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Elk County Climate

Elk County, Pennsylvania

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

46.4°F

Annual Precip

46.0"

Annual Snowfall

59.4"

Extreme Heat Days

2

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
3.5"
2.7"
3.4"
3.9"
4.3"
4.6"
4.6"
4.1"
4.0"
3.8"
3.6"
3.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,186

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/14
First fall frost (32°F): 10/11

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring33°56°11.6"Summer64°68°13.2"Fall38°60°11.4"Winter23°29°9.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 17% of US counties
Wetter than 61% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 57% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Elk County

Climate Verdict

Elk County has a cool, averaging 46.4°F annually, moderately wet with 46.0 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 1.6500000000000001 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 59.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 23.4°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 67.8°F. The 44°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Elk County is 3.5°F cooler than the Pennsylvania statewide average of 49.8°F.

Climate Profile

About Elk County Weather

A cold mountain climate

Elk County averages 46.4°F annually, making it one of the coldest spots in the northeastern United States. The region experiences long, snowy winters and very short, cool summers.

One of the coldest in PA

The county average of 46.4°F is 3.5 degrees colder than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It frequently records the lowest daily temperatures in the state during the winter months.

Coldest in the immediate region

Elk is colder than all its immediate neighbors, including Clearfield (47.9°F) and Clinton (49.6°F). Its 59.4 inches of snow is roughly double the amount seen in Clinton County.

Frigid winters and rare heat

Winters are harsh with a 25.7°F average, while summers are remarkably cool. Only 2 days per year reach 90°F, and the July average stays a refreshing 67.8°F.

Prepare for deep freezes

Residents must invest heavily in home insulation and high-output heating systems to survive the cold 23.4°F Januarys. Air conditioning is a luxury rather than a necessity, as extreme heat is nearly non-existent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Elk County?
The average annual temperature in Elk County, PA is 46.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Elk County get?
Elk County receives an average of 46.0 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Elk County?
Yes, Elk County receives an average of 59.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Elk County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Elk County is 66.1°F. The county experiences an average of 2 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Elk County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Elk County is 25.7°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 23.4°F.

Track your own weather in Elk County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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