Lancaster, PA Homeowners Can Expect a Cool and Dry Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its 2025 fall outlook, and for Lancaster, PA, the forecast calls for a cooler and drier-than-normal season.

While the western half of the U.S. basks in lingering warmth, the Northeast and Appalachians—including Pennsylvania—are bracing for a brisk autumn.

But while the state is seeing a cool down, several suburbs like Lancaster are having a red hot moment after being named among the top ZIP codes in the country this year.

Crisp, dry days ahead

Pennsylvania is slated for a cool and dry fall. In the Appalachians region, September is expected to average 65°F with about 3 inches of rain—2 inches below normal. By October, the temperature dips to 53°F, about a degree below normal, with only 2.5 inches of rain.

That means Lancaster residents should expect a mix of sunny, warm days early in the season, followed by thunderstorms mid-September, before settling into cooler, drier weather in October. This climate cocktail could make for a brilliant foliage season across central Pennsylvania.

Lancaster lands on the hottest ZIP codes list

While the weather may cool, Lancaster’s real estate market is sizzling. The city’s 17601 ZIP code ranked No. 25 on the Realtor.com® 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list.

Homes here are drawing 3.1× more views per listing than the national average and are selling in 31 days, much faster than the typical U.S. pace. The median listing price in Lancaster hit $512,000, above the national median of $441,000 back in June.

Nearby Palmyra, PA (ZIP 17078) also made the rankings, coming in at No. 27 with a median price of $371,000 and even faster sales at 27 days. Compared with Palmyra, Lancaster is pricier but still attracts steady demand, reflecting a mix of local move-up buyers and incoming out-of-market shoppers.

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale notes that this trend reflects broader buyer behavior: “Shoppers are increasingly seeking out ZIPs with better value just outside of expensive urban cores."

Lancaster fits this profile, with homes priced above the U.S. norm but offering relative affordability and quality of life compared to pricier metro areas nearby.

Seasonal prep for cooler days

With Lancaster heading into a cooler, drier fall, homeowners have a short window in September to prepare for winter’s arrival.

Ryan Williams, general manager of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, advises: “Before the grass is covered with snow, or it’s too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material”. Fixing them now prevents dangerous slips once snow and ice cover the ground.

Chris Granger, of Sears Home Services, adds that siding care is key: “September is a great time to use a pressure washer to clean it up—and inspect for more serious problems before winter comes”.

Other September must-dos include:

• Sealing windows to keep heat inside.
  
• Sweeping chimneys before lighting that first fire.
  
• Changing HVAC filters to reduce energy costs.
  

These preventative steps ensure that homes remain safe, efficient, and comfortable through the cold months ahead. See the Realtor.com September home maintenance checklist for more.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.