What December feels like in Pittsburgh
Early winter arrives in Pittsburgh with December. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Pittsburgh in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 8.4 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.3 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:36 am and sets around 4:54 pm local time, giving 9 h 19 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 40 min less daylight than mid-November. About 47% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Pittsburgh. Afternoons run 5°C (9°F) cooler than in November, with 25 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of 2.9°C (37.2°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Pittsburgh in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Pittsburgh in December?
Afternoons average 5.8°C (42.4°F) and nights about -1.6°C (29.1°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Pittsburgh in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 100 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Pittsburgh in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Pittsburgh?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. January is cooler.