State College PA Weather & Travel Guide
Essential facts for navigating Happy Valley and the Centre County area.
State College PA Weather & Current Conditions
Searching for State College weather? The region experiences four distinct seasons influenced by its position in the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province.
How many sunny days does State College PA have?
State College averages 178 sunny days per year, which is below the US average of 205 days. The ridge-and-valley geography of Central Pennsylvania contributes to significant cloud cover, especially during winter months.
Sunny Days
178/yr
Snowfall
45 in
Summer High
82°F
Winter Low
17°F
Seasonal Climate
Summer (June-August)
- Average high: 80-82°F
- Most sunshine of the year
- Occasional thunderstorms
- Ideal for outdoor activities
Winter (December-February)
- Average low: 17-20°F
- 45 inches of snow annually
- Frequent cloud cover
- Winter sports available
Spring & Fall
Spring (March-May)
- Variable weather patterns
- Temperature: 40-70°F
- Increasing sunshine
- Beautiful blooms in April
Fall (September-November)
- Peak foliage in October
- Temperature: 45-65°F
- Pleasant hiking weather
- Football season atmosphere
Annual Precipitation Data
| Metric | State College | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny Days | 178 days | 205 days |
| Rainfall | 41 inches | 38 inches |
| Snowfall | 45 inches | 28 inches |
| Precipitation Days | ~150 days | ~106 days |
Road Conditions & Navigation
State College is accessible via major highways. Winter conditions require careful planning, especially on mountain passes.
Main Routes to State College
| Route | Direction | Winter Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| I-99 | North-South | Well-maintained; monitor Bald Eagle Mountain section |
| US-322 | East-West | Seven Mountains pass can be hazardous (elevation ~2,400 ft) |
| US-26 | Northwest to I-80 | Rural route; check weather forecasts |
⚠️ Seven Mountains Warning
When traveling US-322 east toward Harrisburg, the "Seven Mountains" section reaches elevations of 2,400+ feet. Road conditions here are often significantly worse than in State College (elevation 1,155 ft) during winter. Always check 511PA.com for real-time road conditions before traveling.
Elevation & Geography
State College elevation: 1,155 feet (352 meters) above sea level
Located in the Nittany Valley, State College is surrounded by several notable geographic features:
Tussey Mountain
Elevation: 2,300+ ft
Ski resort and outdoor recreation 6 miles east
Bald Eagle Mountain
Elevation: 2,000+ ft
Appalachian ridge system north of town
Public Transportation Options
🚌 CATA Bus System
Centre Area Transportation Authority
Free local bus service throughout State College and surrounding townships
Extensive route network serving residential and commercial areas
🚍 Intercity Buses
Terminal: 152 N Atherton Street
Greyhound: Direct service to major cities
Megabus: Budget-friendly intercity travel
Amtrak Thruway: Connects to train stations
Nearest Train Stations
| Station | Code | Distance | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewistown | LEW | 30 miles S | Amtrak Pennsylvanian (NYC-Pittsburgh) |
| Tyrone | TYR | 35 miles NE | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Huntingdon | HGD | 45 miles S | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
Distances to State College, PA
| City | Distance | Average Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg, PA | 90 miles | 1 hr 35 min |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 140 miles | 2 hr 30 min |
| Philadelphia, PA | 195 miles | 3 hr 15 min |
| New York City, NY | 230 miles | 3 hr 50 min |
| Washington, D.C. | 190 miles | 3 hr 20 min |
Nearby Towns & Attractions
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellefonte | 12 miles N | 15 min | Victorian homes, Big Spring, County seat |
| Boalsburg | 4 miles E | 8 min | Military Museum, historic village |
| Philipsburg | 28 miles N | 35 min | Cold Stream Dam, Moshannon Forest |
| Penn's Cave | 18 miles E | 25 min | All-water cavern, wildlife park |
Travel Tips
⚠️ Real-Time Road Authority
Before traveling the Seven Mountains (US-322) or I-99, check the official 511PA.com Live Cameras. Elevations at the pass reach 2,400 feet and conditions often differ significantly from the valley floor.