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 30.2°C (86.4°F) during
July, while
January observes the lowest average temperature at -3.6°C (25.5°F). 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 42mm (1.65"). 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 25mm (0.98").
The best time to visit Philadelphia
Numerous factors make
May through
July the most appealing months to visit
Philadelphia. The temperature hovers from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), 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 11.5°C (52.7°F) to -3.6°C (25.5°F). 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 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 22.2°C (72°F). 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 30mm (1.18") to 27mm (1.06") 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 30.2°C (86.4°F). The humidity stays between 72% and 74% while rainfall peaks at 42mm (1.65") 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 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 11.5°C (52.7°F). 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 -3.6°C (25.5°F) in
January. The precipitation mainly falls as snow during this season, with February seeing the highest level at 25mm (0.98"). 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 3°C (37.4°F) with lows typically reaching -3.6°C (25.5°F). A precipitation level of 21mm (0.83") 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 25mm (0.98").
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 9.9°C (49.8°F) and 1.7°C (35.1°F), warmer than the bleaker
February. Snowfall seems a rare occurrence, decreasing to 14mm (0.55") as compared to the preceding month.
Weather in March »
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 22.2°C (72°F). The shift from spring to the threshold of summer is marked with the highest amount of rainfall of the year, at approximately 33mm (1.3").
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 37mm (1.46").
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 30.2°C (86.4°F). Compared to
June, July also sees a small increase in rainfall, measuring at 39mm (1.54").
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 42mm (1.65"). 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 22mm (0.87"), 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 23mm (0.91").
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December