Climate and monthly weather forecastScranton, PA
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Scranton
Perched in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, USA, Scranton adheres to the principles of the Dfb Köppen climate classification, featuring a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. This typology of climate is characterized by substantial seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, rainfall, and daylight hours.Regarding temperature variations, Scranton experiences a rather wide range, with low temperatures dipping to 18°F (-7.8°C) in January and steadily rising to peak at 80.2°F (26.8°C) in July. The degree of humidity in the atmosphere maintains a relatively consistent fluctuation from 78% to 85% throughout the year, not showing extreme discrepancies from one season to another.
Precipitation levels follow a somewhat uniform path all year round. Scranton does not have a dry season, with rainfall amounts ranging from 1.38" (35mm) to 2.4" (61mm) and the city witnesses somewhere between 5.2 to 17.4 days of rainfall on a monthly average. Despite this, snowfall is fairly common in the winter months, reaching its highest at 5.08" (129mm) in March and disappearing completely from May till October.
A unique weather pattern commonly observed in Scranton is the beautiful range of daylight hours it receives. January, the darkest month, gets 9.6 hours of daylight, while June, the brightest, enjoys up to 15.1 hours, indicating considerable day length variations throughout the year.
The best time to visit Scranton
Considering all the factors of climate and weather, the most favorable time to explore Scranton would be between May and September. These months offer warm temperatures catering to enjoyable outdoor activities, with highs typically ranging from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C). Scranton also receives the most sunshine during these months, with the average daily sunshine duration varying from 7.1 hours to 10 hours.The humidity levels remain fairly stable during these months, hovering from 78% to 79%, ensuring there is not an excess of moisture in the air. Rainfall is evident but not overwhelming, with rainfall measurements between 1.81" (46mm) to 2.4" (61mm) and it rains for approximately 14.5 to 17.4 days in these months.
The worst time to visit Scranton
The chilliest period in Scranton, making it less appealing for travel, runs from December to February. The city experiences its lowest temperatures in this timeframe, with the thermometer regularly displaying numbers between 18°F (-7.8°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C). Further on, daily sunshine during these months diminishes to a meager 3.5 hours to 3.6 hours, resulting in shorter and colder days.Scranton also witnesses its maximum snowfall during this period, reaching 4.65" (118mm) in December and 4.45" (113mm) in February. If frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall are not appealing, it is advisable to avoid these months for your visit to Scranton.
Spring weather in Scranton
Spring in Scranton sees a noticeable upswing in temperatures, presenting a wide spectrum from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C) between March and May. Relative to the winter months, the onset of spring commences the reduction in snowfall days, from around 9.9 days average in March to nearly null by May.The increase in temperature is met with an increase in rainfall as well, starting at 1.65" (42mm) in March and peaking at 2.4" (61mm) in May. Delivering more daylight hours, spring marks the shift towards brighter days with daylight duration increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.5 in May.
Summer weather in Scranton
Summer in Scranton entails higher temperatures averaging from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C), making it an ideal time for a variety of outdoor activities. The months of June, July, and August witness relatively lower rainfall days averaging from 15.1 days to 16.8 days with an equivalent reduction in the quantity of rainfall to an average between 2.17" (55mm) to 2.4" (61mm).These months also bring in the longest days of the year, providing maximized daylight hours - up to an impressive 15.1 hours in June, making it the city’s sunniest period.
Autumn weather in Scranton
Autumn ushers in a significant drop in temperature with average lows and highs tumbling from a comfortable 57.4°F (14.1°C) in September to a chilly 31.5°F (-0.3°C) by November. Rainfall also takes a dip during these months, falling from an average 1.89" (48mm) in October to 1.81" (46mm) in November, and the city experiences fewer rainfall days as well.Scranton experiences shorter daylight hours with each passing autumn month, declining from 12.5 hours in September to 9.9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Scranton
Winter in Scranton presents shorter, colder days with the onset of snowfall. The months from December to February reveal temperatures critically dropping to a range between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 33.4°F (0.8°C). Rainfall is relatively low, falling between 1.38" (35mm) to 1.54" (39mm), but this is replaced with snowfall, reaching up to 4.65" (118mm) in December. The brightness of the day reduces significantly, delivering only 9.6 hours of daylight in December.Weather in January
Scranton, Pennsylvania starts the year under a blanket of snow, as the city experiences regular snowfall in January. With noticeably lower temperatures than December from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) to 18°F (-7.8°C), winter jackets are essential. Weather in January »Weather in February
By February, the wintry ambiance continues in Scranton, and while the temperatures do see a slight rise, it still hovers in the low range. The days are slightly longer compared to January, but still lacking in significant sunshine time. Weather in February »Weather in March
As March arrives, it signals the transition from winter to spring in Scranton. The city experiences a gradual increase in temperature, which is a notable shift from the cold weather conditions observed in February. One distinctive highlight is the drop in snowfall amounting to 5.08" (129mm), providing a sigh of relief for the residents after experiencing more intense snowfall in February. Weather in March »Weather in April
The advent of April announces the arrival of true spring in Scranton, showcasing a more temperate climate when compared between the previous and the next month. April stands out as the first month of the year when residents can expect little to no snowfall, with 0.55" (14mm) seen sporadically across a few days. Weather in April »Weather in May
As Scranton moves further into May, the city experiences noticeable improvements in weather conditions with longer, warmer days setting the stage for outdoor activities. The city encounters the most rainfall in the year with 2.4" (61mm) spread across approximately 17.4 days, marking a shift from snowy to rainy conditions. Weather in May »Weather in June
June welcomes the summer in Scranton and the days are at their longest, giving the residents more time to enjoy the outdoors. Compared to May, there is a significant rise in temperature, however, temperatures stay comfortably below the extreme heat. Weather in June »Weather in July
In Scranton, the heart of summer is in July with peak temperatures, leading to outdoor water activities becoming the norm. This month stands out for having not only the highest temperatures of the year between 80.2°F (26.8°C) to 59°F (15°C) but also the longest sunshine duration with an average of 10 hours per day. Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in Scranton showcases a subtle shift from the scorching summer heat of July towards the cooler autumn months ahead. The temperatures see a small drop, though the weather remains comfortably warm for outdoor pursuits. Weather in August »Weather in September
September heralds the arrival of fall in Scranton, characterized by a noticeable decline in average temperatures. This temperature shift from the preceding month renders a cooler and more pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying autumn's radiant colors. Weather in September »Weather in October
October, in Scranton, ushers in a definitive fall atmosphere, with a significant decrease in both temperature and daylight hours compared to September. The month is characterized by increasing amounts of rainfall, with 1.89" (48mm) spread across various days. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Scranton nearly marks the end of fall, with temperatures sinking further down. The city observes a transition from rain to snow indicative with snowfall reaching 2.13" (54mm). This month is the onset of winter, as evident from the increased snowfall and decreased temperatures. Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year in Scranton, December brings in the full force of winter with decreasing temperatures and increasing snowfall. In comparison to November, there is a clear increase in snowfall amounting to 4.21" (107mm). This significant jump transforms the city into a winter wonderland, setting the stage for the year-end holiday season. Weather in December »Updated: Jun 4, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The month of January, characterized by an average high of 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and a low of 18°F (-7.8°C), is recognized as the coldest.
January and September are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 5.2 days and typically aggregates up to 1.38" (35mm) of rain.
Throughout the year, there are 139.9 rainfall days, and 22.28" (566mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
In Scranton, during the entire year, snow falls for 48.4 days and aggregates up to 22.01" (559mm) of snow.
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
February and December, with an average relative humidity of 85%, are most humid months.
The month with the least sunshine in Scranton is February, with an average of 3.5h of sunshine.
The month with the most snowfall in Scranton is March, when snow falls for 9.9 days and typically aggregates up to 5.08" (129mm) of snow.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
The months with the lowest humidity are April, June and July, with an average relative humidity of 78%.
The wettest months are May and July, with an average 2.4" (61mm) of rainfall.
The months with the highest UV index in Scranton are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
June through September are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 6min of daylight.
July, marked by an average high-temperature of 80.2°F (26.8°C) and a low-temperature of 59°F (15°C), is the warmest month.
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10h of sunshine.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
Average temperature
Scranton, PA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18°F).
Average pressure
Scranton, PA
- Average pressure in January:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.94"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.08"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).
Average wind speed
Scranton, PA
- Average wind speed in January:
8.4mph - Average wind speed in February:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in March:
8.3mph - Average wind speed in April:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.3mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.9mph - Average wind speed in October:
7mph - Average wind speed in November:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
8mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.3mph).
Average humidity
Scranton, PA
The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April, June and July (78%).
Average rainfall
Scranton, PA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.38" - Average rainfall in February:
1.5" - Average rainfall in March:
1.65" - Average rainfall in April:
1.81" - Average rainfall in May:
2.4" - Average rainfall in June:
2.17"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.4" - Average rainfall in August:
2.36" - Average rainfall in September:
1.38" - Average rainfall in October:
1.89" - Average rainfall in November:
1.81" - Average rainfall in December:
1.54"
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are May and July (2.4").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and September (1.38").
Average rainfall days
Scranton, PA
- Average rainfall days in January:
5.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.1 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
14.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (5.2 days).
Average snowfall
Scranton, PA
- Average snowfall in January:
4.65" - Average snowfall in February:
4.45" - Average snowfall in March:
5.08" - Average snowfall in April:
0.55" - Average snowfall in May:
0.47" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is March (5.08").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Scranton, PA
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
11.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
9.9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
3.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.8 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (11.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Scranton, PA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 36min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 36min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 30min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 6min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 48min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 48min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 6min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 54min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 12min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 36min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 36min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Scranton, PA
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
13.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
14.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
16 days - Average sunshine days in November:
18.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.4 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (18.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (11 days).
Average UV index
Scranton, PA
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Scranton, PA
The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 64).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 38).
Average visibility
Scranton, PA
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (5mi).
