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Adams County Climate

Adams County, Pennsylvania

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

52.7°F

Annual Precip

44.6"

Annual Snowfall

27.6"

Extreme Heat Days

20

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.3"
2.6"
3.6"
3.7"
4.1"
4.2"
3.9"
3.9"
4.9"
3.8"
3.1"
3.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,311

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/24
First fall frost (32°F): 10/21

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring40°61°11.5"Summer70°75°11.9"Fall44°66°11.8"Winter30°35°9.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 43% of US counties
Wetter than 57% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 58% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Adams County

Climate Verdict

Adams County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 52.7°F, moderately wet with 44.6 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 19.933333333333334 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 27.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 30.1°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.8°F. The 45°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Adams County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Adams County closely matches the Pennsylvania statewide average temperature of 49.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Adams County Weather

A mild climate near the national median

Adams County maintains an annual average temperature of 52.7°F, sitting just below the national median for the lower 48 states. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasons with moderate shifts throughout the year. The county receives 44.6 inches of precipitation annually, aligning closely with typical mid-Atlantic weather patterns.

Among Pennsylvania's warmest agricultural hubs

The county's 52.7°F average temperature makes it significantly warmer than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This warmth supports its famous orchards and agricultural economy more effectively than cooler northern counties. It ranks among the warmer regions in the Commonwealth, benefiting from its position in the southern tier.

A warmer neighbor in South Central PA

Adams County runs warmer than its northern neighbor, Cumberland County, while sharing similar precipitation levels. Its July average of 74.8°F reflects a slightly higher heat index than more mountainous counties to the west. This relative warmth contributes to more consistent growing seasons compared to neighbors in higher elevations.

Hot summers and manageable winters

Summers are distinctively warm with 20 days per year exceeding 90°F and a July average of 74.8°F. Winters stay relatively mild with 27.6 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 30.1°F. This balance results in a winter average temperature of 32.5°F, which is notably higher than the state's colder northern tier.

Prepare for humidity and moderate snow

Homeowners should invest in efficient cooling systems to manage the three weeks of extreme heat each summer. While snowfall averages 27.6 inches, significant single-storm events are common, requiring reliable clearing equipment. Seasonal maintenance on HVAC systems ensures comfort during the high-humidity peaks of July.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Adams County?
The average annual temperature in Adams County, PA is 52.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Adams County get?
Adams County receives an average of 44.6 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Adams County?
Yes, Adams County receives an average of 27.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Adams County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Adams County is 72.6°F. The county experiences an average of 20 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Adams County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Adams County is 32.5°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 30.1°F.

Track your own weather in Adams County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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