What October feels like in Pittsburgh
Mid-autumn arrives in Pittsburgh with October. Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Pittsburgh in October
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 8.7 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.3 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in October
In mid-October, sunrise is at about 7:29 am and sunset at about 6:42 pm (local time) — 11 h 12 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 19 min less daylight than mid-September. The sun is out for roughly 65% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How October compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, October comes out as the 6th warmest month in Pittsburgh. Afternoons run 6.8°C (12.2°F) cooler than in September, with 8 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into November. November averages a high of 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Pittsburgh in October
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Pittsburgh in October?
Expect around 17.7°C (63.9°F) in the afternoon and 8.7°C (47.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Pittsburgh in October?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 104 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Pittsburgh in October?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is October or November better for visiting Pittsburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#5 of 12 vs #8). November is cooler and has fewer rainy days.