Weather in Harrisburg

Planning your day in the city of Harrisburg? Check out the latest weather updates, forecasts, and visual charts in this section.

The climate in Harrisburg is characterised as temperate with four clearly defined seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for continental regions. Visitors should be prepared for diverse weather conditions depending on the time of their trip.

Winters in Harrisburg are quite cold, with average temperatures around zero degrees Celsius, sometimes dropping lower. Spring brings gradual warming, and by May the weather becomes pleasant. Summer, especially in July and August, is warm and at times hot, with average maximum temperatures reaching 28-30°C. Autumn is distinguished by comfortable coolness, gradually transitioning into winter cold.

As for precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy season. The monthly amount of precipitation is small, averaging 3-4 mm. The number of rainy days varies from 9 to 13 per month, indicating frequent but, as a rule, not too intense precipitation. This means that light rain is possible at any time of the year, so light waterproof clothing may come in handy.

Harrisburg experiences a distinct change of seasons with notable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is around 0.8°C, while minimum values can drop to -2.7°C, and maximums rarely rise above 4.3°C. It is slightly warmer in December and February, where average temperatures hold at 2.9°C and 2.6°C respectively, with night frosts and daytime thaws. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 25.3°C. During this period, daytime maximums often reach 30.2°C, while nighttime minimums remain comfortable, around 20.5°C.

The summer months in Harrisburg, from June to August, are characterised by warm and at times hot weather. In June, the average temperature is 22.0°C (from 16.9°C to 27.1°C), July sees the peak of the heat as mentioned, and in August the temperature drops slightly to an average value of 23.9°C (from 19.4°C to 28.4°C). Daytime and nighttime temperatures in summer can differ noticeably, with the difference between maximum and minimum values often around 9-10°C, providing some relief in the evening and night hours.

Winter in Harrisburg, covering December, January, and February, brings cool and at times frosty weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 4.3°C to 6.9°C, while nighttime temperatures often drop below zero, especially in January (average -2.7°C) and February (average -1.7°C). The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are distinguished by gradual temperature changes. March (average 6.3°C) and November (average 7.3°C) are cool, while April (average 11.6°C) and October (average 14.5°C) offer more moderate and pleasant conditions for walking. Diurnal temperature fluctuations are also characteristic of these seasons.

In Harrisburg, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a clearly defined rainy season or drought. The monthly amount of precipitation fluctuates slightly, mostly amounting to 3 mm, with a small increase to 4 mm in April, as well as from July to September. This indicates that the city receives stable moisture throughout all seasons, and travellers should be prepared for precipitation at practically any time of the year.

Winter months, especially January (average temperature 0.8°C, 10 days with precipitation), February (average temperature 2.6°C, 11 days with precipitation), and December (average temperature 2.9°C, 11 days with precipitation), are characterised by low temperatures. During this period, precipitation is most likely to fall as snow or sleet. March may also bring mixed precipitation, as temperatures begin to rise but frosts are still possible.

With the arrival of spring and into the summer months, precipitation falls predominantly as rain. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in May, July, and August – 13 days in each. July and August, along with April and September, are also months with a slightly higher volume of precipitation (4 mm). This means that summer rains can be quite frequent, although not necessarily very heavy in total volume at one time.

The lowest number of days with precipitation is observed in October and November – 9 days each, making these autumn months relatively drier in terms of precipitation frequency, although the total amount of precipitation (3 mm) remains at the level of many other months. Overall, Harrisburg does not experience prolonged dry periods, and some form of precipitation is likely in any month, so a light waterproof jacket or umbrella will be useful when planning your trip.

When planning a trip to Harrisburg, it is important to consider the changing seasons so that your wardrobe suits the weather. In general, the climate here implies four distinct seasons, so the principle of layering in clothing will be your best ally. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are mandatory, as you will likely be walking a lot while exploring the city. Also, considering that on average 9-13 days per month may have precipitation, a light umbrella or waterproof jacket will come in handy in any season, even if the total amount of precipitation is small.

The winter months (December-February) in Harrisburg are quite cool, with average temperatures around 0.8°C - 2.9°C and night frosts. You will need a warm jacket or coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Don't forget warm sweaters and possibly thermal underwear if you are sensitive to the cold. The transitional seasons – spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) – are characterised by changeable weather. In early spring and late autumn, it can still be cool (average temperature in March is around 6.3°C, in November – 7.3°C), so it is worth taking a mid-weight jacket, jumpers, and closed shoes. As summer approaches or immediately after it, the weather becomes warmer, but evenings can be fresh.

Summer (June-August) in Harrisburg is warm and at times hot, with average temperatures reaching 22°C - 25.3°C, and maximums can rise to 30°C. For this period, light, breathable clothing is ideal: t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses made of natural fabrics. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Even in summer, a light sweater or cardigan may be useful for cool evenings or visiting air-conditioned premises. Given the number of days with precipitation, even in the warm months, a compact raincoat or umbrella will not go amiss.