Erie County Climate
Erie County, Pennsylvania
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
49.0°F
Annual Precip
46.0"
Annual Snowfall
109.3"
Extreme Heat Days
3
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,680
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Erie County
Climate Verdict
Erie County has a cool, averaging 49.0°F annually, moderately wet with 46.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 2.8000000000000003 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 109.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 26.3°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.0°F. The 45°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Erie County closely matches the Pennsylvania statewide average temperature of 49.8°F.
Climate Profile
About Erie County Weather
A Chilly Lakefront Climate
Erie's 49.0°F annual average reflects a humid continental climate that sits below the national median temperature. This cooler profile results in longer, more sustained winters compared to much of the United States.
Cooler Than the State Average
At 49.0°F, Erie is nearly a full degree cooler than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. It ranks among the state's cloudier and chillier northern tier counties due to its unique position on the Great Lakes.
Regional Lake Effects
While neighboring Forest County enjoys a 49.9°F average, Erie remains colder because of its northern latitude. Its 46.0 inches of precipitation slightly exceeds the state average of 45.3 inches.
Famous Snow and Mild Summers
Winters are intense with a staggering 109.3 inches of snowfall and January lows of 26.3°F. Conversely, summers remain very mild with only 3 days per year topping 90°F.
Gear Up for Deep Snow
Residents must prioritize high-capacity snow removal equipment and heavy-duty winter apparel to handle the 100-inch seasons. Robust home insulation is also essential to combat the sustained lake-effect cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.