Pittsburgh is located in the Allegheny Plateau, which is a mostly mountainous region of Pennsylvania in the USA.
Pittsburgh experiences all four seasons, the climate of Pittsburgh is humid continental with hot, humid summers, and winters can be harsh with cold temperatures. But does it Snow in Pittsburgh? Let’s dive in to find out!
Does It Snow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
The answer to this question is, Yes, it does snow in Pittsburgh, although the snowfall is generally light.
The average snowfall for the city is anywhere between 28 to 31 inches, which is more than the US average of 28 inches.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh can see significant snowfalls from time to time, and the city is known for its cold winters.
How Often Does It Snow in Pittsburgh?
Although Pittsburgh’s nickname is “Steel City,” it actually experiences all four seasons. The city is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves of the trees turn red, orange, and yellow.
Winters can be cold, but even though it does snow, the snow doesn’t usually stick around for very long. Springtime is when the flowers start to bloom, and summertime is when Pittsburgh really comes alive!
So, how often does it snow in Pittsburgh? While the answer to this question can vary depending on the year, on average, Pittsburgh experiences about 28 to 31 inches of snowfall each winter.
Keep in mind that this is an average – some years may bring less snow, while others may bring more.
If you’re thinking of visiting Pittsburgh during the winter months, don’t let the prospect of snow deter you!
The city is still a great place to visit, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy if you don’t want to brave the cold.
When Does It Snow in Pittsburgh?
While Pittsburgh isn’t known for being a particularly snowy city, we still get our fair share of winter weather.
Snow usually begins falling in late November or early December and continues off and on through March. Most years see between 20 and 30 inches of snowfall, although the city has gotten as much as 80 inches in a single year.
While snowfall totals can vary greatly from one year to the next, we generally see at least a few inches of snow every winter. So if you’re hoping to build a snowman or go sledding, you should have plenty of opportunities!
The city of Pittsburgh is located in the Allegheny Plateau, which is part of the larger Appalachian Mountains range; it does not generally snow in Pittsburgh.
The temperatures in Pittsburgh are usually too warm for snow to fall, and when it does snow, it does not usually accumulate on the ground.
The Climate in Pittsburgh
The climate of Pittsburgh is a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa/Dfb), with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
The City of Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, which forms the Ohio River. These three rivers have a major effect on the climate of the Pittsburgh area, particularly in terms of precipitation and air circulation.
The isn’t a large variance in temperatures throughout the year, with the average high in July being 86 °F (30 °C) and the average low in January 20 °F (−7 °C).
However, temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C) or below 10 °F (−12 °C) are not uncommon. Snowfall is plentiful in winter, totaling 31 inches (1.2 m) annually.
Spring and Fall can be variable, with pleasant weather interspersed with intervals of much cooler conditions mixed with rain or occasional showers.
What Is the Weather Like in Pittsburgh?
In Pittsburgh, the summers are short, hot, and humid; the winters are very cold and windy, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 22°F to 83°F and is rarely below 4°F or above 89°F.
The cold season lasts for 3.0 months, from November 28 to February 26, with an average daily high temperature below 46°F. The hottest day of the year is July 18, with an average high of 83°F and a low of 65°F.
The windy season lasts for 5.0 months, from April 16 to September 16, with an average daily maximum wind speed of at least 14 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is April 16, with an average wind speed of 21 miles per hour.
What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in Pittsburgh in Winter?
Although snow is not guaranteed, winter in Pittsburgh can be a magical time. The city transforms into a Winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh during the cold months, here are some things to do to make the most of your trip.
Winter in Pittsburgh can be incredibly beautiful, so make sure to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Check out the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Christmas display is stunning, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Wrap up warm and go ice skating in one of Pittsburgh’s many public parks. Schenley Park, Frick Park, and Mellon Park all have outdoor ice rinks that are open to the public (weather permitting).
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike up Mount Washington for stunning views of the city covered in snow. Or head to the PPG Wintergarden for some ice skating. This is a great activity for family and friends, and it’s also a great way to burn off some of those holiday calories!
Discover Pittsburgh’s fantastic food scene by sampling some of the city’s renowned comfort food.
Take a tour of the Strip District; this historic district is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes. In winter, it’s especially festive with all of the holiday lights.
Primanti Brothers is famous for their hearty sandwiches piled high with french fries, while Soup & A Sandwich serves up delicious soups and sandwiches made from scratch.
For something sweet, head to Mike & Lisa’s Homemade Ice Cream for a huge range of flavors, or get your sugar fix at Sarris Candies – a local institution known for their hand-dipped chocolates and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
Visit the National Aviary. This is a great place to visit year-round, but in winter, you can see the birds in their natural habitat as they migrate south for the season.
Check out some of Pittsburgh’s world-class museums and art galleries, such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Mattress Factory.
There are so many to choose from, and each one has something unique to offer. Take some time to learn about Pittsburgh’s history and culture this winter!
Or take a trip back in time to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. This open-air museum includes a reconstructed 19th-century village and the site of one of North America’s oldest human habitations, dating back 16,000 years.
No matter what you end up doing during your visit to Pittsburgh, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring this charming city in the wintertime.
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- Does it Snow in New York?
Conclusion
In short, yes, it does snow in Pittsburgh! The city sees an average of 31 inches of snowfall per year and has even received over 60 inches in a single season.
While the winters can be cold, the city is also known for its beautiful winter scenery. So if you don’t mind bundling up, Pittsburgh is a great place to be during the winter months.
