Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Lancaster in January
This is the coldest month in Lancaster: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 37°F (3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 22°F (-6°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.8 in (72 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 27 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (41 → 43/100).
- Our Philadelphia, Longwood & Lancaster route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Lancaster in January
With highs near 37°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Lancaster Central Market
Brick market hall that calls itself the oldest continuously operating public farmers market in the US, with Amish and Mennonite stands.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Lititz Moravian Church
1787 church on Lititz's Church Square, the heart of the town's Moravian settlement, with candlelight services at Christmas.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Huge Pennsylvania Dutch buffet in East Earl with roast turkey, chicken pot pie, shoofly pie and dozens of other dishes.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
State railroad museum across the road from the Strasburg Rail Road, with a hall full of restored locomotives.
Nearby in January
- Kennett Square in January~34 mi · highs 37°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Baltimore in January~54 mi · highs 39°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Philadelphia in January~61 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in January~87 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Lancaster?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Lancaster in January?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Lancaster in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 47.0 in (1194 mm).
What should I pack for Lancaster in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Lancaster in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.