The climate of Altoona
Positioned in
Pennsylvania, USA,
Altoona features a Humid continental climate, no dry season, warm summer- according to the Köppen climate classification, known as Dfb. This region exhibits distinct seasonal alterations highlighting a blend of moderate to high temperatures and rainfall.
A thorough examination of the climate parameters indicates that
January shows the lowest temperature, hitting a low of 19.4°F (-7°C), while
July stands out with the highest at 81.5°F (27.5°C). Rainfall appears moderately throughout the year, with the highest rate occurring in
May with an average measurement of 2.8" (71mm). Conversely, a slightly lower rate can be observed during
November with an amount of 1.57" (40mm). Relative humidity remains comparatively consistent—fluctuating slightly from 77% in
April, July to 85% in
February.
From weather uniqueness perspective, snowfall can be noted only from
December to April, with January displaying the maximum snowfall, 5.28" (134mm). Moreover, the maximum number of daylight hours reaches their peak in
June with 15 hours and decline to the minimum in December with 9.3 hours. This might point to a key role of daylight in the variation of temperature throughout the year.
The best time to visit Altoona
Considering the climate characteristics, the optimal time to visit
Altoona,
Pennsylvania would be during the summer months, from
June to
August. With high temperatures averaging from 72.3°F (22.4°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C), accompanied by the longest daylight hours extended up to 14.7 to 15 hours, these months serve perfectly for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Additionally, during this period, sunshine hours are at their prime, ranging from 9.4 to 10 hours per day, allowing tourists to make the most of their daytime visit.
The worst time to visit Altoona
While
Altoona can be pleasingly visited any time of the year, the least preferable period might be from
December through
February. During these winter months, the temperature plummets to a low of 19.4°F (-7°C) to 35.2°F (1.8°C), coupled with reduced daylight hours (9.3 hours to 10.7 hours) and a substantial increase in snowfall that could reach up to 5.28" (134mm) in
January. The weather conditions during this period could pose obstacles to outdoor activities and may cause discomfort due to extreme cold.
Spring weather in Altoona
The spring season in
Altoona, ranging from
March to
May, tends to show a noticeable rise in temperature from 44.4°F (6.9°C) to 68.7°F (20.4°C). It also sees a significant increase in rainfall, crossing 2" (51mm), with its climax in May. The daylight hours in this season experience a substantial boost, extending from 12 hours in March to 14.5 hours in May. Despite occasional showers and increasing humidity levels, ranging from 77% to 79%, the spring period showcases a delightful weather for visitors.
Summer weather in Altoona
Consistent with the Humid Continental climate, the summer in
Altoona, lasting from
June to
August, displays an elevation in temperature, ranging from 72.3°F (22.4°C) to 81.5°F (27.5°C). While rainfall persists, the intensity slightly diminishes, averaging around 2.14" (54mm). Relative humidity remains consistent at 78%, and sunshine hours peak, reaching up to 10 hours per day. Coupled with the longest daylight duration (14.7 hours to 15 hours), the summer season brings an ample time for various outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Altoona
Autumn in
Altoona, which extends from
September through
November, witnesses a decline in temperature from 72.3°F (22.4°C) to 46.6°F (8.1°C). Simultaneously, daylight hours get reduced from 12.5 hours to 9.9 hours. Rainfall in this season ranges from 1.81" (46mm) to 2.44" (62mm), accompanied by a slight rise in relative humidity from 79% to 81%. Despite cooler temperatures, the autumn months also make for an attractive visit, allowing the observation of vivid fall foliage in the area.
Winter weather in Altoona
Winter extends from
December to
February in
Altoona. It is characterized by a drastic drop in temperature, reaching as low as 19.4°F (-7°C) in
January. Rainfall averages between 1.81 to 2.17" (55mm), while snowfall peaks at 5.28" (134mm) in January and reduces to 3.74" (95mm) in
March. The daylight hours are at their shortest, averaging between 9.3 to 10.7 hours. With an increase in humidity to 84%, coupled with frequent snowfall, winter in Altoona ensures a true cold weather experience.
Weather in January
January sees
Altoona,
Pennsylvania in the throes of winter, with a possibility of snowfall stretching across almost half the month. Frequent overcast skies keep the sunshine hours scarce throughout the month. It is the beginning of the icy season; hence, the daylight hours remain relatively short.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from the deep chill of
January,
February sees a subtle rise in temperature. Snowfall continues in February, although in less frequency than the preceding month. February gets marginally more sunlight, though cloud cover persistently obscures clear sky views.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The defiant frost of winter begins to recede in
March, with longer daylight hours and an increased UV index indicating the arrival of spring.
Altoona shows relatively fewer snowfall days in March and increased rain occurrence. Cloud cover reduces gradually, allowing the sun to grace the city for more extended hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Offering a conspicuous respite from the colder months,
April introduces spring sunshine with noticeably longer daylight hours and more sunshine hours. With snowfall almost driven away, rainfall dominates the weather scene in
Altoona.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May heralds the onset of summer with significantly warmer temperatures and extended sunshine hours compared to the preceding month. Rainfall persists, characterizing the weather in
Altoona. Wind speeds recede, lessening the breeze intensity and making the overall feel slightly warmer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June presents a climate transformation towards distinctive summer patterns, with the longest sunlight duration of the year. While rainfall subsides slightly in
Altoona, the city enjoys an increased number of sunshine days. Moreover, the already decreased wind speed continues to decline, contributing to the warm ambiance.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Altoona Pennsylvania feels the full impact of summer with the highest temperatures for the year. It continues to receive a substantial amount of sunshine with marginally fewer daylight hours than
June. Though experiencing the least amount of cloud cover, July does not shy away from frequent rain showers.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As the final full month of summer,
August exhibits similarly high temperatures as
July.
Altoona witnesses variable weather patterns, with rainfall and sunshine hours almost paralleling each other. The wind speed remains steady, preventing the atmosphere from getting too sultry.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in a slight chill as
Altoona enters the fall season. It receives considerable rainfall, alluding to cloudier skies and somewhat less direct sunshine. The wind speed starts picking up again, adding a subtle crispness to the weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Altoona,
Pennsylvania fully embraces fall with noticeably cooler temperatures. Despite the dip in temperature, the amount of rainfall heightens. Although the city receives ample sunshine, daylight hours markedly decrease.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Altoona witnesses the revival of the winter chill with further decreased temperatures. A mixed weather pattern emerges with a decreased rainfall but reinstatement of snowfall after the warm months. With the wind speed continuing its upward trend, colder wind chills become a common occurrence.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December in
Altoona,
Pennsylvania reveals prominent winter characteristics. The frequency of snowfall increases while the rain ebbs considerably. With diminished daylight, the temperatures exhibit a significant dip.
Weather in December »