
Up north near Erie, or along the northern tier, you can get heavy lake-effect snow that reminds you of upstate New York. These differences make Pennsylvania’s winter weather feel more varied than what you find in neighboring states.
How Pennsylvania Stands Out
Pennsylvania’s geography really sets it apart. The Appalachian Mountains cut through the middle, creating colder valleys and snowier ridges.
Elevation changes mean you can drive 50 miles and see a big shift in both temperature and snowfall.
Unlike Washington or the coastal mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania doesn’t get much help from the ocean. Without that coastal moderation, cold snaps hit harder and snow happens more often.
Cities like Pittsburgh and Scranton can stay below freezing for days at a time, which is less common farther south.
Travelers need to prep a bit differently here. A winter trip to Pennsylvania calls for heavier clothing and a little more flexibility in your plans.
Snow tires, insulated boots, and layering up are smart moves if you want to stay comfortable during a New Year’s visit.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Tips
Pennsylvania’s temperatures around New Year’s usually stay below freezing. Snow or ice is pretty common.
Planning ahead helps you stay comfortable and safe, and you can actually enjoy the season instead of just enduring it.
What to Pack for New Year’s in Pennsylvania
You’ll want to be ready for cold, damp, and sometimes snowy weather. Average highs in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh run from the upper 30s to low 40s °F.
Lows often dip into the 20s °F. In the north or higher up, like in Scranton or the Poconos, it gets even colder.
Pack layered clothing so you can adjust as you go. A warm base layer, insulated jacket, and a waterproof outer shell really help.
Gloves, scarves, and a hat that covers your ears can make a big difference. Waterproof boots with good traction are a must since sidewalks and trails might be icy.
For inside, bring sweaters and layers you can peel off when buildings crank up the heat. If you’re spending time outside, consider hand warmers, thermal socks, and a sturdy umbrella.
Snow is possible, but rain can show up too, especially in the southern parts of the state.
Safety and Road Conditions
Winter travel in Pennsylvania can get tricky fast. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain often hit highways like I-80, I-76, and I-81.
Rural roads and mountain passes might not get treated as quickly, so conditions can change before you know it.
Check the PennDOT 511 system or local weather updates before you drive. Keep an emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, bottled water, and some snacks.
A small shovel and ice scraper also come in handy. If you rent a car, ask for all-wheel drive or at least good winter tires.
City parking lots usually get plowed, but side streets can stay slick. Give yourself extra time and slow down if the roads look wet or shiny.
Public transportation in bigger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh usually sticks to the schedule, but storms can cause delays. Having a backup route isn’t a bad idea.
Best Activities for the Season
Cold weather doesn’t really stop outdoor fun in Pennsylvania. The ski resorts in the Poconos and Laurel Highlands usually open by late December, and you’ll find skiing, snowboarding, and tubing ready to go.
These spots often use snowmaking, so you can count on decent conditions even if the natural snowfall feels a bit weak.
If you’re hanging out in the city, outdoor ice rinks like Dilworth Park in Philadelphia or PPG Place in Pittsburgh are worth checking out. They keep the ice in good shape, and you can rent skates if you didn’t bring your own.
Want something quieter? State parks like Presque Isle and Ohiopyle offer winter hiking and birdwatching, which is honestly pretty peaceful.
Trails might get icy, so it’s smart to grab some traction devices for your boots.
Indoor options aren’t lacking either. You can wander through museums, historic sites, or local food markets if you’d rather stay warm.
A lot of towns put on New Year’s Eve events, with fireworks and community gatherings that feel welcoming and easy to get to.