Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Harrisburg, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Harrisburg, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America by month

January

In January, Harrisburg is freezing and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Harrisburg, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Harrisburg can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Harrisburg in April, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you vacation in Harrisburg during May, you may notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in this region is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Harrisburg is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Harrisburg is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Harrisburg is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

Traveling to Harrisburg in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you vacation in Harrisburg during November, you may find that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Harrisburg is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Harrisburg. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the State Museum of Pennsylvania, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is quite an uncommon tourist destination. Nevertheless, this city has a lot of attractions and exciting activities to offer to visitors who want to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots in the United States.

Here are the top tourist attractions to consider if you plan to visit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:

1. Pennsylvania State Capitol and State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Capitol of Pennsylvania, located in Harrisburg, is a grand building with impressive architecture and artwork. The Capitol Rotunda, with its 52-meter-high dome, has murals that depict Pennsylvania's history, along with exquisite sculptures and artwork by various artists. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is also housed in the Capitol Building and has exhibits on the history of Pennsylvania, as well as a planetarium and interactive exhibits for children.

2. National Civil War Museum

The National Civil War Museum opened in 2001 and has since been a significant tourist attraction in Harrisburg. The museum showcases the social, economic, and military aspects of the Civil War, with exhibits and artifacts that delve into the country's past. If you’re a history enthusiast, this museum is a must-visit.

3. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts offers a unique and enlightening experience for visitors of all generations. The center features interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and 3D cinema screenings, along with other significant events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy innovative and educational experiences in science, performing arts, and film.

4. City Island

Located in the Susquehanna River, City Island, is an ideal spot for people looking for some fun outdoor activities. The island has mini-golf courses, train rides, a baseball stadium, and a carousel. Visitors can also enjoy an array of food and drinks from several restaurants and bars on the island.

5. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is a historic, 40-acre park located northwest of downtown Harrisburg. The park hosts several events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and guided tours. Visitors can tour the Mansion, which dates back to the Revolutionary War, and learn about the property's history and culture.

6. Hershey's Chocolate World

A 20-minute drive from Harrisburg, Hershey's Chocolate World is an attraction you'd not want to miss. This chocolate factory offers various glimpses into the chocolate-making process, with several interactive exhibits, a chocolate tasting tour, and chocolate samples, tours and other entertainment options.

In conclusion, Harrisburg is an excellent tourist destination with diverse attractions suitable for solo travelers, families, and couples. From museums and parks to restaurants and shopping centers, the city offers plenty of options to keep you entertained and occupied throughout your trip.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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