Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Pittsburgh experiences a dynamic winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), plunging to a minimum of -16°C (4°F). The month brings 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to the city's chilly and often damp atmosphere, with humidity levels reaching a noteworthy 86%. These conditions create a picturesque yet brisk backdrop for the vibrant holiday season, making Pittsburgh both a winter wonderland and a test of resilience for its residents.
In December, Pittsburgh begins to embrace the chill of winter, with temperatures typically ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F). The average temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), indicating a noticeable drop as the city transitions from the milder conditions of fall. This month marks a shift from the higher averages seen in November, reflecting a clear trend of cooling as the region prepares for deeper winter months. While frosty mornings are commonplace, residents can still expect occasional milder afternoons, creating a dynamic climate that captures the essence of the season.
In December, Pittsburgh experiences an average precipitation of 102 mm (4.0 in), which falls over approximately 12 days of the month. This marks a slight decrease in rainfall compared to the wetter months earlier in the year, such as May and June, where precipitation peaked at 150 mm (5.9 in) and 155 mm (6.1 in), respectively. However, December still holds a respectable average, contributing to the city's overall annual moisture. Following November's 94 mm (3.7 in), the winter season begins to take hold, emphasizing a transition from the earlier, more saturated months. This consistent precipitation pattern maintains the region's lush greenery even as temperatures drop, showcasing Pittsburgh's unique climate dynamics.
In Pittsburgh, December brings a noticeable chill, with humidity levels settling at 86%. This marks a slight decline from the preceding month's 89%, continuing the trend of increased humidity during the winter months. January and February typically see humidity peaking at 88%, suggesting that December serves as a transitional period as the city braces for deeper winter. Interestingly, earlier months show a gradual drop, peaking in November before the colder temperatures set in. Overall, the humid atmosphere of Pittsburgh remains relatively high during this season, creating a cozy, albeit damp, backdrop to the city's winter landscape.
As winter descends upon Pittsburgh, the December UV Index drops to a moderate 2, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time stretching to 45 minutes. This decline follows a trend where the UV index peaks during the summer months at a very high 10, then gradually tapers off as the year concludes. The colder months, especially January and February, showcase a shift to moderate levels, but by December, the sunlight becomes gentler, allowing for longer safe exposure times. Nonetheless, those venturing out should still keep the sun's rays in mind. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, check out Pittsburgh UV Index.
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December in Pittsburgh, while often characterized by the chill of winter, still manages to bring a glimmer of light with 137 hours of sunshine. As the year draws to a close, the city experiences a noticeable decline in sunshine compared to the sunnier summer months, which peak with over 300 hours in June and July. The trend is evident as the days shorten and temperatures drop, leading to a gradual decrease from a high of 267 hours in May to December's figures. Despite this reduction, December's sunshine offers a bright contrast to the usually overcast skies, providing a gentle reminder of the sun's presence amid the seasonal frost. As Pittsburghers gear up for a cozy winter, these fleeting rays of sunshine become cherished moments, turning even the coldest days into opportunities for warmth and reflection.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Pittsburgh, it's evident that the month holds a modest 26% chance of sunshine, reflecting a general trend of fluctuating sunshine hours as the year progresses. Comparatively, December's percentages are lower than the spring months, where March boasts a striking 46% chance of sun, and April follows closely at 38%. Interestingly, December's forecast also dips below the later fall months, such as November, which sits at 37%. This trend underscores a gradual decrease in sunny days as the winter takes hold, suggesting that while Pittsburghers may look forward to the festive season, they might have to prepare for a fair share of gray skies and chilly breezes.
In Pittsburgh, daylight duration experiences a clear seasonal rhythm, reflecting the changing tapestry of the year. December heralds the arrival of winter with only 9 hours of daylight, mirroring November’s scant light and marking the shortest days of the year. As the months progress from this low point, daylight gradually increases, reaching a peak of 15 hours in June during the summer solstice. This gentle ascent continues until the sun begins to retreat again in late summer, leading to a gradual descent that brings shorter days back in November. Through this cycle, the city experiences the contrast between the cozy darkness of winter months and the vibrant daylight of summer, with each season offering its unique charm and atmosphere.
As the year draws to a close, December in Pittsburgh introduces a refreshing breeze with an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), a slight increase from the preceding month. This uptick reflects a seasonal trend where winds tend to pick up again after a particularly calm summer, with July and August experiencing the lowest speeds at 2.3 m/s (5 mph) and 2.0 m/s (4 mph), respectively. November, with its winds beginning to stir at 3.1 m/s (7 mph), sets the stage for December's crisp air, a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Overall, the transition from the gentler winds of late spring and summer to the more spirited gusts of the colder months creates an invigorating atmosphere, perfect for embracing the charm of Pittsburgh’s winter landscape.
The weather in Pittsburgh changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Pittsburgh and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparison to December, January experiences a pronounced drop in minimum temperatures, plunging to an average low of -22°C (-8°F), whereas December's minimum is -16°C (4°F). Despite January's slightly higher maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F), the overall average temperature remains lower at -1°C (31°F) than December’s average of 2°C (36°F). Both months see similar levels of precipitation, with December recording 102 mm (4.0 in) and January slightly less at 95 mm (3.7 in), each with precipitation occurring on about 12 days. Additionally, January exhibits a marginally higher humidity level at 88% compared to December's 86%. For more details on weather patterns during this time, check out Pittsburgh weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Pittsburgh typically range from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of around 2°C (36°F). The month experiences about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, and humidity stays relatively high at 86%. In contrast, February tends to be slightly colder, with minimum temperatures falling to -20°C (-3°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (77°F), while the average remains just below freezing at 1°C (35°F). February also sees increased precipitation of 125 mm (4.9 in) over 15 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity level of 88%. For more insights on February weather patterns, visit Pittsburgh weather in February.
In December, the weather in Pittsburgh tends to be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging around 2°C (36°F). This month typically experiences precipitation on 12 days, totaling about 102 mm (4.0 in), and the humidity is relatively high at 86%.
Conversely, March sees a slight warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F) and an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 109 mm (4.3 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains similar at 87%. For more detailed information about the weather in March, you can visit this link: Pittsburgh weather in March.
December and April present quite contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -16°C (4°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (65°F). The month experiences approximately 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over about 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In contrast, April offers a much milder climate with minimum temperatures around -5°C (24°F), averaging 11°C (52°F) and peaking at 29°C (84°F). While April sees a slightly higher precipitation level of 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 16 days, the humidity remains quite similar at 87%. For a deeper look at Pittsburgh's weather in April, visit Pittsburgh weather in April.
December and May showcase strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature around 2°C (36°F). The month sees about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days and a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, May experiences much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around -2°C (29°F) and maximum highs reaching 31°C (89°F). The average temperature for May is a comfortable 17°C (63°F), and it receives a higher total precipitation of 150 mm (5.9 in) across 17 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 81%. For a closer look at the specifics of May weather in Pittsburgh, check out this link: Pittsburgh weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature hovering around 2°C (36°F). The month sees about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, along with relatively high humidity at 86%. In contrast, June brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and peaking at 33°C (92°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Precipitation increases to 155 mm (6.1 in) over 16 days, but humidity drops slightly to 83%. For a detailed look at June weather, you can check out Pittsburgh weather in June.
December and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -16°C (4°F), with an average around 2°C (36°F) and highs reaching 18°C (65°F). The month is characterized by significant humidity at 86% and moderately frequent precipitation, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over about 12 days. Conversely, July showcases much warmer temperatures, with lows around 12°C (53°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and peaks that can soar to 35°C (96°F). Although July has a slightly higher precipitation level of 154 mm (6.1 in) spread over 15 days, it maintains a lower humidity of 82%. For a detailed overview of July's climate, check out Pittsburgh weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, it's evident that the two months present vastly different climates. December experiences much colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature of just 2°C (36°F). In contrast, August boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a scorching maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). Additionally, December tends to be more humid, with humidity levels at 86%, compared to August's lower humidity of 76%. Precipitation is also noteworthy; December has 102 mm (4.0 in) over 12 days, while August sees slightly less at 89 mm (3.5 in) across 16 days. For more details on the weather during this summer month, check out Pittsburgh weather in August.
December and September present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -16°C (4°F), with an average of around 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching up to 18°C (65°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 86% and frequent precipitation over 12 days, amounting to 102 mm (4.0 in). In stark contrast, September boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (40°F) and an average high of 34°C (93°F). Although it experiences slightly more precipitation at 128 mm (5.0 in) over 10 days, the humidity is lower at 77%. This makes September feel much warmer and more temperate compared to the cold, damp conditions of December. For more details on September's weather, check out Pittsburgh weather in September.
December's weather is marked by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while October enjoys milder conditions with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). Both months experience considerable precipitation, though October slightly surpasses December with 128 mm (5.0 in) compared to 102 mm (4.0 in), and October has a slightly higher humidity level at 82% versus December's 86%. For a detailed overview of October’s weather, visit Pittsburgh weather in October.
December's weather shows a colder trend compared to November, with average temperatures dropping from 5°C (42°F) in November to 2°C (36°F) in December. The minimum temperatures also reflect this chill, with December dipping to -16°C (4°F) compared to November's -13°C (9°F). While both months experience similar levels of precipitation—102 mm (4.0 in) in December and 94 mm (3.7 in) in November—December sees precipitation over 12 days, indicating a slightly wetter environment. Humidity levels are also high, remaining close in both months, with December at 86% and November at 89%. Those interested in more detailed information can explore Pittsburgh weather in November.
December in Pittsburgh marks a distinct transition from the milder autumn months, bringing colder temperatures and an increase in precipitation. With an average temperature settling around 2°C (36°F), this month definitely sets the stage for winter, contrasting sharply with the warmer fall days. The city experiences about 12 days of precipitation, significantly contributing to the overall feel of dampness, as humidity soars to 86%. Snow may blanket the landscape, making December not just colder, but also beautifully festive. For those planning to visit or reside in Pittsburgh, it's essential to be prepared for this chilly transformation and embrace the unique charm of the season. For more insights, check out Pittsburgh Climate.