Philadelphia, PA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Philadelphia
Weather in Philadelphia is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 88°F (31°C), while January highs hover near 42°F (5°C). Annual precipitation averages 48.5 inches (1233 mm) over about 129 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 42°F (5°C)
- Record high: 99°F (37°C) · Record low: -7°F (-22°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.6 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 9 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 70°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 42°F (5°C) and lows around 27°F (-3°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 99°F (37°C) and dropped as low as -7°F (-22°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain over 14 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 9 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42° | 27° | 10 | 3.6 in | 6.0 h/day | 66% |
| February | 46° | 28° | 10 | 3.5 in | 6.9 h/day | 66% |
| March | 53° | 34° | 10 | 4.3 in | 7.9 h/day | 63% |
| April | 63° | 44° | 11 | 4.2 in | 8.9 h/day | 64% |
| May | 73° | 54° | 12 | 4.2 in | 9.7 h/day | 68% |
| June | 82° | 64° | 12 | 4.2 in | 11.2 h/day | 67% |
| July | 88° | 70° | 14 | 4.7 in | 11.6 h/day | 70% |
| August | 85° | 69° | 12 | 4.5 in | 10.7 h/day | 71% |
| September | 79° | 62° | 10 | 4.1 in | 9.0 h/day | 71% |
| October | 68° | 51° | 9 | 3.8 in | 7.9 h/day | 71% |
| November | 56° | 39° | 8 | 3.0 in | 7.4 h/day | 68% |
| December | 47° | 33° | 10 | 4.3 in | 5.8 h/day | 71% |
Philadelphia month by month
Philadelphia weather in January
January brings highs around 42°F (5°C), lows near 27°F (-3°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia weather in February
February brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Philadelphia weather in March
March brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Philadelphia weather in April
April brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 11 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in May
May brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 12 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 12 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 12 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in September
September brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 10 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in October
October brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 9 wet days.
Philadelphia weather in November
November brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia weather in December
December brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 10 wet days.
Seasons in Philadelphia
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Philadelphia is mild, with daytime highs averaging 63°F (17°C) and nights around 44°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Philadelphia is hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (29°C) and nights around 67°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Philadelphia is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Philadelphia is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 45°F (7°C) and nights around 29°F (-1°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season, plus around 6 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Philadelphia?
Is Philadelphia hot in summer?
Is Philadelphia cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Philadelphia get in a year?
Best time to visit Philadelphia
The best time to visit Philadelphia is generally April to June and September to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).
Pack for Philadelphia with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 70°F (21°C).
Philadelphia temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.