Weather in State College

Find out what weather awaits you in the city of State College. In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and useful weather charts.

The climate in State College, located in the USA, can be characterized as humid continental. This means the city experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with four clearly defined seasons. Visitors should expect both warm summer months and quite cool winters.

Summer in State College (June-August) is usually warm, and at times hot, with average temperatures reaching their peak in July (around 22.9°C), while maximum values can rise to 27-28°C. Winters (December-February), on the other hand, are cold, with average temperatures often dropping below zero, especially in January (around -1.9°C). Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures that gradually change from cool to warm and vice versa.

As for precipitation, in State College it is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. There is no pronounced rainy season or dry period. A small amount of precipitation falls monthly (on average 2-4 mm), while the number of days with precipitation ranges from 10 to 15 per month. This suggests that light rain is possible at any time of the year, so tourists are advised to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.

In State College, the climate is characterized by a distinct change of seasons and a significant annual temperature range. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 22.9°C, and average maximums rise to 27.9°C. August is also distinguished by warmth, with an average temperature of 21.7°C. Conversely, the coldest month is January: the average temperature at this time is -1.9°C, and average nightly lows can drop to -5.5°C. February (average temperature 0.3°C) and December (average temperature 0.7°C) are also cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

The summer months in State College – June, July, and August – bring warm, sometimes hot weather. Daytime temperatures in July (averaging up to 27.9°C) and August (averaging up to 26.4°C) create a true summer atmosphere. Nights bring pleasant relief from the daytime heat: for instance, in July the average minimum temperature is 17.9°C, and in August it is 17.0°C, indicating noticeable diurnal variations. Winter, covering the period from December to February, is quite frosty here. Average temperatures range from 0.7°C in December to -1.9°C in January. Daytime highs in these months often hover around zero or slightly above (for example, 1.7°C in January), while nighttime temperatures regularly drop significantly below the freezing point, reaching an average of -5.5°C in January and -4.1°C in February.

The transitional seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), demonstrate a gradual change in temperature regimes. In spring, the air warms from an average of 4.1°C in March to 15.5°C in May. In autumn, the reverse pattern is observed: from a comfortable 18.0°C on average in September, the temperature decreases to 4.9°C in November. These inter-seasonal periods are also characterized by noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, where the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can be quite perceptible.

Monthly precipitation in State College generally fluctuates between 3 and 4 mm, with the lowest figure of 2 mm recorded in November. This suggests that the city receives a regular, albeit moderate, amount of moisture throughout the year.

The nature of precipitation changes depending on the season. In the winter months, such as January (average temperature -1.9°C) and December (average temperature 0.7°C), precipitation most often falls as snow. February and early March can also bring snowfall, but as it gets warmer, this gives way to rain. From April to October, precipitation is predominantly rain. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in May – on average 15 days, implying frequent but likely not too intense rains. The lowest number of "wet" days is observed in October and November, with approximately 10 days in each.

Considering the volume of falling moisture, months such as February, April, May, July, August, and September are the "wettest", receiving 4 mm of precipitation each. The "driest" month in terms of precipitation amount is November, where only 2 mm falls. Overall, when planning a trip to State College, it is worth being prepared for the likelihood of precipitation at any time of year, although it generally does not take the form of heavy downpours, with the exception of potential winter snowstorms.

When planning a trip to State College, it is important to consider the variability of the weather throughout the year. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes will be your best companion. The weather here can change, so the principle of layering your clothes is an excellent solution. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature fluctuations during the day. Given that State College quite often has days with precipitation (on average 10-15 "wet days" per month, albeit with a small total amount of rainfall), do not forget to bring a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket.

For a trip during the cold season, especially from November to March, when average temperatures hover around zero and can drop significantly lower, be sure to pack a warm winter jacket or coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Warm sweaters or fleece tops, as well as thermal underwear for extra protection against the cold, will not go amiss. Considering possible snow or sleet, waterproof footwear will be very useful. A windproof layer in your clothing will also help you feel more comfortable in cool and potentially windy weather.

In the warm season, from May to September, when temperatures become significantly higher (in July and August the average temperature exceeds 20°C), you will need light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses. However, evenings can be cool, so take a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater with you. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection on clear days. Even in summer, brief rains are possible, so a light rain cape or the umbrella mentioned earlier may come in handy.