Best Times to Visit the Poconos

Anchored by densely forested peaks and known for its bounty of skiing and other cold-weather activities, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year.

Outdoor adventurers will love the scenic hiking trails and ample birdwatching in shoulder seasons, while the area’s lakes and rivers attract boaters and water-sports enthusiasts in warmer months. The resorts, water parks, and historic towns dotting the region appeal to families with kids of all ages, rain or shine, warm days or cold.

Whether you enjoy skiing, hiking, or sipping craft beer, you’ll want to read this month-by-month guide to the best times to visit the Poconos.

High season is the best time for skiing and hiking (January–February and June–August)

It snows the most in the Poconos in January and February. Accordingly, this is when the region’s mountain resorts draw skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers from around the country.

Expect dense crowds, with prices for rentals, lift tickets, and lodging at their highest. Travelers with more flexibility can opt to visit on weekdays when lift tickets and equipment rentals are less pricey. Alternatively, you might plan to ski in the afternoon, when some resorts, including Big Boulder, offer discount lift tickets after 3pm.

In the summer months, sunny weather lends itself to boating, swimming, and fishing in the region’s myriad rivers and lakes. The occasional rainstorm can help cool things down, making hiking and mountain biking popular in June, July, and August.

Avoid the crowds in shoulder season (December–March and October–November)

A visit just before or after peak ski season means there’s still snow on the mountains, but fewer crowds in the lift lines. Visitors can enjoy après-ski at resorts’ bars and restaurants.

While summer’s waterfront activities cool down in the fall, September, October, and November are prime months to take in the region’s stunning fall foliage. In these months, take advantage of the web of hiking and mountain biking trails to see the region’s dense forests transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Budget travelers should stay alert to airline or hotel deals during this period.

Save a few dollars by visiting during low season (April–May and September)

Even if spring is a little sleepier in the Poconos, it’s still a beautiful time to visit. Some of the region’s parks, including Big 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 lovely time to explore the mountainous terrain without heat or humidity.

However, it’s worth checking the weather forecast before planning a trip in September. While temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees, it’s also the rainiest month of the year, so pack accordingly.

Expect large crowds in January

Winter is in full swing in January, the Poconos’ snowiest month of the year. Expect crowds at the area’s ski resorts, with visitors taking advantage of peak conditions for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.
Key events: ski season, snowshoeing season

February is for winter sports fun

February is still prime time for winter sports in the mountains, with both crowds and good ski conditions found at the region’s mountain resorts. Additionally, charming small-town winter festivals feature live entertainment, ice-sculpture carving, and more.
Key events: Stroudsburg Winterfest, Jim Thorpe Winterfest

Hit the hiking trails in March

As March commences with cold weather, ski season starts to wind down. Temperatures gradually rise by the month’s end, beckoning biking and hiking trails once again.
Key event: Annual Stroudsburg St Patrick’s Day Parade

State parks open in April

With winter’s ski season in the rearview mirror, April signifies that several state and local parks, which closed for winter, reopen to visitors. Big Pocono State Park, for example, opens the first week of the month. Some of the region’s small towns host Earth Day festivals, while Jim Thorpe holds its annual film festival.
Key events: Earth Day festivities, Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival

Go fishing in May

As the weather starts to warm up in May, outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and fishing commence for the season.
Key events: The Jim Thorpe Birthday Festival, Lehighton Downtown Partnership Annual Wine on the River Festival

June is for the outdoors

With highs in the mid-70s and low humidity, June can be the best month for outdoor adventures. Numerous small-town festivals flourish during this time.
Key events: Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival, Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Arts festival

Take to the water in July

July marks the hottest month in the Poconos. This is when lakes and rivers come alive with people boating, swimming, and fishing. Fourth of July festivities in the towns and villages also serve as a fun draw.
Key events: Lake Wally Fireworks, Annual Audubon Arts and Crafts Festival

Enjoy county fairs in August

During the long, hot days of August, visitors come for outdoor activities alongside a plethora of charming, old-fashioned county fairs, some of which have been operating for well over a century.
Key events: 160th Annual Wayne County Fair, Carbon County Fair, West End Fair, Pocono State Craft Fest

There are fewer crowds in September

Offering enduring warm weather but fewer crowds, September is an excellent time to visit for hiking, adventure parks (including zip-lining), and horseback riding. Labor Day festivities draw visitors too.
Key events: Stroudfest Labor Day, Pocono Garlic and Harvest Festival

October is leaf-peeping season

As temperatures start to dip in October, the mountains begin showcasing brilliant red, gold, and orange fall foliage. Many visitors engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and biking, while fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween celebrations are also on the agenda.
Key events: Pocono Environmental Education Center Harvest Festival, Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival

November is ski season

As temperatures drop in November, averaging between 31 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit, ski resorts gear up for the upcoming season, with most opening in mid-to-late November.

December is for holiday festivals

With temperatures generally in the 20s and all the mountains opened for the season, December revolves around cold-weather outdoor activities, ranging from skiing and snow tubing to ice skating and sleigh rides. Both resorts and small towns host festive holiday events.
Key events: Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas, Hawley Winterfest