Weather in Altoona

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Altoona? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Altoona, USA, is characterised as moderate-continental with four clearly defined seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this climatic zone. Travellers should be prepared for diverse weather conditions depending on the time of their visit.

Winters in Altoona (from December to February) are quite cold, with average temperatures around zero and below, often dropping to -5°C. Summer (from June to August), on the contrary, is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures in the range of 20-23°C and maximum values reaching 27°C in July. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with gradual temperature changes: spring sees a warming from cool values to moderately warm ones, while autumn sees a gradual cooling.

Precipitation in Altoona is distributed relatively evenly throughout the entire year, amounting to an average of 3-4 mm per month. The number of rainy days is also quite stable, varying from 11 to 15 days per month. This means that the likelihood of precipitation exists in almost any season, however, it generally does not bear a prolonged or torrential character. A clearly pronounced rainy season or drought is not observed in Altoona.

In the city of Altoona, a distinct change of seasons is observed with a noticeable annual temperature range. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature drops to -2.0°C, and nightly lows can reach -5.7°C. Daytime highs in January rarely rise above 1.6°C. Conversely, July brings the hottest weather with an average temperature of 22.6°C, daytime highs around 27.4°C, and nightly lows in the region of 17.8°C. August is also a warm month, with an average temperature of 21.5°C, making it comfortable for summer activities.

Summer months in Altoona, from June to August, are characterised by pleasantly warm, and at times hot weather. In June, the average temperature is 19.5°C, with daytime highs around 24.3°C. July and August are the peak of summer, when daytime temperatures consistently hold above 26°C, reaching an average of 27.4°C in July. Nights during the summer period are also warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 14.6°C in June and 17.0°C in August. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer averages about 9-10°C, which provides some relief after the daytime heat.

Winter in Altoona, covering December, January, and February, is cold and frosty. Average temperatures during these months fluctuate from -2.0°C in January to 0.7°C in December and 0.5°C in February. Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with minimums down to -5.7°C in January and -3.9°C in February. During the day, the thermometer often hovers around the zero mark or slightly higher, for example, 1.6°C in January and 4.8°C in February. Temperature variations between day and night in winter are somewhat smaller than in summer, amounting to approximately 6-8°C, which is typical for cold seasons in this region.

Examining precipitation in Altoona in more detail, it can be noted that, despite its relatively even distribution throughout the year and small total amount (on average 3-4 mm per month), there are certain seasonal patterns in its character and frequency.

The character of precipitation in Altoona changes depending on the season. In winter, from December to February, as well as partially in March, when average temperatures drop below or are close to zero (for example, in January the average temperature is -2.0°C, and the minimum drops to -5.7°C), snow falls in the city. In transitional months, such as November (average temperature 4.8°C) and March (average temperature 4.0°C), both rain and snowfall are possible. In the remaining months, from April to October, precipitation predominantly falls in the form of rain, as air temperatures are significantly above freezing; for example, in July the average temperature reaches 22.6°C.

The frequency of precipitation is quite stable throughout most of the year. The greatest number of days with precipitation is observed in May and August (15 days each), as well as in April, June, and July (14 days each). This means that for approximately half the month during these periods, one can expect some precipitation. Precipitation occurs slightly less often in autumn: in September, October, and November, an average of 11 days with precipitation is recorded. In winter months, such as January, February, and December, one can also expect about 12-13 days with precipitation, predominantly in the form of snow.

When planning a trip to Altoona, it is important to consider its climate with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for frequent, albeit not abundant, precipitation throughout the year – on average from 11 to 15 "wet days" per month. Therefore, a light umbrella or compact raincoat will become your faithful companions at any time of the year. The principle of layering in clothing will be very handy, as it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day.

In winter (from December to February, as well as in November and March), it can be quite cold in Altoona, with average temperatures hovering around zero and potentially dropping to -5°C. Be sure to take a warm jacket or coat, sweaters, fleece tops, a hat, gloves, and a scarf with you. In spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), the weather is milder but still cool. You will need a medium-weight jacket, jumpers, cardigans, and comfortable closed shoes. Do not forget about layers of clothing so that you can take something off or put something on depending on the weather.

Summer months (from June to August) in Altoona are warm, with average temperatures around 20-22°C and maximums up to 27°C. For this period, light clothing is suitable: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater with you. Sunscreen will also be useful in the summer months. And, of course, regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are what will make your walks around the city as comfortable as possible.