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What to wear in Pittsburgh?

Comfortable Clothes for Each Month & the Fashion Style in Pittsburgh.

see 5 Day Clothes Forecast: Pittsburgh

Clothes for the Seasons & each Month

We provide an overview of seasonal clothes and information on appropriate clothes for each month (Monthly Recommended Clothes).

Seasonal Overview

What's the Weather Like?
Pittsburgh's warm season is from end of May to mid-September with an average temperature of 74°F. The hottest time of the year is in July. The cold season is from early December to early March with an average temperature of 35°F. The city's coldest day is in January with an average temperature between 22°F and 37°F. Rainfall averages 38-inches annually.

Summer (June-August)
In the summer, light and breathable clothing are essential due to the warm temperatures. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. Don't forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for protection against the sun.

Fall (September-November)
As temperatures start to drop, layering becomes key. Bring a mix of sweaters, jackets, and jeans for versatility. Comfortable walking shoes are still a must, especially for navigating the picturesque fall foliage in parks like Schenley and Frick.

Winter (December-February)
Pittsburgh winters demand warm clothing. A heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and insulated boots are crucial. Layering with thermal wear provides added warmth. Be prepared for occasional snowfall, and consider waterproof outer layers for protection.

Spring (March-May)
Spring is a transitional season, requiring a mix of light and warmer clothing. A waterproof jacket for potential rain showers, along with layers that can be added or removed, is advisable. Comfortable footwear remains essential for strolling through blossoming gardens.

Monthly Recommended Clothes

The following are the recommended clothes for daytime and nighttime based on the average high/low temperatures for each month.

Jan - Mar
Apr - Jun
Jul - Sep
Oct - Dec

Recommended Clothes in Pittsburgh

month	Clothes
Jan	Daytime: A down jacket, gloves, warm hat and so on. Nighttime: Clothes are the same as daytime, but very cold outside.
Feb	Daytime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on. Nighttime: A down jacket, gloves or mittens, warm hat and so on. Very cold outside.
Mar	Daytime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary. Nighttime: A coat or down jacket, gloves or mittens, warm hat and so on.
Apr	Daytime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat). Nighttime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary.
May	Daytime: A long-sleeved shirt, light jacket or sweater, but sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good. Nighttime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat).
Jun	Daytime: A T-shirt, tank top or short-sleeved shirt. Nighttime: A long-sleeved shirt, and a light jacket or sweater.
Jul	Daytime: A T-shirt or tank top, and shorts or jeans. Nighttime: A long-sleeved shirt, light jacket or sweater, but sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good.
Aug	Daytime: A T-shirt or tank top, and shorts or jeans. Nighttime: A long-sleeved shirt, light jacket or sweater, but sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good.
Sep	Daytime: A T-shirt, tank top or short-sleeved shirt. Nighttime: A light jacket, sweater, or light winter clothes (jacket or coat).
Oct	Daytime: Sometimes a short-sleeved shirt is good, but sometimes light winter clothes are necessary. Nighttime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary.
Nov	Daytime: A jacket or coat. Gloves and warm hat may be necessary. Nighttime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on.
Dec	Daytime: A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on. Nighttime: A down jacket, gloves or mittens, warm hat and so on. Very cold outside.

Average temperature

Low : Average low temperature, High : Average high temperature

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More Information

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh is located in western Pennsylvania. The city is dubbed "Steel City" and "Blitzburgh" and offers over 20 miles of river-front paths, lovely parks, and historical attractions. With stunning landmarks like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical-Gardens and the Carnegie Museum of Natural-History, there are an abundance of attractions to enjoy including the modernistic Andy Warhol Museum. Domicile to 90 districts, Pittsburgh is one of those genuine modest places that people love to visit and residents enjoy bragging about. Situated between the Allegheny Rivers and Monongahela, the city has it's own distinctive character, which makes it a fun place to live and visit. With copious amounts of greenery and interesting cultural sites, Pittsburgh has managed to create a tenacious community with a sense of belonging and pride.

Pittsburgh Weather

There are four distinct seasons in Pittsburgh and the weather can be intense. Summers are blistery and humid while winters are frigid and snow-covered. Spring and fall are erratic with cold in the mornings including hints of frost and warm and humid in the afternoons. As you can see, you will need a wardrobe that is versatile and ready at a moment's notice. For example, your fall clothing will be required during the spring season as well. A light top will be fine during the day; however, once evening arrives you will probably need a light fall weather jacket or sweater.

January and February are great for outdoor winter sports like skiing. If you enjoy strolling along the walkways then spring is for you. A visit to landmarks or enjoying water sports is best done in the summer. Watching a sports team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or a festival is best in autumn. It rains year round with the most rainfall around mid-June. So make sure you have a decent raincoat and waterproof shoes or footwear that dries quickly.

Fortunately, Pittsburgh experiences approximately 160 days of sunshine per year and is snow free for roughly eight months out of the year. Nonetheless, don't be surprised to come across freezing temperatures and snow storms in early April!

What to Wear in Pittsburgh

First the bad news. Pittsburgh is labeled as the third "worst dressed city" in the United States. The distinguishing title seems to stem from a tendency for the populace to "under-dress". Some have even titled the city's dress code as "Meth Lab Formal" or "Game Day Casual". Loosely tied sneakers (usually Converse), shabby jeans, white tube-socks, extremely large sports jerseys, backwards baseball caps, and that's just the men! Still, that doesn't mean you have to follow-the-crowd. If you prefer not to be stylish, you can at least be practical.

Here's what to wear:

Layers work best. In fact, check the forecast on a daily basis and download a weather app on your smartphone. At any rate, keep jeans or long pants, khakis, shorts, long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts nearby. T-shirts, nice button-down shirts, sweaters, sweat shirts, even leggings and big tops work.
During chillier weather a semi-heavy coat or jacket made from wool, denim, or any other fabric will help to keep you warm. During the much colder months a nylon jacket to resist the wind or down coat will do the job. Gloves and hat are advised. A coat with a removable lining will work perfectly in the fall.
Both men and women will do well to keep a variety of shoes on hand. A pair for rainfall, another pair for cold weather and snow, and open toed shoes for spring and summer. Of course, casual shoes like sneakers are always appropriate any time of year.
For casual attire a lightweight sweater, coat, or jacket, t-shirt with jean jacket, dresses with opaque tights, corduroy slacks for men, hat, scarf, will work fine during colder temperatures. Remember, the cold can get chilly during the fall. Rain boots and a foldable umbrella will also be needed.
Layering is advised throughout the year. Because the city is so casual, you can layer just about anything. A hoodie with a t-shirt, dress with a jean jacket, scarf with a lightweight sweater, whatever you desire regardless of the season.

Evening Tip

Evening attire can be tricky during the colder season. A dressy pair of slacks with a silk shirt or dress with stockings and wool coat is fashionable. Men should wear a nice jacket with a button-down shirt.

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