Memorial Day in Pennsylvania usually brings a mix of spring’s lingering chill and the first real taste of summer. Daytime highs often land in the 60s or low 70s, while nights cool off into the 40s or 50s.
Rain showers pop up pretty often, so the holiday weekend can feel unpredictable, especially if you’re in the central or western parts of the state.
Your experience really depends on where you spend the weekend. Philadelphia and other eastern cities usually warm up faster, but the higher elevations in the north and west hang onto cooler, breezier air.
This variety makes planning a cookout, hike, or lake trip a bit of a gamble unless you check the forecast first.
If you know the typical weather patterns, you can set more realistic expectations. You’ll see how Memorial Day stacks up against other spring and summer months, get a sense of what past climate data shows, and pick up a few tips for enjoying outdoor activities even if rain threatens.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Pennsylvania
Most years, mild to warm temperatures show up around Memorial Day, with a fair shot at rain and a touch of humidity as May slides toward summer. Conditions shift by region—western Pennsylvania is usually cooler and cloudier, while the east trends a bit warmer.
Average Temperatures During Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend highs in Pennsylvania often reach the low to mid-70s°F, though some years, they hang back in the 60s.
Philadelphia and the southeast can see readings closer to 74–76°F, while Pittsburgh and the west tend to be a few degrees cooler.
At night, lows usually drop into the 50s°F, making evenings pretty comfortable for being outside. Northern spots like Erie and Scranton can see temps dip into the upper 40s.
The National Weather Service’s climate data shows late May as a real transition from spring to summer. You might get temperature swings of 10–15 degrees, depending on clouds and wind.
Precipitation Patterns and Rain Chances
Rain shows up a lot during Memorial Day weekend in Pennsylvania, but it’s usually scattered showers instead of all-day washouts. Most cities average 9–11 days of measurable rain in May, and Memorial Day lands near the wetter end.
Philadelphia picks up about 3.3 inches of rain in May, with Pittsburgh and Scranton not far behind. Erie is a bit drier, but unsettled weather still finds its way there.
You’ll face a 30–40% chance of showers any day during the holiday weekend. Light or moderate rain is typical, but the occasional thunderstorm can fire up if it gets warm and humid.
Planning outdoor events? Having a backup plan is just smart.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in late May rises compared to early spring, but it’s not as oppressive as midsummer. Philadelphia sees 5–10 muggy days in May, while Pittsburgh and Erie usually get fewer.
That means you might feel a bit sticky on warm afternoons, especially after it rains.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, around 5–10 mph across most of Pennsylvania. Breezes from the west help keep western areas cooler, while the southeast warms up faster when it’s calm.
Comfort really varies—afternoons can feel warm and a little humid, but evenings often cool down enough for a light jacket, especially in higher spots.
Regional Differences Across Pennsylvania
Memorial Day weather in Pennsylvania changes a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, distance from the Atlantic, and how close you are to the Great Lakes all play a part in temperatures, rain, and storm chances.
Weather in Eastern Pennsylvania
Eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, usually gets warm and humid by late May. Daytime highs often reach the mid to upper 70s °F, and some afternoons might even creep into the low 80s.
Nights stay mild, usually in the upper 50s or low 60s.
Rain is common but doesn’t usually last all day. You’ll probably see passing showers or a thunderstorm, especially in the afternoon.
These storms can dump heavy rain for a bit but move out pretty quickly.
Humidity’s a bigger deal here than elsewhere in the state. If you’re outside, expect sticky air on warmer afternoons.
Wearing light clothes and taking water breaks helps keep you comfortable.
Weather in Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and towns near Ohio, tends to be a bit cooler and cloudier. Average highs usually sit in the low to mid-70s °F, while nights can drop into the low to mid-50s.
Rain happens more often here than in the east. The Great Lakes’ influence bumps up the odds of unsettled skies.
You might get more overcast mornings that break into partly sunny afternoons.
Thunderstorms pop up now and then, but they’re usually less intense than what the east gets. If you’re camping or planning late-night events, keep in mind that wet ground and cool evenings can make things less comfortable.
Weather in Central Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania, covering Harrisburg and State College, sits between the warmer east and cooler west. Daytime temperatures usually rise into the mid to upper 70s °F, with nighttime lows in the mid-50s.
Rain is moderate, with scattered showers and storms possible. These storms can develop quickly in the afternoon, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re heading out for a hike or gathering.
Humidity’s noticeable but not as bad as in Philadelphia. The hills and valleys can also cause local differences, so some spots feel warmer or cooler, depending on elevation and wind.
Historical Climate Data for Memorial Day
Memorial Day weather in Pennsylvania has ranged from record heat to cold, damp days. Temperature swings, rainfall, and recent climate patterns all help you get a sense of what the holiday might bring.
Warmest and Coldest Memorial Day Records
National Weather Service records show Memorial Day temperatures in Pennsylvania can go all over the place. Some years, highs soar into the upper 90s, making it feel like the middle of summer.
Philadelphia and Harrisburg have both seen Memorial Day highs near 95°F.
Other years, chilly air keeps things much cooler. Some towns in the north and west have only reached the 50s for highs, with morning lows down in the 30s.
Frost advisories have even popped up in higher elevations during late May.
Where you are really matters—southeastern cities usually get warmer Memorial Days, while places near the mountains or Lake Erie are more likely to stay cool.
Notable Precipitation Events
Rain on Memorial Day has ranged from bone dry to downright soggy. Some years, the state has picked up over 2 inches of rain, soaking parades and canceling outdoor ceremonies.
Thunderstorms are pretty common if the holiday lands during a warm, humid pattern. Some Memorial Day weekends have seen severe storms with heavy rain, gusty winds, and lots of lightning.
Other years, barely a drop falls. Dry weather is more likely in central and eastern Pennsylvania, while the west, especially near Pittsburgh, usually sees more showers thanks to storm tracks from the Ohio Valley.
Trends in Recent Years
Recent climate data points to late May getting gradually warmer. Memorial Day highs now more often reach the 80s, especially in cities where heat builds up faster.
This matches up with the long-term warming trend across Pennsylvania.
Rainfall hasn’t followed a clear pattern. Some years are dry, others see frequent showers around the holiday.
That unpredictability means you really need to check the short-term forecast, even if you think you know what’s typical.
Humidity has also crept up in the past few decades. That makes warm Memorial Days feel even hotter and can lead to more pop-up storms in the afternoon.
If you’re planning outdoor events, you’ll want to be ready for both higher heat and sudden rain.
Weather Outlook and Forecast Resources
If you want to understand Memorial Day weather in Pennsylvania, you’ll need more than just averages. Up-to-date info on current conditions and solid forecast sources make all the difference, especially with local quirks and fast changes.
How to Check Current Conditions
You’ve got a bunch of ways to track real-time weather updates. The National Weather Service posts local observations—temperature, humidity, wind, and rain.
They update these often, so you get a good sense of what’s happening right now.
Local airports and weather stations also post hourly readings. These show you temperature swings, cloud cover, and rainfall in detail.
If you’re planning to be outside, checking these updates can help you dodge sudden showers or chilly surprises.
Mobile apps and radar maps add even more detail. You can watch storms move, see where lightning strikes, and track shifting fronts across Pennsylvania.
That’s especially handy in late May, when scattered storms are the norm.
Just remember, Memorial Day weather can change a lot from one region to another. Western Pennsylvania might stay cool, while central and eastern areas heat up but catch more storms.
Checking real-time conditions lets you tweak your plans as you travel.
Reliable Forecast Sources
When you look for forecasts, go for sources that blend climate data with short-term models. The National Weather Service remains the gold standard.
Their forecasts cover temperature ranges, rain chances, and severe weather outlooks for every county.
Weather.com and AccuWeather are also solid choices. They offer extended forecasts, interactive maps, and often highlight regional differences—like cooler air near Lake Erie or sticky heat in the Susquehanna Valley.
Local news stations matter, too. Their meteorologists take national models and tweak them for Pennsylvania’s terrain and microclimates.
That’s helpful for getting a realistic idea of what to expect for travel or outdoor events.
For longer-term planning, check out climate normals from NOAA. These averages show what’s typical for temperatures and rain in late May.
Comparing the forecast to these normals helps you see if the holiday weekend will be warmer, cooler, wetter, or drier than usual.
Mixing these sources gives you both the broad view and the details you need to plan confidently.
Comparing Memorial Day Weather to Other Months
Memorial Day weather in Pennsylvania usually feels mild compared to the bone-chilling winter months and isn’t as humid as the dog days of summer.
To really see the contrast, just look at how winter stacks up against late May.
January and February Weather Overview
January and February bring Pennsylvania’s coldest weather. Average highs range from the mid-30s °F in Erie and Scranton to around 40–44°F in Philadelphia.
Lows often dip well below freezing, with many spots dropping into the 20s°F or lower.
Snow is a big part of winter. Scranton averages over 7 inches of snow in both January and February, while Philadelphia picks up about 6 inches.
Erie, thanks to lake-effect snow, sees even more.
Daylight is short, with just 9–10 hours of sun a day, so outdoor activities are limited. Skies stay cloudy, and precipitation falls on 6–7 days each month in many places.
Compared to Memorial Day—when highs reach the 70s°F and snow is just a memory—January and February really limit outdoor plans. The difference is huge, and late May finally breaks winter’s grip.
Transition from Spring to Summer
By late April and May, temperatures rise fast. In Philadelphia, highs jump from the mid-60s°F in April to the mid-70s°F in May. Lows move from the mid-40s°F to the mid-50s°F. Pittsburgh, Erie, and Scranton see similar warming trends.
Rainfall goes up too. Most cities get 9–11 days with measurable precipitation in May, which is a bit more than in April. Rain pops up pretty often, but it usually comes as quick showers, not those long, dreary storms.
By late May, daylight stretches past 14 hours, so you get loads of time for outdoor plans. Humidity starts to creep up, especially in eastern Pennsylvania, but it’s still not as sticky as July or August.
When you look at Memorial Day, the weather usually feels warm but not sweltering. It’s honestly a lot nicer for travel, outdoor ceremonies, and family hangouts than those muggy midsummer days.
Planning Outdoor Activities for Memorial Day
If you’re planning outdoor activities in Pennsylvania for Memorial Day weekend, you’ll need to juggle seasonal traditions with unpredictable spring weather. Conditions can shift in a hurry, so being ready for both sunshine and rain really helps you enjoy the holiday.
Best Practices for Weather Preparedness
Late May usually brings daytime highs in the 70s or low 80s. Still, cooler mornings and sudden showers aren’t rare. Dressing in layers and packing light rain gear just makes sense, especially if you’re hiking, camping, or heading to an outdoor ceremony.
Check local forecasts from the National Weather Service. Rain chances often go up by Sunday or Monday, so Saturday usually works out best for outdoor events. If clouds roll in, a portable canopy or umbrella can save your cookout or picnic.
If you’re heading to state parks or the Pocono Mountains, trails can get muddy after spring rain. Waterproof shoes and a change of clothes keep you comfortable. Planning to boat or kayak? Check water conditions first, since spring storms sometimes raise water levels and currents.
Popular Events and Traditions
All across Pennsylvania, Memorial Day weekend brings out both patriotic observances and seasonal kick-off activities. You’ll spot parades rolling through towns like Doylestown, Allentown, and Pittsburgh.
People gather for ceremonies at veterans’ memorials and cemeteries. Many families just want to relax at barbecues, pool openings, and community festivals.
In places like the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County, outdoor concerts and food events tend to pull in big crowds. The Pocono Mountains invite folks to try water recreation, hiking, and check out early summer resort openings.
If you’re after something quieter, state parks like Ohiopyle or Ricketts Glen offer camping and fishing. It’s smart to keep an eye on the weather and local traditions so you can actually enjoy the weekend, instead of scrambling with last-minute changes.