People think of Philadelphia as a mild East Coast city. It swings hard. July hits 90°F (32°C) with 14 rain days, and winter lows sit below freezing, so what you pack depends almost entirely on the month.
Philadelphia weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 43°F6°C | 46°F8°C | 55°F13°C | 66°F19°C | 73°F23°C | 84°F29°C | 90°F32°C | 84°F29°C | 79°F26°C | 70°F21°C | 55°F13°C | 45°F7°C |
| Low | 28°F-2°C | 30°F-1°C | 36°F2°C | 46°F8°C | 54°F12°C | 64°F18°C | 72°F22°C | 66°F19°C | 61°F16°C | 50°F10°C | 39°F4°C | 30°F-1°C |
| Rain days | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 14 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 43–46°F (6–8°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C) to 30°F (-1°C) make Philly winters cold and gray, with 9 or 10 rain days a month. Wind between the Center City towers makes it feel colder still. Pack a warm coat, a hat and gloves, plus shoes that can handle slush.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still cool with a 55°F (13°C) high and a 36°F (2°C) low, but May reaches 73°F (23°C). Rain is steady at 10 to 12 days a month, so by April a shell beats a heavy coat. Layers do the work, because a warm afternoon on the Schuylkill River Trail cools off quickly in the evening.
Summer
June–AugustSummer highs run 84–90°F (29–32°C), and July adds 14 rain days, the most of the year. Wear light, breathable clothes and carry water if you're queuing for Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. Lows of 64–72°F (18–22°C) mean the nights stay warm.
Fall
September–NovemberFall is the easy season. September still reaches 79°F (26°C), and October drops to 70°F (21°C) with only 6 rain days, the driest month of the year. November cools to 55°F (13°C) highs and 39°F (4°C) lows, so add a warmer layer late in the season.
What to bring to Philadelphia
0 of 19 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Flying in from abroad, this adapter's US plug fits Philly's sockets and its five USB ports charge everything off one outlet.
July has 14 rain days in Philadelphia, and this waterproof shell packs down small, so you're not caught out walking Old City.
A light women's waterproof shell that stuffs into a day bag for spring and summer showers between Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
Carry wallet, phone and keys hands-free in a single-strap sling while you eat your way through Reading Terminal Market.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps water cold for 24 hours, so a 90°F (32°C) July day of sightseeing doesn't leave you buying bottles on every corner.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A pocket-size battery that plugs straight into your phone, so maps and tickets don't die halfway through a long day downtown.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1Dec–Feb lows below freezing
- Hat, scarf and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Sweaters or fleece · 2Spring and fall
- Breathable tees and shorts · 4July hits 32°C
Footwear
- Comfortable walking sneakers · 1 pairCenter City is walkable
- Waterproof boots · 1 pairWinter slush
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1July has 14 rain days
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSummer
- Lip balmWinter
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Contactless cardTap to ride SEPTA
Tech
- Transit appSEPTA covers beyond Center City
What shoes should you pack for Philadelphia?
Bring comfortable walking shoes that handle uneven brick. Old City's sidewalks and lanes like Elfreth's Alley are brick and cobble, and the Rocky Steps up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art are a proper climb. In winter, water-resistant shoes save you from slush at the crosswalks.
What do people wear in Philadelphia?
Philly is casual. Jeans, sneakers and a jacket work almost everywhere, from Reading Terminal Market to a cheesesteak counter in South Philly. Business travelers in Center City dress smarter, but you won't stand out in everyday clothes at most restaurants.
What plugs does Philadelphia use?
Philadelphia uses type A and B plugs at 120V, the US standard. Visitors from Europe, the UK or Australia need an adapter. Check that your chargers say 100-240V, since 230V-only devices like some hair tools won't work properly here.
Tours and things to do in Philadelphia
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Philadelphia.
What should you leave at home for Philadelphia?
From May through September, leave the heavy winter coat at home, because highs stay at 73°F (23°C) or above. Skip renting a car for a city trip too. Center City is compact enough to walk, and SEPTA covers the rest.
Packing for Philadelphia: questions people ask
What should I wear in Philadelphia in winter?
A warm coat, hat and gloves. Highs are 43–46°F (6–8°C) and lows dip to 28°F (-2°C), with 9 or 10 rain days a month.
How hot is Philadelphia in July?
July averages 90°F (32°C) highs and 72°F (22°C) lows, and it's also the wettest month with 14 rain days. Light clothes and a packable rain shell cover it.
What is the best month to visit Philadelphia for weather?
October is hard to beat. Highs are 70°F (21°C) and it's the driest month with only 6 rain days.
Do I need a plug adapter in Philadelphia?
Only if you're visiting from outside North America. The US uses type A and B plugs at 120V.
What shoes should I wear in Old City Philadelphia?
Comfortable walking shoes with some grip. Old City has brick sidewalks and cobbled lanes that are hard on thin soles.
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