Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania City
City in Pennsylvania, United States
Coal-shaped skylines and a riverfront define Wilkes-Barre; visitors trace anthracite history at museums, stroll River Common, catch a minor-league game and use the town as a launching point into the Poconos for outdoor sport.
Why Visit Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania?#
Set along the Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre is rooted in coal-mining history yet offers a growing cultural scene that surprises many visitors. Tour local museums and theatres like the F. M. Kirby Center, stroll the riverfront, or take a short drive to the Pocono foothills for outdoor recreation. The city’s industrial heritage is visible in historic districts and community festivals showcasing regional food and music.
Best Things to Do in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Bucket List#
F. M. Kirby Center - Restored 1930s theater hosting concerts, plays, and community performances year-round.
Kirby Park - Expansive riverside park along the Susquehanna, with trails and picnic areas.
Historic Downtown (Public Square) - Historic downtown Main Street with shops, restaurants, and notable municipal architecture.
Riverfront River Common - Small waterfront park with art installations and seasonal events along the Susquehanna.
Luzerne County Historical Society - Local exhibits about regional coal-mining history, industry, and community stories.
Local Brewery Taprooms - Small breweries offering tastings and local beers in laid-back, neighborhood venues.
Ricketts Glen State Park - Short drive to waterfalls and old-growth forest trails, popular for hiking.
Scranton and Steamtown - Nearby Scranton hosts Steamtown National Historic Site and revitalized downtown attractions.
Best Time to Visit Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit Wilkes-Barre for comfortable weather, festivals and riverfront walks. Winters bring cold, snow and occasional lake-effect precipitation that can disrupt travel.
December - February
-8-3°C (18-37°F)
Cold, snowy, and often gray; good for cozy indoor plans, but shoveling and winter driving skills required if you visit then.
June - August
18-30°C (64-86°F)
Hot, humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; lively local events and river activities make it worth visiting despite sticky conditions.
April - May, September - October
6-22°C (43-72°F)
Best shoulder months: mild temperatures, blooming greenery in spring and colorful foliage in fall-perfect for hiking and strolling without summer crowds.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (989 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Wilkes-Barre is served mainly by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) for air arrivals and by regional intercity buses for longer ground journeys. There is no direct Amtrak service into downtown, so most visitors arrive by car, shuttle or coach.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP): The main regional airport for the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. AVP is about a 15-25 minute drive to central Wilkes-Barre; taxis and ride-hail trips typically cost about $25-40. Rental cars and shared shuttles are available.
Philadelphia International (PHL) / Newark (EWR): Larger hubs used by some travellers; ground transfer to Wilkes-Barre is commonly by intercity bus or private car and takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on origin and traffic. Bus services (e.g., Martz Trailways) run scheduled routes connecting Philadelphia/Newark area to Wilkes-Barre.
Train: There is no Amtrak service directly into downtown Wilkes-Barre; intercity rail passengers generally travel to nearby stations (e.g., Scranton area services) and continue by bus or taxi. Check current Amtrak/rail timetables for the nearest active stations.
Bus: Martz Trailways and Greyhound operate coach services to Wilkes-Barre and the nearby Wilkes-Barre Intermodal Transportation Center; fares typically range from about $10-40 depending on origin and booking, and travel times from New York City are commonly 2-3 hours.
How to Get Around Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Wilkes-Barre is easiest reached by regional air into AVP or by intercity coach. Within the city, taxis, local buses and walking cover most needs; rent a car for wider regional exploration.
- Taxi / ride-hail ($15-$50) - Taxis and ride-hail services are the most convenient way to get from AVP or the intermodal center into downtown Wilkes-Barre and to local hotels. Fares vary by distance and time of day; airport rides to the city are typically under $40.
- Car rental / driving ($40-$90 per day) - Renting a car is the most flexible option for exploring the region (Smoky Mountains of Pennsylvania, Poconos). Parking in downtown Wilkes-Barre is available but can be limited; be mindful of parking charges in central areas.
- Intercity bus (Martz / Greyhound) ($10-$40) - Martz Trailways and Greyhound link Wilkes-Barre with New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Coaches are reliable for regional travel; book ahead for best fares, especially on holiday weekends.
- Local buses (LCTA / COLTS) ($1.50-$3.00) - Local bus services (Luzerne County Transportation Authority and COLTS services in the region) cover urban routes in and around Wilkes-Barre. Useful for short trips but frequencies may be limited evenings and Sundays.
- Shuttle services / airport transfers ($20-$50 per person) - Shared shuttles and private transfers are available between AVP and hotels in Wilkes-Barre; good for groups or travelers with lots of luggage. Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee pickup times.
- Walking - Downtown Wilkes-Barre is walkable within the central business district: restaurants and shops cluster near Public Square and the riverfront, making walking practical for short visits.
Where to Stay in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Near I-81 / Public Square - $60-110/night (many chains)
Wilkes-Barre has several budget chain motels and affordable inns near I-81 and Route 11. Basic, car-friendly stays are common.
Downtown / Public Square - $110-170/night
Mid-range hotels cluster near downtown and the riverfront, offering comfortable rooms and decent dining options. Good for business and family stays.
Hilton Garden Inn Wilkes-Barre - Modern hotel near downtown and riverfront.
Nearby options in Scranton (short drive) - Wider mid-range selection within short drive.
Regional upscale properties - $180+/night (limited in-town)
True luxury hotels are scarce inside Wilkes-Barre; higher-end guests often choose larger regional properties or boutique historic hotels in nearby Scranton.
Where to Eat in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Shopping in Wilkes‑Barre is a mix of independent shops in the downtown core and larger chain stores and malls in surrounding suburbs. You’ll find everyday retail and specialty food shops rather than luxury boutiques. For a broader retail selection, the nearby shopping centres and strip malls are where major chains cluster.
Nightlife in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania#
Wilkes‑Barre has a working nightlife centred on Public Square and several neighborhood bars, pubs and restaurants. Live music appears at local venues and seasonal events attract crowds. The scene is practical and local‑oriented - good for casual nights out rather than an extensive club circuit.
