Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Lancaster, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lancaster
- Important essentials for Lancaster
- Activities for Lancaster
- Lancaster in January: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in February: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in March: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in April: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in May: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in June: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in July: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in August: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in September: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in October: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in November: weather and what to pack
- Lancaster in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Lancaster, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lancaster, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lancaster. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Lancaster can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Lancaster (Pennsylvania), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
February
February in Lancaster can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to low 40s 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:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Lancaster (Pennsylvania), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
March
In March, Lancaster is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Lancaster, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Lancaster (Pennsylvania), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
April
April in Lancaster is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
May
May here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
June
In June, Lancaster is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and sometimes jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Lancaster, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
July
July here can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Lancaster during August, you will probably notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
September
September is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
October
If you vacation in Lancaster during October, you might find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in Lancaster is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
December
In December, Lancaster is cold. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Lancaster, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Lancaster (Pennsylvania), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
Activities for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lancaster.
If you go to the National Watch and Clock Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Waynesville, Ohio, United States of America, Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, Purmamarca, Argentina, Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland, Wilsonville, Oregon, United States of America, Sospel, France, Wood Buffalo National Park, Northwest Territories, Canada, Kamalapur, India, Kampong Thom, Cambodia, Bourbon, Missouri, United States of America, and Maidstone, England, United Kingdom.