Weather in Pittsburgh

Planning your day in Pittsburgh? Check out the latest weather data, up-to-date forecasts, and visual charts right here in this section.

Pittsburgh, located in the United States, is characterized by a climate with four distinct seasons. The city experiences cold winters, when the average temperature drops to around zero or below, and warm, sometimes hot, summer months. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, offering comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the city.

Winters in Pittsburgh, from December to February, are quite cool, with average temperatures ranging from -0.3°C in January to 2.6°C in December, and night frosts. Summer, especially in July and August, is warm, with average temperatures above 20°C and maximums reaching 28.5°C. The spring months (March-May) bring gradual warming, while the autumn months (September-November) bring a smooth cooling.

One of the features of the weather in Pittsburgh is the relatively even distribution of precipitation throughout the year, albeit in small amounts (3-5 mm per month). However, the number of days with precipitation is quite significant, varying from 10 to 16 days per month. This means that visitors should be prepared for possible rain (or snow in the winter period) regardless of the travel season.

The climate in Pittsburgh is characterized by distinct seasons with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The hottest month is typically July, when the average temperature reaches 23.8°C, and daytime highs can rise to 28.5°C. August is also quite warm, with an average temperature of 22.8°C. The coldest month is usually January, with an average temperature of -0.3°C and nighttime lows dropping to an average of -4.0°C. Overall, the annual range of average temperatures extends from light frost in winter to comfortable warmth in summer.

The summer months in Pittsburgh, from June to August, bring warm and occasionally hot weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 25.9°C in June to 28.5°C in July. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 16-19°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is about 9-10 degrees, providing some relief from the daytime heat. Winter, on the other hand, brings cool and occasionally frosty weather, especially from December to February. Average daily highs during these months range from 3.4°C to 6.9°C, while nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing, reaching -4.0°C in January. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in winter are also noticeable, amounting to about 7-9 degrees.

Spring and autumn in Pittsburgh are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. In March, the average temperature is about 6.0°C, gradually rising to 17.1°C by May. In autumn, September is still quite warm (average 19.8°C), but by November the temperature drops significantly to an average of 6.5°C. These inter-seasonal periods also see noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night, which is characteristic of a continental climate.

In Pittsburgh, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, and there is no pronounced rainy season or prolonged dry period. The monthly amount of precipitation is small and fluctuates mainly between 3 and 5 mm. This means that strong, prolonged downpours are not characteristic of the city; rather, one can expect moderate or light precipitation.

Speaking of the wettest periods, May stands out as the month with the maximum average rainfall (5 mm) and one of the highest numbers of rainy days (about 16 days). August also has about 16 days with precipitation, although the total amount is slightly less (3 mm). The least amount of precipitation (3 mm) is recorded in March, August, November, and December. At the same time, November is distinguished by the fewest number of rainy days – on average about 10 days. Overall, precipitation in Pittsburgh occurs regularly, roughly from 10 to 16 days in each month.

The nature of precipitation in Pittsburgh changes depending on the time of year. In the winter months, such as January (average temperature -0.3°C) and December (average temperature 2.6°C, with minimum temperatures often dropping below freezing), precipitation falls predominantly as snow. February can also bring snowfall or mixed precipitation. In the transitional seasons, for example, in March and November, both rain and wet snow are possible, especially in early spring and late autumn. In the warm months, from April to October, when temperatures are consistently positive, precipitation falls in the form of rain.

When planning a trip to Pittsburgh, it is important to consider the changeable weather and be prepared for various conditions throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Regardless of the season, bring comfortable walking shoes, as the city is conducive to walking. Given that Pittsburgh has quite a few rainy days throughout the year (from 10 to 16 days per month), a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will become your faithful companions.

If your trip falls during the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature ranges from 21°C to 24°C, pack light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, do not forget a light sweater or cardigan for evening walks or air-conditioned rooms, as well as sunscreen and a hat. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are characterized by cooler weather: average temperatures vary from 6°C in March and November to almost 20°C in September. During these periods, you will need sweaters, jeans, a medium-weight jacket, and possibly a scarf. In winter (December-February), it is cold in Pittsburgh, with average temperatures dropping to -0.3°C in January, and minimums reaching -4°C. Be sure to take a warm winter jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf, and warm, preferably waterproof, shoes, as precipitation in the form of snow is possible.