Pittsburgh in October

In October, Pittsburgh averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (110 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in Pittsburgh during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

18°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
110 mm
Rainfall

How October compares to the rest of the year in Pittsburgh

6th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in October
11 h 10 min
daylight on the 15th

October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Pittsburgh (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (17°C). October runs 7°C cooler than September (25°C) and cools 7°C in November (10°C).

October sunrise & sunset in Pittsburgh

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:30 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:40 PM
Day length
11 h 10 min

Times shown for Pittsburgh local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Pittsburgh — October

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Pittsburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:30 AM – 7:10 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:10 AM – 8:10 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Pittsburgh in October

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 October's tier (Off-peak) and Pittsburgh's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — October in Pittsburgh

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Pittsburgh — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — October in Pittsburgh

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.3
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Pittsburgh in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 October weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Pittsburgh in October →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Pittsburgh in October?

In October, Pittsburgh averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Pittsburgh in October?

October is quite rainy in Pittsburgh, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is October a good time to visit Pittsburgh?

October is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Pittsburgh in October?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Pittsburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Pittsburgh on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.