Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
July stands out as the hottest month with average temperatures reaching around 86.4°F.
Winters are comparatively milder, with average temperatures in January often dipping to around 25°F.
Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, making Philadelphia weather relatively predictable. The city averages about 41 inches of precipitation annually.
Snowfall is also common during the winter months, but it rarely accumulates heavily, ensuring that winters remain manageable.
The climate in Philadelphia presents a mix of weather conditions that can suit a variety of preferences.
If you’re planning a visit or a move, understanding these averages can help you prepare better for the diverse range of weather the city offers.
Dive in to learn more about the year-round weather patterns and how they shape life in this historic city.
Average Temperature In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year.
During the peak of winter in January, the average high is around 41°F, while the average low drops to 26°F. January tends to be the coldest month.
February continues to be cold, with temperatures similar to January.
By March, the weather begins to warm up slightly, reaching an average high of 51°F.
In April, temperatures rise further, with highs averaging 62°F.
May marks the beginning of warm weather, with an average high of 72°F.
Summers in Philadelphia are warm and humid.
June sees average highs of about 80°F.
July is typically the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 87°F and occasionally reaching higher temperatures.
August remains warm, with average highs around 85°F.
By September, temperatures start to drop, averaging around 78°F.
October continues the cooling trend, with average highs of 67°F.
November becomes colder, with average highs falling to around 55°F.
December sees Philadelphia returning to winter temperatures, with highs averaging 45°F and lows around 30°F. The winters are generally cold, often dipping below freezing.
Overall, Philadelphia’s climate includes hot summers and cold winters. The temperature varies quite a bit from month to month, making it a city with diverse weather patterns throughout the year.
Average Precipitation In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania experiences varied precipitation throughout the year, including both rainfall and snowfall. Understanding these patterns helps residents and visitors prepare for the weather.
Average Rainfall In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia receives a moderate amount of rainfall each year. The city averages about 41.5 inches of rain annually.
July is typically the rainiest month, with an average of 11.1 days of rain measuring at least 0.04 inches.
February tends to be drier, averaging 2.75 inches of rain.
Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed, but there is a noticeable increase during the wetter months from late March to late August.
Rainy days in Philadelphia are not concentrated in a single season. Residents can expect a mix of sun and rain throughout the year.
Thunderstorms are common in summer, contributing to the higher rainfall during those months.
This consistent pattern of precipitation supports the city’s lush green landscapes and urban gardens.
Average Snow In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Snowfall in Philadelphia is less frequent than rainfall but still significant. The city averages around 22.5 inches of snow each winter.
January is the snowiest month, with the temperature supporting regular snowfall. The wettest snowy days can bring more than 4 inches of snow, especially during intense winter storms.
Snow and freezing rain can cause substantial disruptions, but residents are generally prepared for winter weather.
Schools and businesses often have snowdays planned for heavier snowfalls.
The mixture of snowy and icy conditions makes for challenging winter weather, but the city’s infrastructure and services handle it well.
Philadelphia’s snowfall patterns add a distinct winter charm, making it ideal for seasonal activities like ice-skating and sledding. The city’s response to snow ensures that life continues smoothly, despite winter’s challenges.
Average Sun In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia experiences different amounts of sunshine and cloud cover throughout the year, which impacts the average daily shortwave solar energy. This variation influences daily activities, energy needs, and overall climate experience.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia gets an average of 4.4 hours of direct sunshine per day.
The amount of sunlight changes with the seasons, peaking in July and hitting its low in December.
During summer months, long days with fewer clouds provide more sun, with up to 10 sunny days per month.
In January, it’s often cloudy, leading to less sunshine. The average daylight hours also vary, from around 9 hours in winter to about 15 hours in summer.
Clear days are less common during the colder months, increasing gradually as spring arrives.
For more details, see Philadelphia’s climate averages.
Average Humidity In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The mean monthly relative humidity shows fluctuations depending on the season.
- Spring: During April, the relative humidity is at its lowest, averaging 61% (World Weather & Climate Information).
- Summer: As temperatures rise, so does the humidity. It’s higher in the summer months, particularly in July and August, contributing to hotter, more humid conditions.
- Fall: September is the most humid month with a relative humidity averaging 71.5%. This makes the early fall feel quite muggy (World Weather & Climate Information).
- Yearly Average: Overall, the average annual percentage of relative humidity in Philadelphia is approximately 67%.
The table below highlights the average monthly humidity in Philadelphia.
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 68 |
| February | 66 |
| March | 64 |
| April | 61 |
| May | 64 |
| June | 67 |
| July | 70 |
| August | 71 |
| September | 71.5 |
| October | 68 |
| November | 67 |
| December | 68 |
Average Wind In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year.
The windiest month is March, with an average hourly wind speed of 9.0 miles per hour.
During the summer, the wind is calmer. From May 8 to October 27, the average wind speed is lower. August is the calmest month, averaging around 5.7 miles per hour.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 8.3 |
| February | 8.7 |
| March | 9.0 |
| April | 8.4 |
| May | 7.7 |
| June | 6.5 |
| July | 5.9 |
| August | 5.7 |
| September | 6.1 |
| October | 7.0 |
| November | 7.6 |
| December | 8.2 |
Wind speeds tend to be higher in the spring and winter months.
Average Air Quality In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s air quality tends to vary, but is generally categorized as Moderate to Good.
- Moderate days: North Philadelphia often records moderate air quality, with AQI readings around 59-66. This means air quality might be acceptable for most people but some may be especially sensitive to certain pollutants.
- Good days: Areas like Northwest Philadelphia and Center City usually see better air quality, with AQI readings between 39-45, indicating that air is clean and poses little or no risk.
Historical Data
Over the past few years, annual PM2.5 levels have hovered around 9.5 to 10.5 µg/m³.
In 2017, the level was 9.6 µg/m³, improving to 9.3 µg/m³ in 2018, slightly worse at 10.5 µg/m³ in 2019, and improving again to 9.5 µg/m³ in 2020 according to IQAir.
Real-time Monitoring
Residents and visitors can stay updated through real-time AQI monitoring sites such as AccuWeather, which provides localized air quality forecasts to help make healthier lifestyle choices.
Other Factors
While air quality is critical, other environmental conditions also affect lifestyle and health:
- Water Temperature: The Delaware River often has a water temperature ranging from the 40s to 70s °F depending on the season.
- Pressure: Atmospheric pressure usually ranges from 29.9 to 30.2 inches of mercury.
- UV Index: Philadelphia frequently experiences moderate to high UV index levels, especially in summer, so it’s advisable to use sun protection when outdoors.
Visitors and residents should stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions during moderate AQI days.
Topography of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is located at approximately 39.95° N latitude and 75.17° W longitude. It sits on the eastern edge of Pennsylvania, near the Delaware River.
The city’s landscape features a mix of elevations. Average elevation is about 144 feet above sea level with the lowest point at -131 feet and the highest at 509 feet. This creates a relatively flat terrain with small hills.
Philadelphia lies in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. The Coastal Plain borders the Atlantic Ocean, while the Piedmont is a plateau stretching westward to the Appalachian Mountains.
Waterways such as the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers play a crucial role in the city’s layout and transport systems. The Delaware River forms part of the border with New Jersey.
Neighborhoods vary in elevation. Areas like Lower Macungie Township, which lies in the greater Philadelphia area, have average elevations around 413 feet.
The topography influences not only the city’s infrastructure but also its climate. The location and physical features can affect weather patterns, making Philadelphia’s winters cold and its summers humid.
Philadelphia’s blend of plains, plateaus, and proximity to major water bodies creates a unique and diverse landscape ideal for both urban development and natural beauty.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year, impacting both daily life and infrastructure. These events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Severe Thunderstorms
Heavy thunderstorms occur mostly in the summer months, bringing intense rain, strong winds, and lightning. These storms can lead to flash flooding and occasionally cause power outages.
Nor’easters
Nor’easters are powerful storms that often bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding during the winter. Philadelphia can experience significant snowfalls from these events, disrupting transport and daily activities.
Heat Waves
Heat waves are becoming more common, especially in the summer. Temperatures can soar above 95°F, posing health risks, particularly for the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
Flooding
Intense rainfalls, especially those caused by thunderstorms and nor’easters, result in flash flooding. Rivers and streams may overflow, and urban areas can experience temporary floods due to overwhelmed drainage systems. According to Pennsylvania State Climate Summary, extreme precipitation events are increasing.
Tornadoes
While less frequent than in some other parts of the country, Philadelphia does experience occasional tornadoes. These tornadoes are typically low intensity but can still cause localized damage and pose safety risks.
Winter Storms
Winter storms bring heavy snow and ice, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Philadelphia’s average winter temperature has risen nearly 5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, making some winter storms milder but potentially more icy (Climate Scientists Decode Philly’s Warm Winter).
Extreme Precipitation Events
There has been an increase in extreme precipitation events in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. Storms with over 2 inches of rain are becoming more common, contributing to increased flooding risks (Pennsylvania State Climate Summaries 2022).
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia offers unique experiences throughout the year, each season bringing its own charm and activities. From blooming parks in spring to lively festivals in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and cozy scenes in winter, there’s always something to enjoy in this historic city.
What Is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Like In Spring
Spring, from March to May, is one of the best times to visit Philadelphia. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F. This season is perfect for exploring Philadelphia’s many parks and gardens, such as Longwood Gardens, where Spring Blooms showcases over 1,000 acres of flowers.
Another highlight of spring is the city’s annual Restaurant Week. Many local restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, allowing visitors to sample the diverse culinary scene. Hotel rates are still moderate, making it a good time for budget-conscious travelers.
What Is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Like In Summer
Summer in Philadelphia, from June to August, is vibrant and lively. Average temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F. This season is ideal for attending numerous outdoor events and festivals, including popular music festivals.
Though summer can be hot and humid, visitors should not miss attractions like the historic Independence Hall or the bustling Reading Terminal Market. The Delaware River waterfront is also a popular spot, with activities like boat tours and outdoor dining.
What Is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Like In Fall
Fall, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. Fall foliage transforms the city into a colorful landscape, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
Events such as the Philadelphia Film Festival attract culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the city sees fewer tourists compared to summer, providing a more relaxed experience. Hotel rates also tend to be lower, offering good value for visitors.
What Is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Like In Winter
Winter in Philadelphia, from December to February, can be cold, with temperatures often between 30°F and 45°F.
Despite the chill, winter has its own appeal with festive decorations and holiday markets.
Ice skating at Dilworth Park and visiting the Franklin Square Holiday Festival are popular winter activities.
Hotel rates are generally lower during this season, making it an attractive option for budget travelers.
Winter offers a cozy, festive atmosphere, especially around historic sites adorned with holiday lights.