Planning a trip to Pittsburgh? Known as the “City of Bridges,” Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a very different travel experience. From snowy winters to warm, festival-filled summers, understanding the weather by month will help you pack right and plan the best activities.
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Pittsburgh weather, including temperatures, rainfall, and travel tips.
Pittsburgh Weather by Month
Month
Avg High
Avg Low
Travel Tips
January
36°F (2°C)
21°F (-6°C)
Heavy winter gear, expect snow
February
39°F (4°C)
23°F (-5°C)
Quiet travel, bundle up
March
49°F (9°C)
31°F (-1°C)
Layers & umbrella
April
61°F (16°C)
40°F (4°C)
Rain jacket recommended
May
72°F (22°C)
50°F (10°C)
Ideal sightseeing weather
June
80°F (27°C)
59°F (15°C)
Festivals & outdoor fun
July
83°F (28°C)
63°F (17°C)
Light clothing, stay hydrated
August
82°F (28°C)
62°F (17°C)
Breathable fabrics
September
75°F (24°C)
55°F (13°C)
One of the best months
October
63°F (17°C)
44°F (7°C)
Light coat, great photos
November
51°F (11°C)
35°F (2°C)
Warm layers
December
40°F (4°C)
26°F (-3°C)
Winter clothing required
January: Cold and Snowy
Average High: 36°F (2°C)
Average Low: 21°F (-6°C)
Conditions: Snow, ice, and cloudy skies
January is the coldest month in Pittsburgh. Snowfall is common, making it a good time for indoor attractions like museums and sports arenas. Travelers should bring heavy winter clothing and expect possible travel delays.
Best for: Budget travelers, winter scenery Pack: Heavy coat, gloves, waterproof boots
February: Winter Lingers
Average High: 39°F (4°C)
Average Low: 23°F (-5°C)
Conditions: Cold with occasional snow and rain
February remains chilly but starts to show hints of seasonal transition. Snow is still likely, though days slowly become longer.
Best for: Quiet city exploration Pack: Winter layers, scarf, boots
March: Early Signs of Spring
Average High: 49°F (9°C)
Average Low: 31°F (-1°C)
Conditions: Rainy, cool, unpredictable
March marks the start of spring, but weather can change quickly. Snow is possible early in the month, while rain becomes more frequent later.
Best for: Off-season travel, early spring walks Pack: Light jacket, umbrella
April: Mild and Rainy
Average High: 61°F (16°C)
Average Low: 40°F (4°C)
Conditions: Frequent rain, blooming trees
April brings noticeable warming and greenery. Rain showers are common, but the city becomes more colorful as spring blooms arrive.
Best for: Nature lovers, parks Pack: Rain jacket, comfortable shoes
May: Pleasant and Green
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Average Low: 50°F (10°C)
Conditions: Mild, occasional rain
May is one of the best months to visit Pittsburgh. The weather is comfortable, gardens are lush, and outdoor events begin.
Best for: Sightseeing, outdoor dining Pack: Light layers, sunglasses
June: Warm and Sunny
Average High: 80°F (27°C)
Average Low: 59°F (15°C)
Conditions: Warm with some humidity
Summer officially begins in June. Days are long and sunny, perfect for festivals and riverfront activities.
Best for: Festivals, walking tours Pack: T-shirts, sunscreen
July: Hot and Humid
Average High: 83°F (28°C)
Average Low: 63°F (17°C)
Conditions: Hot, humid, occasional thunderstorms
July is the hottest month. While afternoons can feel sticky, evenings are lively with fireworks, baseball games, and outdoor events.
Best for: Summer events, nightlife Pack: Light clothing, hat, water bottle
August: Peak Summer Heat
Average High: 82°F (28°C)
Average Low: 62°F (17°C)
Conditions: Hot, humid, storm chances
August feels similar to July, though temperatures begin to cool slightly toward the end of the month.
Best for: River cruises, festivals Pack: Breathable fabrics, rain protection
September: Comfortable and Clear
Average High: 75°F (24°C)
Average Low: 55°F (13°C)
Conditions: Mild, lower humidity
September is another ideal travel month. The weather is comfortable, crowds thin out, and early fall colors appear.
Best for: City walks, photography Pack: Light jacket, casual layers
October: Crisp Fall Weather
Average High: 63°F (17°C)
Average Low: 44°F (7°C)
Conditions: Cool, colorful, dry
October showcases beautiful fall foliage across Pittsburgh’s hills and parks. Days are cool, nights chilly.
Best for: Fall foliage, outdoor sightseeing Pack: Sweater, light coat
November: Cool and Cloudy
Average High: 51°F (11°C)
Average Low: 35°F (2°C)
Conditions: Cloudy, occasional rain or snow
November marks the transition into winter. Leaves fall, temperatures drop, and holiday decorations begin to appear.
Best for: Museums, holiday prep trips Pack: Warm jacket, layers
December: Festive and Cold
Average High: 40°F (4°C)
Average Low: 26°F (-3°C)
Conditions: Cold, snow possible
December brings a festive atmosphere with holiday markets and lights, though cold weather and snow are common.
Best for: Holiday travel, winter charm Pack: Winter coat, gloves
Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh
Best overall weather: May, June, September
Best budget travel: January–February
Best fall colors: October
Best summer activities: June–August
Pittsburgh Weather FAQs for Travelers
1. Where is Pittsburgh located?
Pittsburgh is located in the northeastern United States, in the state of Pennsylvania, where three rivers meet.
2. Does Pittsburgh have four seasons?
Yes, Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons: cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool, colorful falls.
3. What is the coldest month in Pittsburgh?
January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 21°F (-6°C).
4. What is the hottest month in Pittsburgh?
July is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F (28°C) and noticeable humidity.
5. Does Pittsburgh get a lot of snow?
Pittsburgh gets moderate snowfall, mainly between December and February, though heavy snowstorms are occasional rather than constant.
6. Is Pittsburgh very rainy?
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with spring and summer being the wettest seasons.
7. What is the best month to visit Pittsburgh?
The best months are May, June, September, and October, offering comfortable temperatures and fewer weather disruptions.
8. Is summer in Pittsburgh humid?
Yes, summers—especially July and August—can be humid, though temperatures are generally milder than in southern U.S. cities.
9. Does Pittsburgh experience heatwaves?
Occasional heatwaves occur in summer, but they are usually short-lived and manageable.
10. What is spring like in Pittsburgh?
Spring is cool and rainy, especially in March and April, with blooming trees and gradually warming temperatures.
11. When does fall foliage peak in Pittsburgh?
Fall foliage typically peaks in mid to late October, making it a great time for photography and outdoor activities.
12. Is winter travel difficult in Pittsburgh?
Winter travel is usually manageable, but snow and ice can occasionally impact driving and flights.
13. Does Pittsburgh get thunderstorms?
Yes, thunderstorms are most common in summer, particularly in June through August.
14. What should I pack for Pittsburgh weather?
Pack layers year-round. Winter requires heavy coats, while spring and fall need light jackets and rain gear.
15. Are winters in Pittsburgh harsh?
Winters are cold but not extreme compared to northern Midwest cities, with occasional cold snaps.
16. How windy is Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh can be breezy, especially in winter and early spring, due to its river valleys and hills.
17. Is September a good month to visit Pittsburgh?
Yes, September offers mild temperatures, low humidity, and fewer crowds, making it one of the best months to visit.
18. Does Pittsburgh have cloudy weather?
Pittsburgh is known for having many cloudy days, especially during winter months.
19. Can weather change quickly in Pittsburgh?
Yes, weather can be unpredictable, particularly in spring and fall, with rapid temperature shifts.
20. Is Pittsburgh weather good for outdoor activities?
Absolutely—late spring, summer, and early fall are excellent for walking, festivals, riverfront activities, and sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh’s weather varies significantly throughout the year, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you enjoy snowy cityscapes, warm summer festivals, or crisp autumn walks, choosing the right month can make your visit unforgettable.
Hi,
I'm Thanh Tung and I'm an avid nature enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity for the wonders of the natural world, I spends their time exploring the beauty and diversity of national parks. From majestic mountain ranges to serene desert landscapes, they are dedicated to uncovering the stories, history, and ecosystems of these protected areas
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