Weather in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast30%74°48°
- SundayMay 17Overcast18%86°57°
- MondayMay 18Heavy Drizzle—91°63°
- TuesdayMay 19Heavy Drizzle13%87°61°
- WednesdayMay 20Drizzle75%71°48°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast15%69°41°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle33%57°51°
- PM 2.5
- 5.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 5.4 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 9.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 66.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:06 AM
- Moonset
- 12:59 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open along the stoops
Pittsburgh at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 19 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Pittsburgh's warmest temperatures, averaging around 74°F, while January delivers the coldest at approximately 30°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, with June recording the highest rainfall at 4.6 inches and February seeing the least at 2.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 3.1″ | 6 |
| February | 32° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| March | 40° | 3.2″ | 8 |
| April | 52° | 3.4″ | 9 |
| May | 62° | 4.1″ | 9 |
| June | 70° | 4.6″ | 8 |
| July | 74° | 3.9″ | 8 |
| August | 72° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| September | 65° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| October | 54° | 3.1″ | 8 |
| November | 43° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| December | 34° | 3.0″ | 7 |
Regional context
Pittsburgh belongs to the warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other cities in this classification.
Similar climates: Philadelphia, PA, Allentown, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lancaster, PA, Scranton, PA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds to Pittsburgh gardens, their metallic calls announcing the transition to summer feeding season.
By mid-June, common milkweed releases its fragrant pink flower clusters across local meadows and vacant lots.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Pittsburgh?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Pittsburgh, while the season's first frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Pittsburgh?
- June typically brings the most rainfall, averaging about 4.6 inches, while the city's total annual precipitation reaches roughly 41 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Pittsburgh?
- July records the highest temperatures, with averages around 74°F.
- What is the coldest month in Pittsburgh?
- January brings the coldest weather, averaging near 30°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Pittsburgh?
- Plant cool-season crops like peas and lettuce around the last spring frost in mid-April, but wait 1–2 weeks later for warm-season varieties such as tomatoes and peppers.
- How many rainy days does Pittsburgh get?
- Pittsburgh experiences approximately 89 rainy days each year.
- What hardiness zone is Pittsburgh?
- Consult the USDA's online hardiness zone lookup using Pittsburgh's ZIP code to find the current zone designation, which reflects the area's lowest average winter temperatures.
Climate
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 30°F, while July brings averages around 74°F — creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 41 inches, distributed across roughly 89 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors determine the city's weather patterns: its latitude at 40.4°N, proximity to large water bodies, and local elevation. These elements influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.