Among the biggest metro areas in the country, flush with internationally renowned historic sites, outstanding museums, vibrant and diverse dining and a passionate sports scene, Philadelphia offers its visitors plenty to do.
While there are things to see and do any time of the year in Philadelphia, some periods may be more suitable than others depending on your preferences regarding weather, crowd levels and pricing. Read on to figure out the best time to visit Philadelphia for your needs.
Philadelphia’s Seasons: General Overview
Philadelphia experiences a distinct four-season climate, which adds to its charm for those who appreciate a variety of weather and natural scenery throughout the year. Those captivated by the City of Brotherly Love will find it delightful to experience the city in all its seasonal variations, making trips throughout the year truly rewarding.
Technically speaking, Philadelphia enjoys something of a blend between a humid subtropical and humid continental climate. That speaks to its latitudinal position down along the southern edge of the northeastern United States as well as an inland location that’s nonetheless strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean (only about 60 miles to the east). Warm to hot summers, cold winters and ample precipitation that's pretty evenly distributed throughout the year are defining characteristics of Philadelphia’s climate.
Warm-to-hot temperatures and high humidity characterize Philadelphia summers. In an average summer, Philly sees close to 30 days of temperatures hitting or exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although 100-degree weather is rare.
On the other hand, Philadelphia winters can be quite impactful, though they tend to be milder compared to many other parts of the Northeast. While cold snaps can bring periods of frigid weather, daily winter highs often remain above freezing and mid-season thaws and warm spells are common. The city averages about 20.5 inches of snowfall annually, with Nor’easters frequently bringing some of the most significant snowstorms.
As in many parts of the Northeast, Philadelphia’s spring and fall are generally the sweet spots, weather-wise. Mild temperatures and sunshine make these months overall very comfortable.
Keep in mind that, while rare, hurricanes and other tropical systems do sometimes impact Philadelphia. The main season for landfalling tropical storms is June to November, though they’re not common.
Spring in Philadelphia
- Pros: Often pleasant weather; low to moderate crowds/rates; plenty of events
- Cons: Weather can still be chilly/dank
With winter fading in the rear-view mirror, residents and visitors to Philadelphia alike relish the burgeoning seasonal warmth and higher sun angle. March can still be on the cooler side, but generally temperatures are climbing to daily highs in the low 50s and nightly lows in the mid-30s. By April, afternoon temperatures are typically above 60 degrees. May can bring highs in the low to mid-70s and lows in the 50s.
The blooms of Philadelphia’s urban forests and gardens, especially the cherry trees in places like Fairmount Park, add a lot of beauty to the spring season. There are plenty of events at this time as well, from the Philadelphia Flower Show and Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Philadelphia Children’s Festival and South 9th Street Italian Market street fair.
Summer in Philadelphia
- Pros: Many events going on; attractions in peak visitor mode
- Cons: Can be hot and muggy; peak crowds and rates
June to early September marks the high tourism season for Philadelphia, given the combination of warm summer weather and prime vacation time. July is on average the hottest month in Philadelphia, with a mean temperature of around 85 degrees. Heat waves and high humidity can be unpleasant during summer, but much of the time the weather can be ideal for enjoying Philly greenspaces and taking advantage of all the outdoor dining, festivals and concerts.
If you do visit during a day that’s too hot to be comfortable, the city offers plenty of air-conditioned attractions to enjoy, such as museums and aquariums. Some of the best for this are the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Franklin Institute, the Penn Museum and the crowd-pleasing Adventure Aquarium.
Expect crowds at popular Philadelphia destinations such as the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, LOVE Park and the Reading Terminal Market. During this time, you can expect the highest yearly rates for airfare, accommodations and other travel expenses, often making it challenging to secure reservations at popular restaurants.
Philadelphia's summer events calendar is packed with activities. Highlights include the Roots Picnic, hosted by the local group The Roots, the Philly Pride Parade & Festival, the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July celebrations, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Additionally, the numerous outdoor concerts, including performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra in Fairmount Park, provide even more reasons to visit the City of Brotherly Love during the summer season.
Fall in Philadelphia
- Pros: Often great weather; lower crowds & rates; many events
- Cons: Return of chilly temps later in season
The fall, another "shoulder season" like spring, often brings excellent weather to the City of Brotherly Love and is definitely a great time to visit Philadelphia.
September can still be quite warm, but as the month progresses, the weather usually becomes more pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. As autumn continues, temperatures decrease, so visitors from late October into November should be prepared to dress in layers.
The summer crowds typically start to fade as school kicks back in, as you can usually enjoy more low crowds and rates at high-profile Philly attractions during the fall. There’s still plenty going on in terms of festivals and other events, from the Philly Fringe Festival and Head of the Schuylkill Regatta to the Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights.
Winter in Philadelphia
- Pros: Lower crowds & rates (outside holiday windows)
- Cons: Can be cold & snowy; some attractions may have limited hours
In terms of weather, winter typically brings the least favorable conditions to Philadelphia, with cold and occasionally very frigid temperatures, along with the possibility of blizzards and ice storms. However, it's important to note that Philadelphia winters also often feature many mild and sunny days, and some years experience minimal snowfall, as the amount can vary greatly.
Given the weather, crowds are thin and great deals commonplace. Expect a boost in visitation during the holiday season.
The holidays come merrily celebrated in Philadelphia and the season’s festivities—including the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Christmas market in Dilworth Park and the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront—are their own draws.
When to Visit Philadelphia: The Verdict
The top season for visiting Philadelphia depends on so many factors, including your own schedule limitations and vacation goals. If you want less crowds and to save money, consider fall or winter in particular. If you’re looking for the best weather, spring and fall both are your best bets. The best photo ops might come with iconic city landmarks and skyline vistas framed by springtime blooms or fall colors. Busy and pricey as it can be, summer nonetheless offers the fullest range of events and basically all leading attractions open.
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