Early winter · Weather & things to do
Mount Washington in December
Mount Washington cools off: highs slip to 38°F (4°C), from 50°F in November, with lows of 25°F (-4°C) and about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.1 in (79 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 38°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 25°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.1 in (79 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 80%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 08 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 08 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 61/100 in November to 39/100.
- Our Pittsburgh New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Mount Washington in December
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Strip District
Old wholesale produce district along Penn Avenue, now full of food shops, coffee roasters and markets.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best morning Dec 30.
Primanti Bros.
Original 1933 Strip District counter serving sandwiches with fries and coleslaw piled inside the bread.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Duquesne Incline
Cable car from 1877 that climbs Mount Washington in wooden cars, with an observation deck at the top.
Monongahela Incline
Oldest operating funicular in the US, from 1870, running down the hill to Station Square.
Nearby in December
- Cleveland in December~115 mi · highs 38°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- German Village in December~161 mi · highs 40°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Shenandoah in December~164 mi · highs 38°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Washington, DC in December~190 mi · highs 45°F, 3.7 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, wetter
These averages also cover Downtown & the Cultural District.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Mount Washington in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Mount Washington?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Mount Washington in December?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Mount Washington in December?
Some: about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 39.0 in (991 mm).
What should I pack for Mount Washington in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Mount Washington
Routes in season in December
- Pittsburgh New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Mount Washington in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.