Weather in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Overcast16%89°62°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle—95°64°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers—90°63°
- WednesdayMay 20Heavy Drizzle74%85°59°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast15%69°48°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle39%55°47°
- SaturdayMay 23Drizzle42%57°48°
- PM 2.5
- 7.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.4 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 7.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 65.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:54 AM
- Moonset
- 12:45 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Harrisburg at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 69°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: April 18 (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
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Harrisburg's warmest temperatures at around 75°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at about 29°F. Precipitation follows a similar pattern, with July recording the highest rainfall at 4.8 inches and February seeing the least at 2.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| February | 31° | 2.8″ | 5 |
| March | 39° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| April | 51° | 3.9″ | 8 |
| May | 61° | 4.0″ | 9 |
| June | 71° | 4.0″ | 8 |
| July | 75° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| August | 73° | 4.3″ | 8 |
| September | 65° | 4.6″ | 6 |
| October | 53° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| November | 42° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| December | 34° | 3.4″ | 7 |
Regional context
Harrisburg belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate group.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allentown, PA, Lancaster, PA, Scranton, PA.
Naturalist notes
American robins begin their morning chorus in earnest during late April, coinciding with the warming soil temperatures after the last frost.
Tulip trees start leafing out in early May when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 45°F.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Harrisburg?
- The last spring frost in Harrisburg typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Harrisburg?
- July records the highest monthly rainfall at about 4.8 inches on average, with the city receiving roughly 45 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Harrisburg?
- July typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in Harrisburg?
- January typically records the coldest temperatures, averaging about 29°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Harrisburg?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Harrisburg get?
- Harrisburg averages about 82 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Harrisburg?
- Harrisburg's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures hover near 29°F while July averages 75°F, creating a 46°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 45 inches, distributed across roughly 82 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors control the local weather patterns: latitude at 40.3°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements determine what grows in the area, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.