Late spring · Weather & things to do
Mount Washington in May
Mount Washington warms up: highs climb to 71°F (22°C), from 61°F in April, with lows of 49°F (10°C) and about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 71°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 49°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (94 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is one of Mount Washington's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 71°F, up from 61°F in April.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (May – July), which brings about 11.4 in (290 mm) in total.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and September & October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 77/100.
- 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Mount Washington in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Monongahela Incline
Oldest operating funicular in the US, from 1870, running down the hill to Station Square.
Why now May scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Strip District
Old wholesale produce district along Penn Avenue, now full of food shops, coffee roasters and markets.
Station Square
Old Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad station and freight buildings on the riverbank, now shops and restaurants.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Grandview Avenue overlooks
Row of overlook platforms along the ridge with a full view of downtown, the Point and the bridges.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Cleveland in May~115 mi · highs 63°F, 3.8 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- German Village in May~161 mi · highs 73°F, 4.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Shenandoah in May~164 mi · highs 68°F, 4.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Washington, DC in May~190 mi · highs 74°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (3°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Mount Washington?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
How hot is Mount Washington in May?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Mount Washington in May?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 39.0 in (991 mm).
What should I pack for Mount Washington in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Mount Washington
Planning Mount Washington in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.