What May feels like in Pittsburgh
Late spring arrives in Pittsburgh with May. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. Humidity is on the high side, but mild temperatures keep it comfortable.
Rain in Pittsburgh in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Wet days average about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Pittsburgh averages about 8.3 mm per rainy day, so May is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:04 am and sunset at about 8:28 pm (local time) — 14 h 24 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 9 min more daylight than in mid-April. The sun is out for roughly 72% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Pittsburgh's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Against April, the average high is 5.3°C (9.5°F) higher, with 7 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 26.3°C (79.3°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Pittsburgh in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Pittsburgh in May?
Expect around 22°C (71.6°F) in the afternoon and 11.6°C (52.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Pittsburgh in May?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 126 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Pittsburgh in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Pittsburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3). June is warmer.