Weather in Reading, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—84°49°
- SundayMay 17Overcast11%90°62°
- MondayMay 18Drizzle—97°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Drizzle—89°66°
- WednesdayMay 20Heavy Drizzle80%86°58°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast17%71°49°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle31%60°48°
- PM 2.5
- 11.0 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 11.3 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 8.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 87.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 9:50 AM
- Moonset
- 12:41 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Reading at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 71°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 Reading's warmest temperatures (~76°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~31°F). September sees peak rainfall at 4.9 inches, with February recording the lowest at 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| February | 33° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| March | 42° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| April | 53° | 3.4″ | 7 |
| May | 63° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| June | 72° | 4.8″ | 8 |
| July | 76° | 4.8″ | 7 |
| August | 74° | 4.5″ | 7 |
| September | 67° | 4.9″ | 6 |
| October | 55° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| November | 45° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| December | 36° | 3.5″ | 7 |
Regional context
Reading belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region. Cities in this zone experience similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of wood thrushes returning to Reading's woodlands, their flute-like songs echoing through the canopy.
Sugar maples begin their spring leaf emergence in early May, their tiny red flowers appearing just before the leaves unfurl.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Reading?
- Reading's final spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Reading?
- September ranks as the wettest month with approximately 4.9 inches of rain on average; the city gets roughly 45 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Reading?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 76°F.
- What is the coldest month in Reading?
- January usually brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 31°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Reading?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Reading get?
- Reading gets about 80 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Reading?
- Reading's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Reading, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate zone. January temperatures typically hover near 31°F while July averages 76°F — creating a 45°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Reading gets about 45 inches of precipitation distributed across roughly 80 rainy days.
Several factors determine the local weather patterns: latitude (40.3°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence what grows here, when frost occurs, and the daily weather conditions.