The climate of State College
State College,
Pennsylvania, aligns with the Dfb Köppen climate classification, characterized as a humid continental climate with no dry season and a warm summer. Located in the northeastern United States, the area experiences a full spectrum of four distinct seasons. This climatic zone's significant characteristics include highly variable temperature patterns, an absence of pronounced dry seasons, and moderate to high humidity levels maintaining an average between 76% and 84% annually.
Temperature fluctuations are quite pronounced, with the warmer months, namely
June,
July, and
August, reaching highs into the considerable warmth of 77°F (25°C) to 82.2°F (27.9°C). In contrast, the colder months from
December to
February witness lowest temperatures from 18.7°F (-7.4°C) to 21°F (-6.1°C), presenting a sharp difference to summer's warmth. Humidity levels tend to be remarkably consistent throughout the year, varying just 8% from the highest to the lowest values on a yearly scale.
Precipitation in State College is evenly spread throughout the year, but the highest rainfall sees in
May at 3.5" (89mm). However, low variance between months shows the absence of any dry or wet seasons, with rainfall values fluctuating between 2.01" (51mm) and 3.5" (89mm). As expected in a humid continental climate, snowfall is common during the colder months from
November to
March with
January experiencing the highest snowfall at 6.77" (172mm).
The best time to visit State College
The optimal period for tourists in
State College tends to lean towards the mid-summer months of
June,
July, and
August. During this span, daily sunshine hours peak, increasing from 8.2 hours in
May up to 10.1 hours in July. Consequently, tourists will find ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. Similarly, UV indexes are generally at their highest, recording values of 5 during these months, perfect for sunbathing enthusiasts. Despite occasional rainfall, maximum temperatures range from 77°F (25°C) to 82.2°F (27.9°C), making these months relatively comfortable for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit State College
On the other end of the spectrum, the worst time to visit
State College would most probably be in the classic North American winter months from
December to
February. It is during this period that the area experiences its coldest conditions. With average low temperatures dropping to 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in
January and average high temperatures only reaching 35.2°F (1.8°C) in February, the climate becomes increasingly harsh for outdoor activities. Additionally, these months register the highest snowfall days and amounts, with January seeing 6.77" (172mm) of snow over 15.3 days.
Spring weather in State College
Spring in
State College begins noticeably colder in
March with an average high of 44.8°F (7.1°C), but as the season progresses, temperatures tend to rise significantly. By the end of spring in
May, the average high temperature reaches an enjoyable 69.1°F (20.6°C). Rainfall is evenly spread with an average of 3.23" (82mm) in
April and 3.5" (89mm) in May. The number of sunshine hours increases gradually throughout the season, from 5.7 hours per day in March to 8.2 hours per day in May, adding a welcoming brightness to the landscape.
Summer weather in State College
The heat intensifies during the summer months in
State College, but conditions remain largely temperate.
June sees an average high of 77°F (25°C), reaching the peak of 82.2°F (27.9°C) in
July, and slightly receding to an average high of 79.9°F (26.6°C) in
August. The trend of evenly distributed rainfall continues during this season, with averages of 2.6" (66mm) in June, 2.72" (69mm) in July, and 2.32" (59mm) in August. Despite the precipitation, the ample 15.1 hours of daylight in June, coupled with average sunshine hours of 9.4 to 10.1 hours daily, ensure summer is a vibrant period in the town.
Autumn weather in State College
Autumn presents more moderate conditions in comparison to the high heat of Summer or frigid winter temperatures. From
September to
November, average high temperatures consistently decrease from 72.5°F (22.5°C) to 46.8°F (8.2°C), and lows transition from 52.2°F (11.2°C) down to 32.4°F (0.2°C). Rainfall stays fairly consistent, varying insignificantly from 2.76" (70mm) in
October to 2.01" (51mm) in November. Sunshine hours gradually decrease from 8.4 hours in September to 5 hours in November, marking the transition towards the colder months.
Winter weather in State College
Winter in
State College is characterized by lower temperatures and frequent snowfall. Temperatures drop dramatically, with average highs descending from 46.8°F (8.2°C) in
November to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in
December and lows from 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 18.7°F (-7.4°C) in the same span. While rainfall does persist through the winter months, snowfall becomes more frequent. Throughout December, the town receives 4.45" (113mm) of snow on average, escalating to 6.77" (172mm) in the harshest month,
January. Sunshine hours decrease to merely 3.7 hours in December but slightly rise to 5 hours in
February, signaling the end of the cold season.
Weather in January
January in
State College,
Pennsylvania always ushers in the New Year with a characteristic blend of chilly temperatures and frequent snowfall. Compared to upcoming
February, this month bears an almost similar pattern of weather conditions, albeit with lower degrees of temperature and elevated snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following a chilling
January,
February generally brings a slight increase in overall temperature while maintaining a similar pattern of snow conditions. Going forward towards
March, a perceptible transition towards spring begins.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant shift from the transitioning climate of
March towards a warmer and more pleasant spring weather. The climate is distinctively warmer compared to the preceding months, and looking ahead to
May, April foreshadows the upcoming temperatures of summer.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May arrives in
State College with a promise of warmth as the spring season reaches its peak. Compared to the increasing temperatures scheduled for
June, the comfortable warmth of May forms an optimal weather condition. The unique element of May lies in the negligible snowfall of 0.12" (3mm), indicating the definitive end of the winter season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June spells the advent of summer in
State College with temperatures soaring, and the climate getting significantly warmer than in
May. As
July approaches, June marks the start of the palpable dry spell often associated with the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the heart of summer,
July exhibits dry, warm temperatures, providing a striking difference from the mildness of previously concluded
June. Ahead,
August sustains the continuity of this summer weather. Surpassing other months, July experiences the highest temperatures with highs reaching up to 82.2°F (27.9°C).
Weather in July »Weather in August
Weather in September
Weather in October
October greets
State College,
Pennsylvania with true autumn weather, a stark contrast to
September. The chill of
November quickly peeps in, causing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Holding a distinctive place, October marks the return of snowfall after a long hiatus of summer and autumn warmth with a small snowfall of 0.83" (21mm) recorded.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The change from mild
October to
November in
State College is marked by a significant drop in temperatures ushering in flows of colder air. In contrast,
December further intensifies these chilly winter vibes. A considerable increase in snowy conditions ensues with November observing a snowfall of 2.48" (63mm).
Weather in November »Weather in December