Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Mount Washington in January
This is the coldest month in Mount Washington: highs average 34°F (1°C) and lows 19°F (-7°C), with about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 34°F (1°C)
- Avg low
- 19°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 34°F (1°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 19°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Only about 9 h 25 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (39 → 40/100).
- 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 — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 19°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Mount Washington in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Primanti Bros.
Original 1933 Strip District counter serving sandwiches with fries and coleslaw piled inside the bread.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best lunch Jan 1.
Duquesne Incline
Cable car from 1877 that climbs Mount Washington in wooden cars, with an observation deck at the top.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best late morning Jan 1.
Station Square
Old Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad station and freight buildings on the riverbank, now shops and restaurants.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best afternoon Jan 1.
Grandview Avenue overlooks
Row of overlook platforms along the ridge with a full view of downtown, the Point and the bridges.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best midday Jan 1.
Nearby in January
- Cleveland in January~115 mi · highs 32°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- German Village in January~161 mi · highs 35°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Shenandoah in January~164 mi · highs 34°F, 2.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Washington, DC in January~190 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Mount Washington?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 34°F (1°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Mount Washington in January?
Average highs are 34°F (1°C) and average lows 19°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Mount Washington in January?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 3rd-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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 19°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Mount Washington
Routes in season in January
- Pittsburgh New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Mount Washington in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.