Weather in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast24%80°41°
- SundayMay 17Overcast10%87°58°
- MondayMay 18Drizzle—92°64°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Drizzle—88°62°
- WednesdayMay 20Heavy Drizzle76%83°56°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—66°43°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle19%61°46°
- PM 2.5
- 8.5 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.9 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 98.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:45 AM
- Moonset
- 12:44 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Scranton at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 3°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 24 (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 Scranton's warmest temperatures at around 74°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at approximately 28°F. Precipitation follows its own calendar, with September's peak of 4.2 inches contrasting sharply with February's low of 2.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| February | 30° | 2.1″ | 6 |
| March | 38° | 2.8″ | 7 |
| April | 50° | 3.3″ | 7 |
| May | 61° | 3.3″ | 8 |
| June | 69° | 3.8″ | 8 |
| July | 74° | 3.6″ | 7 |
| August | 72° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| September | 65° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| October | 53° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| November | 43° | 2.9″ | 6 |
| December | 33° | 2.8″ | 6 |
Regional context
Scranton falls within the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA.
Naturalist notes
Late April often brings the return of wood warblers to Scranton's wooded areas, their songs marking the transition from spring migration to nesting season.
Sugar maples typically begin their autumn color change in early October, turning from green to brilliant orange and red as daylight hours shorten.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Scranton?
- Scranton's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Scranton?
- September stands as the wettest month, delivering about 4.2 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 39 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Scranton?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, with averages around 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Scranton?
- January typically brings the coldest conditions, averaging about 28°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Scranton?
- 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 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Scranton get?
- Scranton experiences approximately 80 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Scranton?
- Scranton's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; consult the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code for the current zone designation.
Climate
Scranton, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 28°F while July averages 74°F, creating a 46°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 39 inches, distributed across roughly 80 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here respond to the city's latitude of 41.4°N, nearby water bodies, and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.