Spring (20 Mar – 21 June)
- Average temperature: 10°C to 27°C (approx. 51 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit)
- How to pack: Light jacket, long pants and rain boots
- What to eat: Fish Fry
.jpg)
Spring is a magical time to visit Pittsburgh as the city shrugs off its winter weather and spring showers while temperatures rise and its parks burst into bloom. Seasonal highlights include the North Shore’s magnificent cherry blossoms and the wildflowers atop Mount Washington, with more flowery fun on tap at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, in the Oakland district.
Assure clients that even on damper days rain doesn’t stop play as many of the city’s greatest attractions can be found indoors, such as its galleries and museums. Another great option is to follow the locals, or ‘Yinzers’, as they’re commonly known, to one of the major stadia to catch a Steelers (American football), Pirates (baseball) or Penguins (ice hockey) game. Sports are a massive deal in Pittsburgh and it’s home to some of the country’s best stadia, not least the Pirates’ stunning home, PNC Park.
.jpg)
Summer (22 Jun – 21 Sept)
- Average temperature: 17°C to 28°C (approx. 63 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
- How to pack: Shorts, T-shirt and flip flops
- What to eat: Ice cream
Summer in Pittsburgh is all about embracing the outdoors, from catching a live music show to maxing out the three rivers. Popular picks include stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking excursions; sightseeing or dinner boat tours, as offered by local operators such as Kayak Pittsburgh and Gateway Clipper; or simply hiking and biking the extensive riverfront trails.
Summer also marks peak festival season and the city sure likes a party. Just ask anyone who’s ever been to June’s Pride on the Shore, or August’s delightfully quirky Picklesburgh – a nod to the Pittsburgh-born Heinz food empire which enjoyed early success manufacturing pickles.
.jpg)
The city’s innumerable family attractions also come into their own on a hot summer day. Top picks include cooling off at Sandcastle Waterpark or spending a day riding the coasters at historic Kennywood theme park, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2022.
Top tip: Make sure clients don’t forget their sunglasses and sun cream – they’ll most definitely need it!
Autumn (22 Sept – 20 Dec)
- Average Temperature: 8°C to 17°C (approx. 46 – 62 degrees Fahrenheit)
- How to pack: Thick top/long sleeves, jeans and trainers
- What to eat: Pierogi – small Polish-style dumplings
.jpg)
As Autumn engulfs Pittsburgh, the city’s parks and the surrounding area run to reds, gold and copper. The ‘fall foliage’ provides a stunning backdrop to the cityscapes, making for epic photos and outdoor activities and more than offsetting the impact of the cooling temperatures.
Clients looking to make the most of the spectacle should hotfoot it to the city’s impressive green lungs such as Frick, Schenley and Highland Park. Better still, suggest clients head to the hills for a commanding, front row view, possibly riding one of the remaining historic funiculars, such as the Duquesne Incline. Alternatively, suggest a ‘leaf-peeping’ road trip or tour in an outstanding surrounding area such as Moraine State Park.
Fall festivals are another draw, from Three Rivers Beer Week to pre-Halloween events such as the Monster Pumpkins Festival. Plus, autumn is a fantastic time of year for sports fans, the first Monday in September marking the start of football season for the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers, six-time winners of the Superbowl.
.jpg)
Winter (Dec 21 – Mar 19)
- Avg. Temp: -5 °C to 4°C (approx. 23 – 39 degrees Fahrenheit)
- How to pack: Winter coat, boots, hats and scarves
- What to eat: Soup and hearty diner food
Pittsburgh enjoys snowfall each winter making the city looking extra magical, and it’s the perfect time to catch a Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey game. Better still, clients can strap on some skates and hit the ice themselves at UPMC Rink at PPG Place, near Market Square in Downtown.
Visitors should also consider following the locals to Pittsburgh’s parks for some sledging fun. Flagstaff Hill, Schenley Park and Blue Slide Park, Frick Park are among the top spots while Boyce Park is known for its snow tubing.
Festive lights are another highlight on a winter visit. The Wintergarden at PPG Place and the Carnegie Trees at the Carnegie Museum of Art are among the annual attractions, another being the holiday lights illuminations at nearby Kennywood theme park. Other family-friendly events helping to put the ho-ho-ho into the holidays include Elfburgh.
Send serious snow sports fans and skiers to establishments elsewhere in Pennsylvania state such as Seven Springs Mountain Resort, around a one-hour drive southeast of Pittsburgh, its myriad slopes and trails backed by a snow sports school and equipment rental centre.
