Does it Snow in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania? The answer is YES. Pittsburgh does experience snow during the winter period that runs from the month of December to March.
Pittsburgh, commonly known as the “City of Bridges,” is an urban center in southwest Pennsylvania that sits at the intersection of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
The city has a total size of 151.11 square kilometers, ranking it as the 68th largest in the United States.
Pittsburgh is also Pennsylvania’s second-most populated city, with an approximate population of 302,971.
Does it, however, snow in Pittsburgh?
In this article, I will further answer in detail the question “does it snow in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania?”
Let’s get started.
Does it Snow in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania?
As stated earlier, the answer is YES.
In Pittsburgh, most days of snowfall result in only a flurry of less than an inch remaining on the ground.
Usually, at least an inch of new snow falls every 15 days of the year.
Snowfalls of more than five inches per day occur roughly once a year on average.
From late November through April, they can appear at any time.
Climate of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has four distinct seasons and a hot-summer humid continental climate.
The city’s summers are long, hot, and humid, while the winters are short, cold, and snowy.
From the end of May to mid September, the warm season lasts over three and half months, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 74°F.
July is the hottest month in Pittsburgh, with a mean high temperature of 83°F and an average low of 66°F.
The cold season runs from the beginning of December to the first week of March, with an average daily high temperature of less than 46°F.
January is the coldest month in Pittsburgh, with a mean low of 24°F and high of 37°F.
The snowy season runs for four months from the end of November to the end of March, with a typical 31-day snowfall of at least 1 inch.
February is the snowiest month in Pittsburgh, with an average snowfall of 16.1 inches.
The snowless season runs for 8 months, from the end of March to the end of November.
When Does it Snow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
Pittsburg’s snowfall is not limited to the winter period.
From October through April, the city gets covered in snow for seven months in some years but typically the snow period runs from the end of November to the end of March.
After 47.7 snowfall days, Pittsburgh averages a yearly snow accumulation of 11.77 inches (299 mm).
October and November
Although October and November fall within the autumn period, they still experience some snow.
The city has pleasant weather, with highs of 62.2 degrees Fahrenheit (16.8 degrees Celsius) in October and lows of 34.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 degrees Celsius) in November.
October is the city’s first snowfall month in some years, with a snow total of 0.16 inches (4 mm) after 0.2 snowfall days.
It snows in the city for 3.5 days in November, and the snow accumulates to a depth of 0.79 inches (20 mm).
December
In Pittsburgh, December marks the beginning of the cold winter season.
It is also the city’s first month with temperatures below zero.
December temperatures in Pittsburgh range from 39.4 degrees Fahrenheit (4.1 degrees Celsius) to 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius).
In December, Pittsburgh gets an average of 6.9 inches of snow, which accumulates to a depth of 2.01 inches (51 mm).
January
In Pittsburgh, January is another cold winter month.
Temperatures in the city are at an all-time low, ranging from 33.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) to 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.1 degrees Celsius).
In January, the city also experiences a considerable amount of snow, with accumulations of approximately 15.8 inches of snow after 14.4 snowfall days.
February
In Pittsburgh, February is traditionally the last month of winter.
As the winter season comes to an end, the city’s temperatures begin to rise. Temperatures in Pittsburgh range from 37.6 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1 degrees Celsius) to 23.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-4.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on average in February.
In February, it snows an average of 10.8 days and with the city receiving approximately 16.1 inches of snow.
February is the snowiest month in the city.
March and April
In Pittsburgh, the months of March and April also experience some snowfall.
In March, temperatures range from 47.8 degrees Fahrenheit (8.8 degrees Celsius) to 31.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.3 degrees Celsius).
Temperatures in April are substantially warmer, with highs of 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16.1 degrees Celsius) and lows of 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit (5.3 degrees Celsius).
Snow falls for 7.1 days in March, accumulating to a depth of 2.52 inches (64 mm).
In Pittsburgh, April is the last month that usually snows, and the city records a snow accumulation of 0.16 inches (4 mm) after 1.4 snowfall days.
Where Does it Snow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
Having answered the question “does it snow in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania?” Let’s look at places where it snows in the city.
During the snow season, snowfall is recorded in all regions of Pittsburgh, however some places receive more snowfall than others.
What are Winters Like in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
If you want to go on a winter wonderland holiday without having to face freezing conditions, look no further than Pittsburgh.
Winters in Pittsburgh are cold, snowy and often cloudy.
This Western Pennsylvania neighborhood is blanketed with snow in the winter, and you can drink a hot cup of cider comfortably, but temperatures don’t drop as significantly as in some Midwest cities like Chicago or Minneapolis.
Daily highs hover around 42°F, rarely dropping below 22°F or reaching 62°F. On January 31, the lowest daily average high temperature is 37°F.
Low temperatures on a daily basis decline by 4°F, from 33°F to 29°F, rarely falling below 7°F or reaching 46°F.
You may experience the best that Steel City has to offer all season long if you prepare and pack appropriately.
Furthermore, it is the low season for tourism, as most visitors are attempting to escape to warmer climates.
Ski Resorts in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has no natural or man-made ski resorts within its metropolitan area.
Winter sports fans in the city, on the other hand, can hit the slopes of the adjacent Allegheny Mountains.
Among the notable ski resorts around Pittsburgh are:
Hidden Valley Resort
Hidden Valley Resort is roughly an hour’s drive south of downtown Pittsburgh in Laurel Highlands.
The resort features 110 acres of skiable terrain and 26 trails for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
It also features two terrain parks and a snow tubing area, making it ideal for families.
From early December to late March, Hidden Valley Resort is normally open.
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort is perched on top of Blue Knob, Pennsylvania’s highest skiable mountain, and is perfect for advanced and elite skiers looking for tough terrain.
However, the resort is not only for advanced skiers; it also features a distinct section for novice and intermediate skiers.
Blue Knob has 100 acres of skiable terrain and five lifts.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?”
Does it Snow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? The answer is definitely YES.
So, if you were wondering or had doubts about experiencing the white spectacle in this great city, then you have every reason not to get worried.
The snow period runs from the end of November to the end of March but in some years, it can commence early (October) and end late (April).
For winter sports lovers, there are ski resorts a few hours’ drive away from the city that you can explore and have fun.