Pennsylvania seasons
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania is late September through October, when the fall color sweeps from the northern tier south across the state, with May and June close behind. The southeast around Philadelphia and Lancaster has the longest season, roughly April into November, while the northern forests and mountains run from May to mid October. Winter means snow up north and salt everywhere, and spring means potholes.
- Prime
- Late Sep to Oct
- Longest season
- Southeast, Apr to Nov
- Shortest season
- Northern tier, May to mid Oct
- Watch for
- Potholes, salt, deer
The short version
Pennsylvania's season depends on where you are
Pennsylvania spans a lot of ground. The southeast, from Philadelphia to Lancaster and Gettysburg, is low and relatively mild. The Laurel Highlands in the southwest are high enough for ski resorts, and the north-central plateau of the Pennsylvania Wilds is cold, forested and snowy. Erie, in the far northwest, gets lake effect snow off Lake Erie. The same Saturday can be 70 degrees in Bucks County and 50 and foggy in Potter County.
So pick the region by the month. The Pennsylvania riding overview covers the regions, and the best motorcycle roads in Pennsylvania lists the classics in each one.
Month by month
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania, month by month
| Month | Southeast (Philly, Lancaster, Bucks) | Central and southwest (Laurels, Pittsburgh) | Northern tier and Poconos |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold. Dry days only, salt | Cold, snow. Ski season in the Laurels | Snow and ice. Parked |
| February | Cold. Potholes start | Snow likely | Snow and ice |
| March | Mixed. Pothole season | Snow still possible, grit in corners | Winter hangs on |
| April | Good. Riding season opens | Opening up, cold mornings | Cold. Snow possible early |
| May | Prime | Prime | Opening up. Green and empty |
| June | Good, humid late | Prime | Prime |
| July | Hot and humid. Ride early | Warm. Afternoon storms | Prime. The summer escape |
| August | Hot, storms | Warm, storms | Good. Valley fog in the mornings |
| September | Good, cooling | Prime late in the month | Prime. Color starts late month |
| October | Prime. Color late month | Prime. Peak color mid month | Peak color early, cold by month's end |
| November | Good early, cold late | Cold. First snow possible | Cold. Snow likely |
| December | Cold. Dry days only | Snow | Snow. Parked |
General patterns, not a forecast. Every year is different. Check the weather and 511PA before you ride.
The best season
Fall foliage: Pennsylvania's best riding weeks
Fall color usually starts in the northern tier and the high ground in late September or early October, then moves south and east across the state through the month, reaching the southeast by late October or early November. The state's conservation department, DCNR, publishes fall foliage reports each autumn, which are worth checking before you plan the big ride.
Color brings crowds. The Pine Creek Gorge, Ricketts Glen, the Poconos and the old town of Jim Thorpe all get busy on October weekends, and Benezette fills with elk watchers during the rut in September and October. Home football Saturdays at Penn State jam the roads around State College. Ride weekdays if you can, start early if you can't, and watch for deer, which are on the move in fall.
Summer
Summer: ride north, ride high, or ride early
Philadelphia, Lancaster and Pittsburgh get hot, sticky summers with afternoon thunderstorms. The northern forests and the Laurel Highlands run noticeably cooler, which makes US 6, the Bucktail Trail and PA 381 the summer favorites. Fog fills the river valleys on cool mornings and burns off by mid morning.
Expect tourist traffic at Ohiopyle, Gettysburg, Lancaster and the Poconos on summer weekends, and construction zones on major roads, since summer is paving season. Check Pennsylvania motorcycle events for the summer calendar.
Off-season
Winter salt and Pennsylvania's pothole season
- Snow and ice: The north and the mountains are snow country from November into April. The Erie area adds lake effect snow.
- Salt and brine: Roads get treated statewide before and after storms. Rinse the bike after a winter ride.
- Anti-skid grit: The material spread on winter roads collects in corners and lingers into spring. Treat every corner like it might be sandy.
- Potholes: The freeze and thaw opens them from late winter into spring, and Pennsylvania is known for them. PennDOT takes pothole reports for state roads.
- Shaded ridges: North-facing curves and ridge roads hold ice into the morning long after the valleys are clear.
- Check conditions: 511PA shows closures, incidents and winter road conditions.
By region
Best months to ride, by Pennsylvania region
| Region | Best months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester counties | April to June, September to November | Humid summer afternoons, rush hour |
| Lancaster and Gettysburg | April to June, September to November | Summer tourist weekends |
| Laurel Highlands | May to October | Snow season |
| Pittsburgh area | May to June, September to October | Spring potholes, summer storms |
| Pennsylvania Wilds and northern tier | Late May to mid October | November to April |
| Poconos and Endless Mountains | May to October | Leaf weekends without an early start |
Plan it
Plan your Pennsylvania season with Rippin'
- Weather alertsRippin' sends weather alerts before you ride, and riders flag road hazards, like a fresh pothole, on the map. See road and weather alerts.
- Ride plansShare a ride card with departure time, route, stops and RSVPs, so the crew meets before the leaf traffic.
- AI trip plannerBuild a weekend across the Wilds with fuel stops and pacing. Free has limits, Plus is unlimited.
- Passport stampsGet a stamp for every town you ride through, from Coudersport to Ohiopyle, and badges for places you've been. Both pay points.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania?
October, for the fall color and cool, dry days. Early October is best in the north, mid to late October farther south. May and June are close behind.
When does motorcycle season start in Pennsylvania?
Around April in the southeast and south-central part of the state, and May in the northern tier and the mountains, where snow and cold mornings hang on longer.
When is peak fall foliage in Pennsylvania?
Usually late September to early October in the northern tier, mid October in the central mountains, and late October into early November in the southeast. DCNR posts foliage reports each fall.
Can you ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania in winter?
On dry days in the southeast, yes, with salt on the roads and ice in shaded spots. The north and the mountains are usually snowed in from November to April.
Why are there so many potholes in Pennsylvania in spring?
Repeated freezing and thawing breaks up the pavement over the winter. Ride with extra following distance in spring so you can see and avoid them.
When is the best time to see elk in Pennsylvania?
The fall rut in September and October around Benezette, at dawn and dusk. It's also the most crowded time, so ride in early.
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