Weather in Philadelphia

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Philadelphia. In this section, you will find fresh data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to help plan your time in the city.

The climate in Philadelphia is characterized as moderately continental, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy all the charms of every season, from snowy winter landscapes to hot summer days.

Summer in Philadelphia is typically warm and humid, with peak temperatures in July when the thermometer can rise above 30°C. Winters, by contrast, are cool, and sometimes cold, with average temperatures just above freezing and occasional snowfall, especially in January and February. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, ideal for walking and sightseeing.

Precipitation in Philadelphia is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season. The number of rainy days per month ranges from 8 to 15, meaning light rain is possible at any time of the year. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth bringing an umbrella or raincoat, regardless of the season.

The temperature regime in Philadelphia shows pronounced seasonal changes throughout the year. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 2.1°C in January to 26.0°C in July. The coldest month is typically January, when the average minimum temperature drops to -1.5°C, and the maximum rarely exceeds 5.7°C. In contrast, July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 26.0°C and daily highs reaching an average of 30.3°C, making it the peak of summer heat.

The summer months in Philadelphia, spanning from June to August, are characterized by warm, and often hot weather. In June, the average temperature is 22.8°C (minimum 17.9°C, maximum 27.6°C), gradually rising towards the July peak. In August, the average temperature decreases slightly to 24.7°C, but remains high (minimum 20.6°C, maximum 28.9°C). Even night temperatures at the height of summer remain quite high; for example, in July, the average minimum is 21.6°C. During the day, the air warms up significantly, creating a feeling of real summer heat.

Winter in Philadelphia, from December to February, brings cool and occasionally frosty weather. Average temperatures during these months range from 2.1°C in January to 4.1°C in December. At night, the thermometer often drops below freezing: the average minimum temperature in January is -1.5°C, in February -0.3°C, and in December 0.5°C. Daytime temperatures in winter usually stay just above freezing, reaching an average of 5.7°C in January and 8.1°C in February. Throughout the year, noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night are observed, averaging from 7°C to 10°C, which is especially perceptible in the spring and summer months.

Precipitation in Philadelphia is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year in terms of total monthly volume. According to statistical data, the amount of precipitation fluctuates slightly, amounting to 3-4 mm per month. This means the city does not have a pronounced rainy season or dry period in terms of the total moisture falling. However, the frequency of precipitation varies from month to month.

The highest number of days with precipitation is observed in mid-summer: in July there are on average about 15 days with precipitation, and in August – about 14 days. Spring months, such as May and June, are also characterized by fairly frequent precipitation, with approximately 12 rainy days in each. The lowest number of days with precipitation falls in November – on average only 8 days.

The character of precipitation in Philadelphia changes depending on the season. In the warm months, from late spring to early autumn, it is predominantly rain. In summer, especially in July and August, despite the highest number of days with precipitation, the precipitation itself is usually very light, often in the form of brief drizzle. With a total monthly volume of about 4 mm distributed over 14-15 days, intense downpours are unlikely, although thunderstorms are theoretically possible in hot weather. In winter, especially in January and February, when average temperatures are close to freezing or drop lower (average minimum in January -1.5°C, in February -0.3°C), precipitation often falls as snow. Snowfalls are also possible in December and, less frequently, in early March. In the transitional seasons – spring and autumn – rains of varying duration prevail, but within the framework of a small total monthly volume.

When planning a trip to Philadelphia, it is important to consider the variability of the weather and be prepared for different conditions throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering in clothing, as the temperature can change noticeably not only between seasons but also within a single day. Regardless of the time of your trip, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Philadelphia is conducive to long walks. Given that precipitation, although often not heavy, occurs regularly (from 8 to 15 days a month), a compact umbrella or light raincoat will become your faithful companions.

For the summer months (June-August), when warm and sometimes hot weather sets in in Philadelphia with an average temperature of about 23-26°C and maximums above 30°C, choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, and T-shirts. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In winter (December-February), the weather is cool, average temperatures hover around 2-4°C, and at night can drop below freezing, with snow possible. Therefore, your luggage should include a warm jacket or coat, sweaters, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and preferably waterproof shoes.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Philadelphia are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. In spring, the air warms up from an average of 7°C in March to 18°C in May, and in autumn, it gradually cools down from 21°C in September to 8-9°C in November. During these periods, the principle of layering is especially relevant: light jackets, cardigans, and jumpers that can be easily removed or put on depending on the weather. Jeans or comfortable trousers will also be a good choice. And, of course, do not forget an umbrella, as rainy days are also characteristic of the transitional seasons.