Geography and Climate of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania: Geography & Climate Overview

Geography

Located in the northeastern U.S., borders six states. 33rd largest by area, 6th most populous (~12.8M). Three main regions:

• Appalachian Mountains – Central PA; highest point Mount Davis (3,213 ft). Source of water, ski resorts, hiking.
• Allegheny Plateau – Western/northern PA; rolling hills, valleys, natural gas/coal, dairy farming.
• Atlantic Coastal Plain – Southeast; flat, sandy soil, includes Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Climate

Humid continental with four seasons:

• Summers: hot/humid, July avg 70–80°F (21–27°C).
• Winters: cold/snowy, Jan avg 20–30°F (-7 to -1°C).
• Precipitation: ~43 inches/year, evenly distributed, slight summer peak.

Mountains are cooler/wetter; western PA slightly drier than east.