Gettysburg is very safe. However, it can get very crowded during the summer, and especially on summer weekends. If large crowds are not pleasing to you, especially avoid the anniversary dates of July 1-3.
The best time to see Gettysburg is year round. There is something to do for everyone. The Spring brings the Apple Blossoms to the area's orchards and is fantastic for the golf enthusiast with over a dozen courses nearby. Summer is hot and crowded with families although mid-week is still comfortable for site seeing. The Fall brings Apple Harvests and beautiful changing of the leaves, while Winter boasts sweeping vistas and great skiing and snow boarding in Fairfield, PA, only 8 miles west of Gettysburg on PA Route 116.
fees/permits
Access to the battlefields are free at all times. However, museums carry a small fee. The cost to get into the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is $10.50 for adults and includes a short film and entry to see the Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting.