Pennsylvania Thanksgiving Weather Forecast is Dicey
It’s a super busy time of year for travel. Having good weather can make travel easy and delightful or downright dangerous. Chances are, you’re trying to get to see family…

Getty Images / Althom
Getty Images / AlthomIt's a super busy time of year for travel. Having good weather can make travel easy and delightful or downright dangerous. Chances are, you're trying to get to see family and friends over the holidays. If that means driving a lot of flying, you're going to want to check the weather report. So, when it comes to the Pennsylvania Thanksgiving weather outlook, what should we expect? Will we get snow?
First of all, expect very busy roads and airways. According to AAA, a whopping 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel time. That's a significant increase over last year, with 2.3% more people traveling either on the road or in the air. Those projections also make for the the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA started tracking holiday travel back in 2000. So, it's going to be packed.
According to Weather.com, if you're leaving early and traveling through Pennsylvania, weather could get dicey. A rainstorm is likely to work its way through the state on Tuesday, coming early for the western parts of the state and in the afternoon for Philadelphia. Expect one to two inches of rain and some wind. The rain could make travel challenging on that day, but the wind shouldn't be much of an issue, as the gusts shouldn't be too high. By Wednesday afternoon, most of the rain should have worked its way out of the area. As for Thanksgiving Day, most of that rain will also be out, which is good for travelers. Thanksgiving weather looks pretty nice, with temperatures in the low 50s. Considering that some Thanksgiving Days, we've had rain, sleet and even snow, that sounds balmy and perfect. With weather pretty nice over the week, make note that according to AAA, Wednesday is the busiest day to travel on the road this week, so you might want to avoid a Wednesday trip, if not for weather, because of the busy conditions.
It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.?
I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.
I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.
Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.
5. Savannah, Georgia
If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.
2. Traverse City, Michigan
I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.
1. Key West, Florida
If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?