Pittsburgh in December
In December, Pittsburgh averages 6°C (44°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (94 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Pittsburgh. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Pittsburgh
December is one of the coolest months in Pittsburgh (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (17°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (10°C) and cools 3°C in January (3°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Pittsburgh
Times shown for Pittsburgh local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Pittsburgh — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Pittsburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Pittsburgh in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Pittsburgh's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Pittsburgh
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Pittsburgh in December
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Pittsburgh in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -6°C / 21°F | 87 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 6°C / 42°F | -5°C / 24°F | 111 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | -1°C / 31°F | 100 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 16°C / 62°F | 5°C / 41°F | 122 mm | 20 | — |
| May | 22°C / 71°F | 12°C / 53°F | 124 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 160 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 19°C / 65°F | 113 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 111 mm | 21 | — |
| September | 25°C / 76°F | 15°C / 58°F | 94 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 110 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 10°C / 51°F | 2°C / 35°F | 73 mm | 14 | — |
| December | 6°C / 44°F | -1°C / 30°F | 94 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Pittsburgh in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Pittsburgh in December?
In December, Pittsburgh averages a high of 6°C (44°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Pittsburgh in December?
December is quite rainy in Pittsburgh, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Pittsburgh?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Pittsburgh in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Pittsburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.