Weather in Scranton

Planning your day or trip to Scranton? Check out the latest weather updates, forecasts, and visual charts right here.

The climate in Scranton, USA, is characterized as humid continental with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this climatic zone. Winters here are cold, with average monthly temperatures below freezing, while summers are warm and comfortable.

Winter months, especially January and February, bring freezing average temperatures (around -2.2°C and -0.3°C respectively) and minimum values dropping to -5.8°C. Spring arrives gradually, with temperatures rising from March (average 3.3°C) to May (average 15.1°C). Summer in Scranton is warm, with peak average temperatures in July (22.7°C) and August (21.5°C), when maximum values can reach 27.4°C. Autumn also demonstrates a smooth decrease in temperature, from a pleasant 17.9°C in September to a chilly 4.9°C in November.

Precipitation in Scranton is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, averaging 3-4 mm per month. The number of rainy days is also relatively constant, varying from 10 to 15 days per month. This indicates the absence of a distinct rainy season or dry period, ensuring moderate humidity year-round. Travelers should be prepared for changeable weather, especially during the transitional seasons – spring and autumn.

Scranton observes a distinct change of seasons with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature drops to -2.2°C, and night lows can reach -5.8°C. February also remains frosty with an average temperature of -0.3°C. Conversely, the peak of warmth occurs in July, when the average temperature is a comfortable 22.7°C, and daily highs can rise to 27.4°C. August is also very warm, with an average temperature of 21.5°C.

The summer months in Scranton, from June to August, are characterized by pleasant warmth transitioning into hot weather. Daytime temperatures usually range from 24°C to 27°C, while nights remain warm, with minimum temperatures around 14-18°C. Winter, covering December, January, and February, brings cold weather. Average daily temperatures often stay around or slightly above freezing, while nights are regularly frosty, with temperatures dropping to -2°C, and in January down to -5.8°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, show a gradual change in temperatures, with cool weather in March and November and moderate warmth in April-May and September-October.

Throughout the year, Scranton experiences noticeable diurnal temperature variations. The difference between daily average maximum and minimum temperatures is usually between 7°C and 10°C. For example, in July, the daily maximum can reach 27.4°C, while the nightly minimum drops to 18.1°C. Similarly, in January, the daytime temperature might be around 1.4°C, while the night falls to -5.8°C. This means that even in the warm months, evenings can be significantly cooler than days, and in winter, the difference between a daytime thaw and a night frost can be substantial.

In Scranton, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, yet its character changes notably depending on the season. Winter months usually bring snow, spring and autumn can be characterized by both rain and snow, while summer is predominantly a rainy season. However, no clearly defined dry or wet season is observed, as the total amount of precipitation and the number of rainy/snowy days remain relatively stable from month to month.

In winter, especially in January (average temperature -2.2°C, 3 mm precipitation, 11 wet days), February (-0.3°C, 3 mm, 12 wet days), and December (0.3°C, 3 mm, 12 wet days), snowfalls prevail in Scranton. Given the small total monthly precipitation, these are typically frequent but not overly heavy snow events. Transitional months, such as March (average temperature 3.3°C, 3 mm precipitation, 13 wet days) and November (4.9°C, 3 mm, 10 wet days), can bring both light rain and snow, especially in early spring and late autumn when temperatures hover around freezing.

From April to October, precipitation in Scranton falls primarily as rain. The highest total precipitation (4 mm each) is recorded in April, July, and August. April also stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – about 15, making it one of the wettest months in terms of frequency. July also has quite a few wet days – about 14. A relatively smaller number of days with precipitation (about 10) falls on September, October, and November, although the total amount of precipitation in these months (3 mm) does not differ much from other periods, confirming the general trend of frequent but non-intense precipitation throughout most of the year.

When planning a trip to Scranton, it is important to consider the changeable weather characteristic of this US region. A key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and ensure comfort during both cool and warm periods, as well as protect against potential wind. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for long walks will be your indispensable companion.

In winter (December-February), it is quite cold in Scranton, with average temperatures often dropping below freezing and minimums reaching -5°C. You will need a warm winter jacket or down coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Despite the moderate amount of precipitation (about 3 mm per month), frequent "wet days" (11-12 days per month), likely in the form of snow or freezing rain, make waterproof shoes and outerwear highly desirable. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is very variable: from cool (average temperature in March +3.3°C, in November +4.9°C) to moderately warm (in May +15.1°C, in September +17.9°C). During this period, sweaters, fleece jackets, and a mid-season jacket capable of protecting against wind and light rain will be relevant, as well as an umbrella, since the number of days with precipitation remains significant (10-15 days per month).

Summer months (June-August) bring warm, and at times hot, weather to Scranton, with average temperatures from 19.4°C to 22.7°C and maximums up to 27.4°C. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, dresses. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for UV protection. Evenings can be cooler, so a light sweater or windbreaker will come in handy. Even in summer, rains are possible (12-14 "wet days" per month with 3-4 mm of precipitation), so keeping a compact umbrella or light raincoat on hand is worth it for comfortable walks around the city.