Weather in York, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:54 AM
- Moonset
- 12:43 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
York at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 16 (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 ranks as York's warmest month with mean temperatures around 75°F, while January stands as the coldest at roughly 31°F. September brings peak rainfall at 5.1 inches, contrasting with February's modest 2.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| February | 34° | 2.8″ | 6 |
| March | 42° | 4.0″ | 7 |
| April | 54° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| May | 63° | 4.2″ | 8 |
| June | 71° | 4.3″ | 7 |
| July | 75° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| August | 74° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| September | 67° | 5.1″ | 6 |
| October | 56° | 3.9″ | 5 |
| November | 44° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| December | 36° | 3.5″ | 7 |
Regional context
York falls within the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate category.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the characteristic evening chorus of American robins establishing territory, their liquid songs echoing through York's neighborhoods at dusk.
Dandelion seed heads begin dispersing in early June, sending their parachute-like seeds drifting across lawns and fields on warm afternoon breezes.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in York?
- York's final spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, while the season's first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in York?
- September stands as the wettest month, delivering about 5.1 inches of rain on average, while the city accumulates roughly 46 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in York?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 75°F.
- What is the coldest month in York?
- January usually brings the year's coldest weather, averaging about 31°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in York?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can go into the ground around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season varieties such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does York get?
- York experiences approximately 79 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is York?
- York's USDA hardiness zone depends on average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city ZIP code.
Climate
York, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 31°F, while July brings averages around 75°F — creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, York collects about 46 inches of precipitation distributed across roughly 79 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude at 40.0°N, along with influences from nearby water bodies and local elevation. These factors determine which plants thrive, when frost threatens, and how daily weather unfolds through the seasons.