🇺🇸 Pittsburgh vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
Pittsburgh
47°F
Overcast Clouds
Feels like 40°F
H 49°F / L 45°F
Humidity: 71%
🇺🇸
Chicago
43°F
Broken Clouds
Feels like 38°F
H 45°F / L 41°F
Humidity: 60%
Climate Overview
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh at the confluence of three rivers has a full humid continental climate shaped dramatically by its river valley topography. The city's steep hills and three rivers (Ohio, Monongahela, Allegheny) create dozens of distinct microclimates between hilltop neighborhoods and valley bottoms. Fog and overcast skies are common and the city historically had severe air pollution (now dramatically improved).
Chicago
Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms
Chicago lives up to its Windy City nickname. Lake Michigan creates its own microclimate — cooler summers and heavier lake-effect snow in winter. Summers are warm but brief; winters are among the harshest of any major American city.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 Pittsburgh | 🇺🇸 Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | 35–65°F March–May |
| Summer | — | 70–84°F June–August |
| Fall | — | 45–68°F September–November |
| Winter | — | 17–32°F December–February |
Pittsburgh vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pittsburgh or Chicago have better weather?
Pittsburgh and Chicago have very different climates. Pittsburgh at the confluence of three rivers has a full humid continental climate shaped dramaticall Chicago: Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit Pittsburgh vs Chicago?
Best time for Pittsburgh: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.