Best time to visit · Pittsburgh · United States
The best time to visit Pittsburgh
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Pittsburgh is May to June and September to October, when temperatures are about 18–27°C and the rivers, trails and ballpark are at their best. July and August are hot and humid but busy with festivals, while winter is cold and grey but cheap.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 29°C (84°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 2°C (36°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~15 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Pittsburgh has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: cold, often grey winters with snow, warm and humid summers with thunderstorms, and mild springs and autumns. It is one of the cloudier cities in the United States, with frequent light rain or snow.
March–May
Spring
Changeable, from late snow in March to mild green May, with Lent fish fries, baseball's return and the marathon.
June–August
Summer
Warm to hot and humid, with thunderstorms, free festivals downtown and the busiest time on the rivers.
September–November
Autumn
Crisp, colourful September and October and the heart of Steelers season; grey and chilly by November.
December–February
Winter
Cold, cloudy and snowy at times, with holiday lights, skating at PPG Place and low hotel rates.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -6°C | 15 | 9.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 4°C | -5°C | 13 | 10.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 10°C | -1°C | 14 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 5°C | 14 | 13.2 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 22°C | 10°C | 14 | 14.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 27°C | 15°C | 13 | 15 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 29°C | 18°C | 12 | 14.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 28°C | 17°C | 10 | 13.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 24°C | 13°C | 10 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 18°C | 7°C | 11 | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 11°C | 2°C | 12 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 4°C | -3°C | 14 | 9.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown (usually the Saturday before 17 March); Lenten fish fries across the city (Fridays in Lent) |
| April | Pirates baseball season opens at PNC Park (usually early April) |
| May | Pittsburgh Marathon (usually early May) |
| June | Three Rivers Arts Festival — free art and music downtown (usually early June); Pittsburgh Pride (usually June) |
| July | Picklesburgh — pickle-themed food festival (usually July); Fourth of July fireworks over the rivers |
| August | Little Italy Days in Bloomfield (usually August) |
| September | Steelers home games at Acrisure Stadium (September to January) |
| November | Light Up Night — downtown holiday lights and fireworks (usually late November) |
| December | Holiday market in Market Square (usually late November to December); Ice skating at PPG Place (winter) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Pittsburgh?
The best time to visit Pittsburgh is May to June and September to October, when temperatures are about 18–27°C and the rivers, trails and ballpark are at their best. July and August are hot and humid but busy with festivals, while winter is cold and grey but cheap.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Pittsburgh?
Usually in January–February. Cold and grey, with regular snow showers; a quiet month for museums and low hotel prices.
+What is the rainiest month in Pittsburgh?
January, with about 15 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Pittsburgh get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).