Climate and monthly weather forecast
Philadelphia, PA

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The George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The climate of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, nestled in the state of Pennsylvania, USA, experiences a predominantly Humid Subtropical Climate according to Köppen climate classification. This weather type, labeled as Cfa, is characterized by a lack of a dry season and is known to yield varying and at times, extremes in temperature.

Taking a comprehensive sweep of the entire year, the highest temperature typically reaches 86.4°F (30.2°C) during July, while January observes the lowest average temperature at 25.5°F (-3.6°C). The mercury flutters between these extremes showing a steady rise and fall, reflecting a significant variation in temperature throughout the year.

Relative humidity ranges from 71% in the hotter months to a peak of 77% in October. The region sees a regular distribution of rainfall throughout the year, with August experiencing the highest precipitation at 1.65" (42mm). The most number of rainy days occur during May and July with an average of 14.4 and 14.8 days respectively.

The weather phenomenon of snowfall presents itself from November to March, however, it is sparing in its presence. The maximum snowfall is reported in February with 0.98" (25mm).

The best time to visit Philadelphia

Numerous factors make May through July the most appealing months to visit Philadelphia. The temperature hovers from 61.7°F (16.5°C) to 86.4°F (30.2°C), providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Simultaneously, the city expresses its vivid side with extensive daylight hours ranging from 13.3 hours to maximum 15 hours in June. However, these months have the highest number of rainy days, but the showers generally being intermittent, offer a unique charm to the cityscape.

The worst time to visit Philadelphia

November through February can be quite cold in Philadelphia with the temperature dipping from 52.7°F (11.5°C) to 25.5°F (-3.6°C). The colder weather, combined with lower sunshine duration of 5.6 to 5 hours daily, creates conditions that may not be ideal for all travelers. In these months, light snowfall can be expected, adding a frosty charm yet, it increases the chill factor of the weather.

Spring weather in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, Spring kicks off in March and lasts through May. The season sees a gradual uptick in temperature from 49.8°F (9.9°C) to 72°F (22.2°C). These months have high levels of relative humidity ranging from 72% to 75% and a decent amount of rainfall. The moderate temperatures partnered with an average of 1.18" (30mm) to 1.06" (27mm) of rainfall make the spring both lovely and pleasant.

Summer weather in Philadelphia

Summer in Philadelphia begins in June and lasts through August. The city experiences maximum temperatures during this period with July having the highest, averaging to 86.4°F (30.2°C). The humidity stays between 72% and 74% while rainfall peaks at 1.65" (42mm) in August. A high UV index of 6 is noted during the summer, making protection from the sun crucial during daytime activities.

Autumn weather in Philadelphia

Autumn in Philadelphia lasts from September through November. The temperatures gradually decline from 76.6°F (24.8°C) to 52.7°F (11.5°C). The months of September and November show a relative humidity of 75% and 73%, respectively with average rainfall levels. Despite lesser daylight hours ranging from 12.4 to 10 hours, the fall foliage that blankets the city creates a mesmerizing effect during the season.

Winter weather in Philadelphia

The winter months from December through February observe the lowest average temperatures, plummeting to 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in January. The precipitation mainly falls as snow during this season, with February seeing the highest level at 0.98" (25mm). Despite being the coldest, the winter has its unique charm with the snow blanketed cityscape, which is an enchanting sight to behold.

Weather in January

In the heart of winter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experiences cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average high hovers around 37.4°F (3°C) with lows typically reaching 25.5°F (-3.6°C). A precipitation level of 0.83" (21mm) ushers in nearly half of the month under a cloud cover. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As winter steadily transitions into spring, the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania experiences a slight rise in temperatures compared to January, though weather remains on the chillier side. There is a notable increase in snowfall, accumulating to 0.98" (25mm). Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the advent of spring in March, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania begins to notice a release from winter's grasp. The temperature fluctuates between 49.8°F (9.9°C) and 35.1°F (1.7°C), warmer than the bleaker February. Snowfall seems a rare occurrence, decreasing to 0.55" (14mm) as compared to the preceding month. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a tangible touch of spring to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with weather conditions growing significantly warmer and pleasant. Compared to March, the rise in temperature becomes more apparent, reaching pleasantly high averages. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Throughout May, the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania embraces the full swing of spring. Weather conditions are markedly better compared to the preceding months, with temperature highs soaring to around 72°F (22.2°C). The shift from spring to the threshold of summer is marked with the highest amount of rainfall of the year, at approximately 1.3" (33mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the start of the summer season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With temperatures soaring even higher, the gradual increase in warmth is easily notable. Showers become slightly more frequent than in May, accumulating to an average rainfall of 1.46" (37mm). Weather in June »

Weather in July

The heat of the mid-summer month of July is in full effect in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with temperatures reaching their highest for the year, soaring to an average of 86.4°F (30.2°C). Compared to June, July also sees a small increase in rainfall, measuring at 1.54" (39mm). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August weather continues on the warm trend of July in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showing a slight decrease in temperature. Rainfall is at its highest for the year, registering at 1.65" (42mm). Those fond of sunny weather enjoy mostly clear, bright days with slightly fewer hours of daylight than July. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As Philadelphia, Pennsylvania transitions into fall in September, a discernible change in weather occurs. With temperatures reducing significantly from the summer's sweltering heat, September embodies a welcome respite. Compared to August, September experiences a sharp decrease in rainfall to 0.87" (22mm), offering drier days ahead. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October presents Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with true fall weather, featuring mild days and cool evenings. Although temperatures continue their decline from September, the shift remains moderate and enjoyable. October sees very little fluctuation in rainfall from the preceding month, maintaining at about 0.91" (23mm). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in the late fall season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bringing further cooling temperatures. This month's significant temperature drop from October is complemented by slight snowfall, measuring at 0.08" (2mm). Weather in November »

Weather in December

Concluding the calendar year, December in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sees the return of the winter season. The city witnesses a slight upsurge in snowfall to about 0.2" (5mm). Compared to November, December records an increase in rainfall at approximately 1.18" (30mm). Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

In Philadelphia, January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 37.4°F (3°C) at the peak and 25.5°F (-3.6°C) at the lowest.

What is the driest month?

January and February are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 7.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.83" (21mm) of rain.

How much does it rain in Philadelphia?

Throughout the year, there are 127.8 rainfall days, and 13.82" (351mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall in Philadelphia.

How many days does it snow?

In Philadelphia, during the entire year, snow falls for 11.4 days and aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

When does it snow the most?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 3.3 days and accumulates 0.98" (25mm) of snow.

What month is the ocean coldest?

The month with the coldest seawater is February, with an average ocean temperature of 39.9°F (4.4°C).

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 4.8h of sunshine, February has the least sunshine of the year.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the least humid month?

April and August, with an average relative humidity of 71%, are the least humid months.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

When it does not snow in Philadelphia?

June through October are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 0min of daylight.

What time of the year is the hottest?

July, with its high-temperature average of 86.4°F (30.2°C) and a low-temperature average of 69.3°F (20.7°C), is the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.

What is the wettest month?

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

When is the ocean warmest in Philadelphia?

The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average ocean temperature of 75.9°F (24.4°C).

What is the most humid month?

October is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Philadelphia, PA

Average temperature - Philadelphia, PA

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.5°F).

Average pressure
Philadelphia, PA

Average pressure - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed
Philadelphia, PA

Average wind speed - Philadelphia, PA

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.6mph).

Average humidity
Philadelphia, PA

Average humidity - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the highest relative humidity is October (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and August (71%).

Average rainfall
Philadelphia, PA

Average rainfall - Philadelphia, PA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.65").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.83").

Average rainfall days
Philadelphia, PA

Average rainfall days - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (14.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.2 days).

Average snowfall
Philadelphia, PA

Average snowfall - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.98").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Philadelphia, PA

Average snowfall days - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Philadelphia, PA

Average sea temperature - Philadelphia, PA

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (39.9°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Philadelphia, PA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Philadelphia, PA

Average sunshine days - Philadelphia, PA

The month with the most sunshine days is December (20.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (13.3 days).

Average UV index
Philadelphia, PA

Average UV index - Philadelphia, PA

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Philadelphia, PA

Average visibility - Philadelphia, PA

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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