The climate of Pittsburgh
Categorized by the Köppen climate classification as Cfa,
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. This unique climate categorization is influenced by the city's geographical position, which consists of valleys and ridges with three rivers converging within the city limits. Within this classification, humidity levels hover between 73% in summer months and 84% in winter. Additionally, throughout the year, the pressure ranges from 30.08" (764mm) in spring to 30.11" (765mm) in winter while cloud percentages vary from 36% to 70%.
The city experiences distinct seasonal weather changes. High temperatures ascend from 33.1°F (0.6°C) in winter to 84°F (28.9°C) in summer before descending again. Conversely, low temperatures vary from 21°F (-6.1°C) in winter to 63°F (17.2°C) in summer. Rainfall and snowfall also demonstrate significant fluctuations. Rainfall varies from 1.54" (39mm) to 3.07" (78mm) while snowfall ranges from zero in summer to 3.31" (84mm) in winter. The differentiations in precipitation are accompanied by substantial shifts in both sunshine hours, from 2.8 hours to a peak of 10.1 hours, and daylight hours, which range from 9.3 hours to 15 hours.
It is noteworthy that the maximum average monthly wind speed picks up pace from
February's 7.6mph (12.2km/h) to
April's 7.5mph (12.1km/h), then slows down during summer months to a low 4.8mph (7.7km/h) in
July and
August, and gradually increases to
December's peak of 7.3mph (11.7km/h).
The best time to visit Pittsburgh
The ideal time to visit
Pittsburgh would be during the late spring and early summer months which provide a hospitable climate. From
May to
June, temperatures climb from 61°F (16.1°C) to 79.3°F (26.3°C) and rainfall is moderate, ranging between 2.76" (70mm) and 3.07" (78mm). Humidity stays relatively steady around 76% and abundant sunshine hours from 8.7 to 9.3 hours combined with extended daylight hours from 14.4 to 15 hours offer excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Pittsburgh
Winter months prove to be challenging for tourism in
Pittsburgh, with
January being the coldest period. During this time, high and low temperatures range from a frigid 33.1°F (0.6°C) to a chilly 21°F (-6.1°C). Additionally, rainfall reaches lows at 1.69" (43mm) and high humidity levels about 84% add to the wintry bleakness. Only 2.8 hours of sunshine with 9.7 hours of daylight may feel gloomy to tourists, and snowfall at an average 3.31" (84mm) could disrupt travel plans.
Spring weather in Pittsburgh
Springtime in
Pittsburgh is characterized by an inviting lift in temperature. From
March through
May, high temperatures rise from a mild 47.8°F (8.8°C) to a comfortable 72.1°F (22.3°C), while low temperatures increase from 31.5°F (-0.3°C) to 51.4°F (10.8°C). Rainfall is moderately high, fluctuating from 2.05" (52mm) to 3.07" (78mm). The city sees brightening with average sunshine hours stretching from 5.2 hours to 8.7 hours, and daylight hours extending from 12 hours to 14.4 hours.
Summer weather in Pittsburgh
Summertime in
Pittsburgh, encompassing
June to
August, brings warmth and sun to the city. High temperatures gravitate from a pleasant 79.3°F (26.3°C) to a warm 84°F (28.9°C), while low temperatures climb from 58.6°F (14.8°C) to 63°F (17.2°C). Rainfall stays consistent around 2.76" (70mm), providing much-needed relief from the heat. Daylight extends to 15 hours, and visitors will enjoy the longest sunshine duration of the year ranging from 9.3 hours to 10.1 hours.
Autumn weather in Pittsburgh
Autumn sees a gradual drop in temperatures in
Pittsburgh, with high temperatures falling from 75.7°F (24.3°C) in
September to 49.1°F (9.5°C) in
November. Similarly, low temperatures drop from 55.9°F (13.3°C) to 34.2°F (1.2°C). Rainfall during this period decreases moderately from 2.13" (54mm) to 1.54" (39mm). Daylight hours get considerably shorter from 12.5 hours to 9.9 hours and sunshine hours dwindle from 8.2 hours to 4.7 hours.
Winter weather in Pittsburgh
Winter in
Pittsburgh, spanning
December to
February, is chilly and overcast. High and low temperatures reach their yearly lowest, fluctuating from 33.1°F (0.6°C) to 39.4°F (4.1°C) and from 21°F (-6.1°C) to 23.4°F (-4.8°C) respectively. Rainfall is relatively stable between 1.69" (43mm) and 2.13" (54mm), and with elevated humidity levels around 84%, the cold can feel more biting. The city sees the least amount of sunshine, with duration from 2.8 hours to 3.4 hours and daylight hours range from 9.3 hours to 9.7 hours. The snowfall starts to gather, ranging from 2.01" (51mm) to 3.31" (84mm).
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, often sees winter weather in full flow. As temperatures reach icy extremes, residents can expect a monthly high of 33.1°F (0.6°C) and a low of 21°F (-6.1°C). The sky remains mostly overcast, with limited sunlight hours, making indoor activities a good choice this month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Pittsburgh witnesses a subtle rise in temperatures, hinting at a slow transition towards spring weather. Snowfall decreases slightly, although winter conditions remain, with snowfalls of 2.83" (72mm) still possible.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March ushers in an early spring atmosphere in
Pittsburgh, characterized by softer, more bearable temperatures. Sunshine duration increases quite significantly from
February, culminating in a monthly daytime high temperature of 47.8°F (8.8°C), indicative of the gradually pacifying weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Pittsburgh witnesses a complete transformation into spring, with regular rain showers and a burst of flora across the city. The weather is very changeable, with rainfalls the highest for the year at 2.76" (70mm), contributing to the growth of new greenery all around.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Pittsburgh displays full-on spring weather, coupled with agreeable warmth and an explosion of colors throughout the city. The noticeable rise in relative humidity to 76% is indicative of the city's transition from spring to summer, with an increase in late afternoon thunderstorms.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Summer officially kicks off in
June in
Pittsburgh, and it's characterized by enjoyable warmth and long daylight hours. Typical June weather sees a high of 79.3°F (26.3°C), providing residents and tourists the perfect conditions for exploring the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Pittsburgh, demonstrating the season's most intense conditions. With a remarkable high temperature of 84°F (28.9°C), it is undeniably the hottest month of the year. Despite the heat, it's a fantastic time to partake in water-related activities, or simply relax in the numerous city parks.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, summer starts to wind down in
Pittsburgh, though warm weather persists throughout the month. Summer peaks start to descend, with noticeable changes, including a drop in the maximum temperature to 82.2°F (27.9°C). Though experiencing some rain, it's still a great time for outdoor exploration before autumn sets in.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Pittsburgh greets autumn with open arms, showcasing a steady decrease in temperatures, resulting in comfortable, moderate weather. The daylight hours reduce significantly from
August down to 12.5 hours along with a slight increase in rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October in
Pittsburgh brings substantial changes in the city's weather pattern, bringing an end to the summer heat and welcoming the full onset of autumn. The fallen leaves create a breathtaking spectacle, transforming the city into a picturesque postcard-like scene.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November, the city of
Pittsburgh starts to transition from autumn to winter, with a significant fall in temperatures. The weather is quite variable this time of year, with sudden shifts and an increased chance of early snowfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Pittsburgh is undeniably a winter month, characterized by shorter daylight hours and frosty temperatures. The city enters into a spectacular mode as a winter wonderland, hosting myriad of holiday celebrations. Although snowfall picks up from
November with a decent 2.01" (51mm) recorded, it's not daunting for residents who seize the opportunity for fun-filled winter activities.
Weather in December »