Weather in Erie, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Light Drizzle44%76°52°
- SundayMay 17Overcast20%77°63°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—90°71°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle61%82°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers82%68°48°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—55°44°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle15%60°50°
- PM 2.5
- 2.9 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 3.0 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 70.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:59 AM
- Moonset
- 1:06 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Erie at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 29 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Erie's warmest temperatures at approximately 73°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at around 28°F. October sees peak rainfall with 4.4 inches, contrasting with February's lightest precipitation at 2.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° | 3.4″ | 10 |
| February | 29° | 2.5″ | 8 |
| March | 36° | 3.1″ | 8 |
| April | 47° | 3.5″ | 9 |
| May | 59° | 3.5″ | 8 |
| June | 68° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| July | 73° | 3.3″ | 7 |
| August | 72° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| September | 65° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| October | 54° | 4.4″ | 10 |
| November | 44° | 3.8″ | 9 |
| December | 34° | 4.2″ | 11 |
Regional context
Erie belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate classification.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to Erie's gardens as spring migration reaches its peak.
Wild columbine typically blooms in Erie's woodlands during mid-May, coinciding with the end of the frost season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Erie?
- Erie's last spring frost usually occurs around mid-May, while the first fall frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Erie?
- October records the highest monthly rainfall at approximately 4.4 inches on average, contributing to Erie's annual total of roughly 43 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Erie?
- July typically delivers the warmest temperatures, averaging about 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Erie?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 28°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Erie?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Erie get?
- Erie experiences approximately 99 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Erie?
- Erie's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; consult the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Erie, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 28°F while July averages 73°F, creating a 45°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Erie totals about 43 inches, distributed across roughly 99 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography determines Erie's weather patterns through its latitude of 42.1°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors influence plant growth, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.