The climate of Erie
Erie, situated in
Pennsylvania, USA, has a predominant Köppen climate classification of Dfb. This designates a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. The geographical position of Erie, on the south shore of Lake Erie, contributes greatly to the city's overall weather landscape.
The overall weather pattern throughout the year in Erie displays significant variability, demonstrating characteristics of a continental climate. Fluctuations in weather parameters are perceivable across the months, with considerable shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Temperature swings from a minimum of 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
January to a peak of 74.8°F (23.8°C) in
July. The range in rainfall is similarly variable, ranging from 0.43" (11mm) in January to 0.83" (21mm) in
October. Simultaneously, the relative humidity witnesses slight fluctuations, dipping from 86% in
February to 78% from July through to October.
Distinct weather patterns emerge in Erie with certain months exhibiting specific weather characteristics. The warmest months consistently are July and
August, with high temperatures hovering around 74°F (23.3°C). These months also record the lowest percentage of cloud cover, at 28%. Conversely, the coldest months are January and February, with high temperatures only reaching 29.8°F (-1.2°C) and 31.6°F (-0.2°C) respectively. January sees the highest snowfall, with an average of 0.28" (7mm) whereas precipitation is at its peak in October with 0.83" (21mm).
The best time to visit Erie
The optimal time to visit
Erie depends on the visitor's affinity for specific weather conditions. However, it is generally agreeable that the months of
June through
September may provide the most comfortable weather conditions. During this period, high temperatures run from 68.7°F (20.4°C) in June to 74.8°F (23.8°C) in July, with minimal fluctuations in August and September. Similarly, rainfall is relatively moderate, ranging from 0.71" (18mm) in June to 0.35" (9mm) in September. Also, these months offer the most amount of daylight, allowing visitors to enjoy long, sunny days for their outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Erie
The less favourable months for travel to
Erie would be from December to February. These present the coldest conditions with high temperatures not exceeding 31.6°F (-0.2°C) in February and even plummeting to 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
January. Furthermore, these months also witness significant snowfall, with an average of 0.31" (8mm) in December and 0.28" (7mm) in January. The daylight hours are noticeably shorter during this period as well, limiting the amount of time for any outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Erie
Spring in Erie spans from March to May. The season sees a gradual rise in temperature, starting from a high of 38.7°F (3.7°C) in March to 59.9°F (15.5°C) in May. The rainfall inches upwards from 0.47" (12mm) in March to 0.67" (17mm) in May. Wind speeds show a decline from March to May, dropping from a monthly average of 10.8mph (17.4km/h) to 8.8mph (14.2km/h).
Summer weather in Erie
Featuring warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, the summer season in Erie, from June to August, offers remarkable weather conditions. High temperatures reach up to 74.8°F (23.8°C) in July, the hottest month. Rainfall, however, is quite modest, with July receiving 0.75" (19mm) and August experiencing 0.71" (18mm).
Autumn weather in Erie
Autumn in Erie witnesses a decline in temperature from
September to
November. High temperatures respectively drop from 69.6°F (20.9°C) in September, to 58.3°F (14.6°C) in
October and then further decrease to 45.9°F (7.7°C) in November. Rainfall is on a seesaw pattern, with slight increases and decreases, yet the largest amount falls in October at 0.83" (21mm).
Winter weather in Erie
Winter in Erie, from December to February, is characterized by cold temperatures, with high temperatures plunging to 36.9°F (2.7°C) in December and reaching a low of 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in January. The season also experiences significant snowfall with December and January registering 0.31" (8mm) and 0.28" (7mm) respectively.
Weather in January
Winter is in full swing in Erie,
Pennsylvania during January, bestowing a frosty touch on the city. It can be a challenging month for those sensitive to cold, compared to the relatively less severe conditions in December. The lowest temperatures of the year grip Erie, sinking to 21.6°F (-5.8°C), introducing a chill that blankets the landscape. Weather in January »
Weather in February
In February, despite the winter's chill slightly retreating, Erie's weather remains predominantly cold. Typical February weather tends to be subtly milder than in January, reserving its harshest cold spells for the preceding month. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The arrival of March in Erie,
Pennsylvania signals the onset of milder weather conditions. The bitter winter cold starts to alleviate, shifting towards warmer springtime temperatures. Despite the improved thermal conditions, the influence of its winter neighbor remains somewhat evident, as temperatures still plunge to 28.2°F (-2.1°C) occasionally. Weather in March »
Weather in April
The mild and refreshing breath of spring in Erie truly comes into its own in
April. The month is a noticeable upgrade from the cooler conditions of March, showcasing a more consistent spring climate. Remarkable improvements in temperature are witnessed, soaring to an average high of 48.7°F (9.3°C). Weather in April »
Weather in May
Erie’s weather story takes an interesting turn in May. The city abandons its spring attire and begins donning the warm hues of summer. Coming from a relatively cooler April, residents experience an uplift in temperatures, laying the groundwork for the impending summer season.
Weather in May »
Weather in June
Embracing summer, June's weather in Erie tends to be moderately warm and inviting. The city experiences a palpable change in temperatures from May, making June a month of clear skies and sunny days. However, despite the comfortable daytime temperatures of 68.7°F (20.4°C), evenings often become quite chilly as cooler air descends.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Amid the flow of the calendar year, Erie, Pennsylvania, reaches the peak of summer in July. Graduating from the moderate warmth of June, temperatures threaten to touch 74.8°F (23.8°C), making it the hottest month of the year. Although August imitates the warm weather pattern, it usually brings slightly lower temperatures. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Erie enjoys another warm month in August as summer continues its reign. The heat of July dwindles somewhat, offering a more pleasant weather experience for locals. Even though temperatures can hit as high as 74.3°F (23.5°C), it feels considerably comfortable. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September in Erie, Pennsylvania, transitions from the warmth of late summer to the crisp nip of early fall. Trailing the scorching summer, it delivers milder and comfortable weather for residents. Falling to 58.8°F (14.9°C) on cooler days, the city witnesses a welcome change in temperatures. Weather in September »
Weather in October
Fall takes full control of Erie's weather in October, shedding the final vestiges of summer that lingered in September. The decreasing temperature signifies the advent of chillier weather, resonating with the mood of Thanksgiving festivities. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November in Erie, Pennsylvania, serves as a gateway to winter, leaving the leads of fall behind. A palpable chill starts to infiltrate Erie's weather, hinting at the freezing conditions to come in December. The frigidness of Erie’s late fall can be felt in full swing with temperature plunging to a chilly 37.4°F (3°C).
Weather in November »
Weather in December
December often transforms Erie into a winter wonderland, marking the onset of the cold season. It represents a considerable shift in weather from November, introducing the coldest part of the year. Amidst the holiday cheer, a frosty touch grips the city with chilly temperatures around 30.4°F (-0.9°C). Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 30, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S.
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