Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh experiences a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year.
The climate in Pittsburgh is characterized by relatively mild seasons and varying temperatures, making it an appealing destination year-round.
During the windiest month, February, the average hourly wind speed reaches 6.5 miles per hour. Meanwhile, August enjoys the calmest weather with an average wind speed of only 3.4 miles per hour, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Monthly weather in Pittsburgh varies significantly, with humid summers and cold winters.
The city receives around 38 inches of rain annually, ensuring lush greenery and vibrant scenery.
Humidity levels stay fairly consistent at around 76%, contributing to the overall comfort in most seasons.
Visibility and daylight hours change notably across the year, enhancing the city’s unique charm during different times.
For anyone planning to visit, Pittsburgh offers abundant sunshine, especially from April to November.
The daylight hours peak between 14.4 to 15 hours during summer, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city’s attractions.
Check out a detailed climate graph to get a clearer picture of the weather trends and make the most of your trip to this vibrant city.
Average Temperature In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The average temperature in Pittsburgh varies significantly throughout the year.
Winters in Pittsburgh are cold. December, January, and February often see temperatures plummeting. January is particularly chilly with lows around 23°F.
Moving into Spring, temperatures rise. March and April experience mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 33°F to 62°F.
The Summer months of June, July, and August bring warmer weather. Average high temps are around 83°F, with August typically being the hottest month. Nights are generally cooler, offering some relief.
Autumn sees a gradual drop. September and October have moderate temperatures. By November, temperatures drop again, averaging between 34°F and 51°F.
Below is a table of the monthly average high and low temperatures:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 37 | 23 |
| February | 39 | 25 |
| March | 50 | 33 |
| April | 62 | 42 |
| May | 72 | 52 |
| June | 80 | 61 |
| July | 83 | 65 |
| August | 82 | 63 |
| September | 76 | 57 |
| October | 64 | 46 |
| November | 51 | 34 |
| December | 40 | 27 |
More detailed info about temperatures can be found at ChaseDay.
Pittsburgh’s temperatures range quite a bit, showing distinct seasons with hot summers and freezing winters.
Average Precipitation In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh experiences a variety of precipitation types including rain and snow. The city has its highest rainfall in June and significant snowfall in January and February.
Average Rainfall In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh gets a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest month is June, which averages 4.2 inches of rain over about 12 days. This is part of a wetter season that spans from March to August. Annual rainfall totals approximately 38-40 inches.
February has the least rain, averaging 2.61 inches.
Rainy days are spread out, with each month having a significant number of wet days. Most months see at least 0.04 inches of rain on multiple days, reflecting consistent precipitation.
Average Snow In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Snowfall is common in Pittsburgh during the winter months. January is the snowiest month, averaging about 11.7 inches of snow.
Snowfall begins in December, extending through February.
Total annual snowfall is around 40 inches, with snowy days primarily in January and February.
Snow and ice can have a big impact on daily life, contributing to various weather-related challenges in the city. Pittsburgh’s climate balance between rain and snow provides a diverse experience year-round.
Average Sun In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh experiences a variety of sunlight and daylight hours throughout the year, with notable differences between the summer and winter months. Understanding these patterns can help residents and visitors plan their activities and make the most of the city’s sunny days.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh sees an average of 4.2 kWh/m² of shortwave solar energy per day.
The city’s sunshine hours peak in summer with long daylight extending up to 15 hours in June.
During winter, daylight shortens significantly. In December, the city experiences around 9 hours of daylight, with fewer sunshine hours. In January, sunlight averages 2.5 kWh/m² per day.
Sunrise times in summer start around 5:50 AM and sunset around 8:45 PM, while in winter, sunrise happens around 7:45 AM and sunset at about 5:00 PM. This provides a clear picture of seasonal variations in sunlight exposure.
Average Humidity In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh experiences relatively consistent humidity levels throughout the year. The city’s average annual humidity is around 68%.
September is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 72.0%.
In contrast, April is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 59.0%.
The table below highlights the average humidity percentages:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 69 |
| April | 59 |
| September | 72 |
| December | 70 |
Relative humidity in Pittsburgh typically stabilizes around 76% during most months.
Dew point is another critical factor contributing to how humid it feels. High dew points indicate more moisture in the air. Pittsburgh’s dew points vary widely through the year.
Humidity levels influence local weather and comfort. For more detailed information on Pittsburgh’s climate including other weather metrics, you can visit the World Weather & Climate Information or explore Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Pittsburgh.
Average Wind In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh experiences both windy and calm periods throughout the year.
The windier part of the year starts in mid-November and lasts until late April. During this period, the average wind speed exceeds 4.9 miles per hour.
The windiest month is February, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.5 miles per hour.
From late April to mid-November, Pittsburgh enjoys a calmer atmosphere. During these months, the wind speed drops below the yearly average. This calmer period lasts for about 6.6 months.
Across the year, wind speeds vary. The difference is more pronounced during the winter months when the wind picks up, compared to the summer when the air is generally more still. For more details on wind patterns and related articles, you can explore additional resources on wind.
Maintaining an awareness of wind conditions is important for planning outdoor activities. It’s especially useful for those involved in aviation, sailing, and other wind-sensitive hobbies.
Average Air Quality In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s air quality varies throughout the year. Most days, the air quality is in the “Good” to “Moderate” range.
This means it is generally safe, but some pollutants may affect a small number of sensitive individuals.
In 2020, the average PM2.5 level in Pittsburgh was 10.1 μg/m³. This indicates a “Good” air quality rating. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that can affect health.
During some days, air quality can reach higher levels. This might be due to weather conditions, local industry, or traffic. It’s essential for residents to stay informed about daily air quality levels.
Recent Data Points:
- June 29, 2024: AQI was 50, indicating “Good” air quality (IQAir).
- Current AQI Status: Pittsburgh has “Moderate” air quality at certain times, meaning it’s acceptable but some might experience health issues (IQAir).
Health Tips:
- On “Moderate” days, sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities.
- Checking daily forecasts can help plan activities to avoid high pollution exposure.
Air Pollution Contributors:
- Traffic: High vehicle usage contributes to pollution.
- Industry: Local factories can impact air quality.
- Weather: Temperature and wind can affect pollution levels.
Residents can use air quality monitors and apps to stay updated on current conditions. This helps in making informed decisions to protect their health.
Topography Of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, features diverse terrain. The city is situated at a latitude of approximately 40.44° N and a longitude of 79.99° W.
Elevation varies significantly throughout the city. The average elevation is about 1,033 feet.
Minimum elevations, such as those near river levels, can drop to 686 feet. In contrast, the highest points in the region reach approximately 1,391 feet.
Notable Areas
- South Side Flats: Located in Pittsburgh, this area is approximately 886 feet above sea level.
- Downtown Pittsburgh: Known for its hilly terrain, with some sections reaching significant elevations.
Bodies of Water
Pittsburgh is famously located at the confluence of three rivers:
- Allegheny River
- Monongahela River
- Ohio River
Climate Influence
This topography influences the local climate, contributing to temperature variations and weather conditions across different parts of the city.
Additional Information
The terrain can be studied in more detail using interactive topographic maps to better understand the city’s unique landscape.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh experiences a variety of extreme weather events. These include thunderstorms, which can be quite frequent, especially during the warmer months.
Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and occasionally hail.
The area has seen severe thunderstorms that produce winds exceeding 58 mph, leading to property damage and power outages. Thunderstorms typically occur from late spring to early fall.
Hail
Hail is another concern during severe thunderstorms. Hailstones can vary in size, with some as large as golf balls.
These can cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. From 1955 to 2019, large hail events have been recorded, reflecting the area’s susceptibility.
Winter Storms
Winter can bring heavy snowfalls, ice storms, and extremely low temperatures.
Snowfall can sometimes exceed 20 inches, causing travel disruptions and power outages. Ice storms can make roads hazardous and lead to downed trees and power lines.
In the summer, Pittsburgh can experience heatwaves with temperatures soaring into the 90s.
Heatwaves can cause health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Pittsburgh is also prone to extreme heat, where the heat index can rise, feeling even hotter than the actual temperature.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The best time to visit Pittsburgh depends on what activities and weather you prefer.
Each season has unique qualities, from the blooming flowers of spring to the colorful leaves of fall.
What Is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Like In Spring
Spring in Pittsburgh begins in March and lasts through May. Early spring can still be chilly, with temperatures starting around 24°F (-4°C) to 44°F (7°C), but it warms up as the season progresses.
By May, temperatures generally rise to between 50°F and 70°F.
Rain is common during spring, so visitors should be prepared for occasional showers.
Despite the rain, the city’s parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery.
What Is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Like In Summer
Summer in Pittsburgh spans June through August. This is when the city experiences its warmest weather.
July is typically the hottest month, with average temperatures soaring to around 79°F (26°C).
Humidity levels are moderate, making outdoor events and festivals enjoyable.
Summer is an excellent time for outdoor activities like visiting Point State Park and enjoying the numerous festivals.
Rain is less frequent compared to spring, providing ample sunny days for exploration.
What Is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Like In Fall
Fall in Pittsburgh lasts from September through November. September and October offer mild, comfortable temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F.
This season is famous for its breathtaking fall foliage as trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Rainfall during fall varies, but it is generally lower than in spring.
The weather is ideal for walking tours, visiting nearby apple orchards, and enjoying autumn festivals.
What Is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Like In Winter
Winter in Pittsburgh spans from December to February.
Temperatures can drop considerably, with January being the coldest month, averaging lows of around 20°F.
Snowfall is common, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
The city’s holiday lights and decorations during winter are a highlight.
Activities such as ice skating and winter festivals are popular.
However, the cold and potential for heavy snowfall may make travel and outdoor activities challenging for some visitors.