Anchored by densely forested peaks and recognized for its bounty of snowboarding and different cold-weather actions, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains area is actually an exquisite place to go to all year long.
Outside adventurers will love the scenic mountain climbing trails and ample birdwatching in shoulder seasons, whereas the world’s lakes and rivers entice boaters and water-sports fans in hotter months. The resorts, water parks and historic cities dotting the area enchantment to households with youngsters of all ages, rain or shine, heat days or chilly.
Whether or not you take pleasure in snowboarding, mountain climbing, sipping craft beer, you’ll wish to learn this month-by-month information to the most effective occasions to go to the Poconos.
Excessive season is the most effective time for snowboarding and mountain climbing (January–February and June–August)
It snows probably the most within the Poconos in January and February. Accordingly, that is when the area’s mountain resorts draw skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers from across the nation.
Anticipate dense crowds, with costs for leases, elevate tickets and lodging at their highest. Vacationers with extra flexibility can choose to go to on weekdays, when elevate tickets and tools leases are much less dear. Otherwise you may plan to ski within the afternoon, when some resorts, together with Big Boulder, supply a reduction elevate tickets after 3pm.
In the summertime months, sunny climate lends itself to boating, swimming and fishing within the area’s myriad rivers and lakes. The occasional rainstorm may also help cool issues down, making mountain climbing and mountain biking widespread in June, July and August.
Keep away from the crowds in shoulder season (December–March and October–November)
A go to simply earlier than or after peak ski season means there’s nonetheless snow on the mountains however fewer crowds within the elevate traces. Guests can take pleasure in après-ski at resorts’ bars and eating places.
And whereas summer season’s waterfront actions settle down within the fall, September, October and November are prime months to soak up the area’s beautiful fall foliage. In these months, benefit from the net of mountain climbing and mountain biking trails to see the area’s dense forests remodel into good shades of purple, orange and gold.
Hawkeyed funds vacationers ought to keep alert to airline or resort offers throughout this era.
Save just a few {dollars} by visiting throughout off-season (April–Might and September)
Even when spring is a little bit sleepier within the Poconos, it’s nonetheless a stupendous time to go to. A few of the area’s parks – together with Massive Pocono State Park – shut down for the winter season and reopen in April. With highs hovering between the mid-50s to 60s Fahrenheit, it’s a beautiful time to discover the mountainous terrain with out warmth or humidity.
It’s value checking the climate forecast earlier than packing for a visit in September. Whereas the temperature ranges from 50 to 70 levels, it’s additionally the rainiest month of the 12 months, so pack accordingly.
Anticipate massive crowds in January
Winter is in full swing in January, the Poconos’ snowiest month of the 12 months. Anticipate crowds on the space’s ski resorts, with guests profiting from peak circumstances for snowboarding, snowboarding, ice skating and tubing.
Key occasions: ski season, snowshoeing season
February is for winter sports activities enjoyable
February remains to be prime time for winter sports activities within the mountains, with each crowds and good ski circumstances discovered on the area’s mountain resorts. Additionally on supply: charming small-town winter festivals that function reside leisure, ice-sculpture carving and extra.
Key occasions: Stroudsburg Winterfest, Jim Thorpe Winterfest
Hit the mountain climbing trails in March
March begins off with chilly climate as ski season begins to wind down. Temperatures begin to creep up by the tip of the month, and biking and mountain climbing trails beckon as soon as once more.
Key occasion: Annual Stroudsburg St Patrick’s Day Parade
State parks open in April
With winter’s ski season within the rearview mirror, April implies that a number of state and native parks that closed down for the winter reopen to guests. Massive Pocono State Park, for instance, opens the primary week of the month. A few of the area’s small cities host Earth Day festivals, whereas the city of Jim Thorpe holds its annual movie pageant.
Key occasions: Earth Day festivities, Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival
Go fishing in Might
The climate begins to heat up in Might, and outside adventures like mountain climbing, biking and fishing begin up for the season.
Key occasions: The Jim Thorpe Birthday Festival, Lehighton Downtown Partnership Annual Wine on the River Festival
June is for the outside
With highs within the mid-70s and humidity low, June may be the most effective month for outside adventures. Small-town festivals are in full swing.
Key occasions: Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival, Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Arts festival
Take to the water in July
July marks the most well liked month within the Poconos, and that is when lakes and rivers come alive with of us boating, swimming and fishing. Within the area’s cities and villages, Fourth of July festivities are additionally a enjoyable draw.
Key occasions: Lake Wally Fireworks, Annual Audubon Arts and Crafts Festival
Take pleasure in county festivals in August
In the course of the lengthy, scorching days of August, guests come for outside actions, plus the plethora of charming, old school county festivals, a few of which have been working for effectively over a century.
Key occasions: 160th Annual Wayne County Fair, Carbon County Fair, West End Fair, Pocono State Craft Fest
There are fewer crowds in September
With enduring heat climate however fewer crowds, September is a wonderful time to go to the area for mountain climbing, journey parks (together with zip-lining) and horseback using. Labor Day festivities are additionally a draw.
Key occasions: Stroudfest Labor Day, Pocono Garlic and Harvest Festival
October is leaf-peeping season
Temperatures begin to dip in October, and the mountains begin to showcase purple, gold and orange fall foliage. Guests proceed to return for such outside actions as mountain climbing, canoeing, kayaking and biking, whereas fall festivals, pumpkin patches and Halloween celebrations are additionally on the agenda.
Key occasions: Pocono Environmental Education Center Harvest Festival, Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
November is ski season
Temperatures begin to dip in November, with averages working between 31 and 47 levels Fahrenheit. Ski resorts within the area begin making ready for the season, with most opening in mid-to-late November.
December is for vacation festivals
With temperatures hovering within the 20s and all of the mountains open for the season, December is all about cold-weather outside actions, from snowboarding to snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides. Each resorts and small cities host an array of vacation festivals and actions.
Key occasions: Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas, Hawley Winterfest
