What's the best time to visit Amish Country, PA?
Visiting Amish country in late September to October offers a vibrant fall experience with cooler weather, colorful foliage, and harvest festivities. This period features farmers markets, corn mazes, and the chance to explore the oldest farmers market in the U.S., Lancaster Central Market. It’s a busy season with fresh produce and Amish delicacies, yet expect slightly higher prices and crowds at popular attractions.
Planning a trip through Pennsylvania? Make sure you add the Amish country to your itinerary. Enjoy a simpler way of life and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes and the charm of horse-drawn buggies as you explore authentic Amish culture.
Visiting the Amish country in Pennsylvania is sure to make for an unforgettable trip, but it’s essential that you go during the right time of the year. Certain seasons offer more things to see and do compared to others.
So, let’s dive in and explore the best time to visit Amish country, PA, and address other common questions related to this often-overlooked part of the country.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Amish Country
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The best time to visit the Amish country is the start of fall, from late September through most of October. The leaves start to fall, and the farmers’ markets fill with fresh items to buy.
During the harvest season, Lancaster County and the surrounding Amish lands are bristling with fun things to see and do. Some of the top fall events and Amish attractions include:
- Farmers markets
- Corn mazes
- Covered bridges
- Pick-your-own-fruit farms
- Local tours
Fall coincides with the end of the farming season, as the local farmers start harvesting their crops. Many Amish families prepare fresh baked goods and delicacies for sale at nearby shops and farmers’ markets.
You’ll also want to visit Lancaster Central Market, which is the oldest of its kind in the United States. It was originally built in the 1730s. The market is in the center of Lancaster, which is also the heart of the Amish country. It’s especially busy and full of locally grown food and handcrafted goods during the fall.
The autumn season is also incredibly colorful. The leaves start to drop, blanketing the rolling green landscapes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The weather is perfect for touring the sprawling Amish countryside.
The Lancaster area has an average high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 51 degrees at the start of October. You may also find that airfare and bus tickets to and from the region are cheaper this time of the year.
While the Amish lands are bustling during the harvest season, much of the rest of the country has already wrapped up their summer vacations and returned to work or school. The start of the fall season is a great time to visit but also comes with a few drawbacks.
Local businesses tend to charge a little more compared to slower times of the year. You’ll also need to deal with more crowds, which could result in longer wait times at local attractions and the need to make reservations for certain events.
Cheapest Time to Visit Amish Country
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The cheapest time to visit the Amish country is typically the second half of winter. From January to early March, the area is often less crowded, resulting in lower prices for hotels and other accommodations.
Airfare is also often cheaper during the height of winter. If you want the best deals, remain flexible with your travel date and departure location. This allows you to search around for the lowest cost trip to reach Amish country.
Flights during the middle of the week also tend to cost less compared to flights closer to the weekend. You’ll also likely save money during your trip, as many local shops and restaurants may lower their prices for the season.
Area businesses often cut prices during this period to compete for sales or to help attract more customers. Keep in mind that the least expensive time also comes with some drawbacks compared to visiting during the start of fall or early summer.
The weather is colder, with an average high of 40 degrees Fahrenheit in February. At times, the temperatures are likely to dip below freezing during the day.
You’ll also find less stuff to keep you occupied. There are fewer festivals and local events and some shops close for the season.
If you decide to visit the Amish country during the winter, bundle up and check listings for upcoming events and things to do. For example, in February, Lancaster holds the Lititz Fire and Ice Festival, which includes ice sculptures, a chili cook-off, and a carnival.
You may also find lower prices in September and October, especially if you book early. The crowds start to dwindle at the end of August, leading to lower prices and greater availability.
Least Busy Time to Visit Amish Country
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The first two months of the year are often the least busy times to visit the Amish country in Pennsylvania. It’s the coldest time of the year, which tends to cut down on tourist travel.
January is also immediately after the holiday season. Many families have already vacationed and gone home. However, January and February are also the coldest months in the Amish region of Pennsylvania.
The average temperature of Lancaster, PA, ranges from highs in the upper 30s to lows in the 20s. The weather is frigid, which means you likely won’t want to spend much time outdoors seeing old Amish houses and other sites.
The area is also a little less busy in between the peak travel periods of spring, summer, and fall. For example, you could try visiting at the end of May or September.
The last two weeks of both months are often slower periods for tourism, as they come immediately before and after some of the busiest periods.
While there’s less to do in May and September, you can still find fun activities any time of the year in Lancaster and surrounding parts of the Amish country. Popular events in May include:
- Rhubarb Festival – May 19th and 20th
- Lititz Pretzel Fest – May 6th
- Mother’s Day Train Ride & Dinner – May 14th
- Lancaster City’s Spring Art Walk – May 20th and 21st
September is a good time for touring the Amish country, as the weather is pleasant and it’s not quite as busy as October.
The Worst Time to Visit Amish Country
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July stands out as one of the worst times of the year to visit the Amish country. You’ll find yourself facing hot, muggy weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
The average high is around 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July. The temperature may climb to 90 degrees or higher at least a few days of the month. Despite the hot temperatures, people flock to the region during this time of the year.
July is the busiest month for tourism in Lancaster and the surrounding region. It’s followed by June and August when it comes to large groups of tourists.
High demand also results in limited availability. You may find it harder to book reservations for hotels or restaurants without planning far in advance. If you decide to visit in July, you should start looking for airfare and lodging as early as possible.
January and February can also be less pleasant times of the year to visit the Amish country, due to the colder temperatures and fewer events and festivals. However, you’ll at least find yourself dealing with smaller crowds.
Amish Country, PA by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Amish Country? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
In January, winter temperatures in Amish Country range from -7 to 4°C (19-39°F). This is a quieter month, perfect for exploring indoor attractions like the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, trying traditional Amish comfort foods, and experiencing the peaceful winter scenery.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cool temperatures between -5 to 6°C (23-43°F). Visitors can enjoy cozy bed and breakfast accommodations, explore the Lancaster Central Market, and discover the heritage of the Amish at the Amish Farm and House.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 0 to 11°C (32-52°F). March is ideal for visiting farm markets reopening for the season, exploring covered bridges, and attending spring festivals showcasing local crafts and traditions.
April
Spring temperatures in Amish Country range from 4 to 16°C (39-61°F). It’s an ideal time for touring Amish farmlands as the countryside comes to life, enjoying scenic drives, and attending mud sales – unique auctions held in spring.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 9 to 21°C (48-70°F). It’s a great month for exploring the Strasburg Rail Road, visiting the Amish Village, and experiencing the beauty of blooming flowers and farm fields.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 14 to 26°C (57-79°F). June offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hot air balloon rides over Amish farmlands, exploring the Kitchen Kettle Village, and enjoying homemade ice cream.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 17 to 29°C (63-84°F). It’s a popular month for attending the Ephrata Fair, exploring Amish quilt and craft shops, and taking scenic buggy rides through the countryside.
August
Temperatures in August range from 17 to 29°C (63-84°F). It’s an excellent time for exploring the Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm, attending farmer’s markets, and enjoying traditional Amish meals at local restaurants.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 12 to 25°C (54-77°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for attending county fairs, exploring the Amish Country Homestead, and taking hot air balloon rides over autumn landscapes.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 7 to 18°C (45-64°F). It’s a great month for experiencing fall foliage tours, visiting corn mazes and pumpkin patches, and attending harvest festivals with traditional Amish foods.
November
Fall temperatures range from 1 to 12°C (34-54°F). November is perfect for exploring the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, enjoying the simplicity of Amish life, and experiencing the peacefulness of the countryside before the holiday season.
December
In December, winter returns to Amish Country with temperatures ranging from -4 to 6°C (25-43°F). December brings opportunities for holiday shopping at traditional markets, exploring festive light displays in towns like Hershey, and experiencing the warmth of Amish hospitality during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore the following answers to common questions to help plan your trip to the Amish country:
Where is the best place to visit the Amish country?
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is considered the heart of the Amish country. It’s home to the oldest Amish community, with the first arrivals showing up in the 1720s. Lancaster is also a decently sized city, which means you shouldn’t have trouble finding accommodations or places to eat.
Is the Amish country worth visiting?
The Amish country is definitely worth visiting, as it offers a chance to see a way of life that isn’t widespread in the United States. You’ll see people relying less on technology and more on each other. It’s also a charming area with friendly people and lots of small shops and sites to explore.
How many days should I spend in the Amish Country?
Three or more days gives you plenty of time to see the top sites around Lancaster County and the rest of Amish country. However, for those short on time, you can get a taste of the culture and environment with a full-day trip.
What are the best things to do in the Amish Country?
Scenic drives through the rolling farmlands, visiting farmers’ markets, and touring Amish heritage sites are a few of the top things to do when visiting the Amish Country. The Amish Village and the Amish Farm and House are a couple of the most popular tourist attractions for those wanting to learn more about the Amish way of life.
What are the rules of etiquette for visiting the Amish?
Respect the privacy of the Amish by not taking photographs without asking permission. When staying with an Amish family at a bed and breakfast, respect their rules and policies, which may involve not smoking, refraining from using technology, and dressing modestly.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Amish Country, PA?
The best time to visit the Amish country is the fall season, especially the start of October, when the leaves are starting to drop, and harvesting is about complete.
The farmers’ markets and shops are full of Amish goods this time of the year and the weather is perfect for exploring the sites. Happy travels!