Pittsburgh, PA Climate Guide
Pittsburgh has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons at the confluence of three rivers.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa/Dfb)
Pittsburgh Climate Overview
Warm, humid summers. Cold winters with significant snowfall. Frequent cloudy days.
One of the cloudiest cities in the US. Lake effect can enhance winter precipitation.
Pittsburgh Weather by Season
spring
Spring is cool and damp with frequent rain and cloudy skies. Highs climb from the 50s°F in March to the 70s°F by May. Severe thunderstorms pop up by late spring.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the low 80s°F. Thunderstorms are frequent and can be severe, especially in June and July.
fall
Fall is Pittsburgh's best season — crisp, sunny, dry days with brilliant foliage in the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. October highs in the 60s°F are ideal.
winter
Winters are cold, cloudy, and snowy with highs in the upper 30s°F. The city averages 41 inches of snow per year, and January is particularly gloomy with few sunny days.
Pittsburgh Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36° | 39° | 49° | 61° | 71° | 79° | 83° | 81° | 75° | 63° | 51° | 40° |
| Low °F | 21° | 23° | 30° | 40° | 50° | 59° | 63° | 62° | 55° | 43° | 34° | 25° |
Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh
Mid-September through October for crisp fall weather and spectacular foliage. Late May and June are also pleasant with warm days and blooming trees.
Severe Weather Risks
- Blizzards
- Ice storms
- Severe thunderstorms
- Flash flooding
- Polar vortex outbreaks
Weather Facts About Pittsburgh
- >Pittsburgh is one of the cloudiest major cities in the US, averaging over 200 cloudy days per year.
- >The city sits at the confluence of three rivers, which can fuel dramatic flash flooding during heavy rain events.
- >The 1993 "Storm of the Century" dropped over 2 feet of snow on the Pittsburgh area in a single storm.
Pittsburgh Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Pittsburgh?
Mid-September through October delivers the best weather — mild temperatures, low humidity, sunshine, and vivid fall foliage in the Allegheny Mountains. Late May and June are also pleasant.
Is Pittsburgh really cloudy?
Yes. Pittsburgh averages over 200 cloudy days per year, among the most of any major US city. Winter months can go weeks with minimal sunshine, contributing to the city's reputation for gray weather.
How much snow does Pittsburgh get?
About 41 inches per year on average. Lake-effect snow bands from Lake Erie can enhance totals in the city, and individual storms can drop a foot or more at a time.
Does Pittsburgh flood?
Yes. The three-river confluence makes Pittsburgh vulnerable to flooding from heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. The 1936 flood and Hurricane Agnes (1972) both caused catastrophic damage.