Stretching from the Lehigh River in the west to the Delaware Water Gap in the east, the Pocono Mountains stay gorgeous year-round. There’s always something new to do, from summer activities like rock climbing and scenic hikes to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter and everything in between.
If you’re wondering when to visit the Poconos, we’ve put together a guide to all four seasons, including popular activities and events. No matter when you visit, though, book your stay at a Red Maple vacation rental for a getaway you won’t soon forget.
Now, let’s find out the absolute best time to visit the Poconos!
The Poconos in the Spring
As temperatures warm, flowers and new greenery begin to appear throughout the forests of the Poconos. With more and more sunlight every day, spring is an excellent time to visit for outdoor activities, though you’ll find plenty to keep you busy if you’re an indoorsy kind of person, too.
Springtime Weather
Spring starts out chilly in the Poconos — you might see snow and ice in March when temperatures typically fall between the 20s and 40s. But the weather warms quickly, and by May, you’ll likely be in t-shirts and shorts. Highs often fall in the mid-60s, with nighttime lows in the 40s.
Spring is also fairly rainy in the Poconos. Bring along rain gear and an extra coat or two to ward off any spring chills.
Best Things to Do in Spring
Spring means warmer temperatures and more daylight, so there’s plenty of time for outdoor adventures and to explore the Poconos’ stunning natural beauty. But we also have some indoor activities available for cooler days.
Here’s what we suggest during your spring visit:
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Museum visits (Try Dorflinger Glass Museum and Dorflinger Factory Museum or Pocono Indian Museum)
- Pocono Historic Trolley Tour
Springtime Events
Springtime in the Poconos is jam-packed with events that you won’t want to miss. Many celebrations and festivals will appeal to visitors of all ages, so you can bring the whole family along.
Check out these events:
- Stroudsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival
- Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley
- Wally Wine Fest
The Poconos in the Summer
Ah, summer — temperatures are warm, the sun is shining, and the Poconos is humming with activity. Naturally, the region can get a little busy at this time of year. But if you don’t mind some extra company, swing on by and make the most of the season.
Summertime Weather
Summers in the Poconos are relatively mild. Most days will be in the mid-to-high 70s, with lows in the 50s. It’s worth noting that the rain does continue during this time of year, though, so come prepared for unexpected showers or even the occasional downpour.
A raincoat is always a good idea, but other than that, bring your best summer finery. A bathing suit to tackle all the rivers and lakes is also a must.
Best Things to Do in Summer
If there’s any complaint about summer in the Poconos, it’s that it’s tough to fit in everything you might want to do. There are tons of different summertime activities to discover, so you might want to factor a little extra time into your trip to cover as much as you can.
These are just a few of our favorite outdoor activities and watersports for summer:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Boating (Lake Wallenpaupack is a favorite spot!)
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Rock climbing
- Whitewater rafting
- Off-roading
- Waterfall exploring
- Hit the hiking trails (Big Pocono and Hickory Run State Parks have great options.)
Summertime Events
No matter what your interests are, there’s a summer event that you’ll love. Chill out at a local music festival, or sample some of the region’s best food and drink at the Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival.
Swing by these (and more) summer events:
- Pocono Pride Festival
- Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival
- Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music & Arts Festival
- NASCAR Race Weekend at the Pocono Raceway
- Stroudfest
The Poconos in the Fall
After the summer tourists depart, the weather stays pleasant through much of the fall, making this an excellent time to visit if you’re not a fan of crowds. You’ll also get to see some eye-popping fall foliage, as the Poconos’ typical green mantle is awash in brilliant hues.
Fall Weather
Though temperatures do cool during fall, you won’t get too chilly until fairly late in the season. In September, highs typically fall in the low 70s. When November rolls around, highs are usually in the 40s. You won’t have to worry about as much rain, either.
Plan your fall trip according to the weather you find most comfortable. You should pack warm clothes, binoculars to admire the views and sturdy hiking boots.
Best Things to Do in Fall
As we’ve mentioned, the main attraction at this time of year will be the leaves — but there are so many different ways to experience them. And leaf peeping is far from the only thing to do in the Poconos in the fall.
Here are a few suggestions for fall visitors:
- Pocono Foliage Express
- Ziplining
- Apple picking
- Scenic drives
Fall Events
Fall isn’t just about the leaves in the Poconos. Numerous exciting events take place here in the fall, including several festivals dedicated to Halloween.
Mark these yearly Pocono events in your calendar:
- Milford Readers & Writers Festival
- Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
- Haunted Poconos Park
- The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
- ULLR Fest
The Poconos in the Winter
Winter in the Poconos is often overlooked, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on all the wonderful experiences the season has to offer. You can enjoy the unique sights and sounds of the Poconos in the snow while taking advantage of some peace and quiet in our small towns.
Wintertime Weather
Winter can get fairly cold in the Poconos, with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens for much of the season (the coldest month, though, is January). The average annual snowfall is right around 50 inches, perfect for sledders and skiers.
Bring your warmest clothes for this time of year and any extra gear needed for snow-related activities. You could also spot wildlife like bald eagles, so pack those binoculars for your best shot at seeing them up close.
Best Things to Do in Winter
You’ll find ski season in the Poconos in full swing in the winter. Of course, you could just as well spend your winter trip curled up beside the fireplace in your vacation rental, a mug of hot cocoa by your side. But with so many fun things to do outside, don’t be surprised if you find yourself drawn to the winter wonderland ambiance trying a new snowy activity.
Here are the winter sports and activities that are must add to a Poconos itinerary:
- Horseback riding
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Dog-sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Eagle-watching tours
Wintertime Events
The Poconos hosts several holiday events and festivals that celebrate winter. Small towns throughout the Poconos also deck the halls for the occasion, so look for photo-worthy light displays.
Along the way, stop by one of these events:
- Milford Tree Lighting
- Poconos Lights
- Hawley Winterfest
- Wally IceFest
- Santa Claus Train Ride: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Find the Best Time to Visit the Poconos
By now, you should have a better idea of all the many things to see and do in the Poconos throughout the year. The absolute best time for you to visit will depend on you and your travel companions, so plan according to the activities and events that most interest you.
With that in mind, you’ll want to book your stay at Red Maple vacation rentals ASAP to make the most out of your trip. Our properties provide the perfect base camp for all of your adventures, no matter when you want to explore.