Pennsylvania in August

Fall colors peak in early October, especially in the Poconos and Laurel Highlands. Hotels jack up rates 30-40% during peak foliage season, but it's worth it. Spring hits in late April through May – perfect for walking Philadelphia's historic district without sweating through your shirt. Summer works great for families since everything's open, but July and August get sticky humid. The Pocono Mountains offer relief when the cities get swampy. Winter brings cheap hotel rates and holiday markets, but half the Amish country attractions close down. Lancaster's Christmas markets run through December if you're into that scene. Here's a pro tip – visit Lancaster County on weekdays. Weekend traffic on Route 30 turns a 20-minute drive into an hour-long crawl behind horse-drawn buggies and tour buses.