Late summer · Weather & things to do
Lancaster in August
Little changes in Lancaster from July: highs stay near 85°F (30°C), lows near 65°F (19°C), and about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 72/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 85°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 4.4 in (113 mm)
- Humidity
- 71%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 72/100 · Good
What August feels like
Highs settle around 85°F (30°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 65°F (19°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.4 in (113 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April & May and September & October).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort improves from 68/100 in July to 72/100.
- Our Philadelphia, Longwood & Lancaster route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes85°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Lancaster in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Lititz bakery opened in 1861, the first commercial pretzel bakery in the US, with short tours and a hand-twisting lesson.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Huge Pennsylvania Dutch buffet in East Earl with roast turkey, chicken pot pie, shoofly pie and dozens of other dishes.
Strasburg Rail Road
America's oldest operating short-line railroad, running steam trains through Amish farmland, with Santa trains in December.
Why now August scores 72/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Kitchen Kettle Village
Cluster of shops in Intercourse selling jams, relishes, quilts and crafts, in the heart of Amish country.
Nearby in August
- Kennett Square in August~34 mi · highs 85°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Baltimore in August~54 mi · highs 87°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Philadelphia in August~61 mi · highs 85°F, 4.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Washington, DC in August~87 mi · highs 87°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Lancaster in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Lancaster?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 72/100 against a best of 82 in April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 85°F (30°C) and 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain.
How hot is Lancaster in August?
Average highs are 85°F (30°C) and average lows 65°F (19°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Lancaster in August?
Some: about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 47.0 in (1194 mm).
What should I pack for Lancaster in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (85°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Lancaster in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.