Climate Insights for Philadelphia
Climate Overview
The climate in Philadelphia is temperate. The average annual temperature is 17°C and approximately 441 mm of precipitation falls per year. June is the wettest month, receiving around 96 mm of rainfall. Philadelphia is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: January, February, December. The coldest months are July, August, June, when temperatures can drop to 8°C.The climate in Philadelphia is temperate. The average annual temperature is 63°F and approximately 17.4 in of precipitation falls per year. June is the wettest month, receiving around 3.8 in of rainfall. Philadelphia is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: January, February, December. The coldest months are July, August, June, when temperatures can drop to 47°F.
Temperature
Philadelphia sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 8°C to 27°C. The warmest month is January, when average highs reach 27°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 8°C and an average of 13°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.Philadelphia sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 47°F to 80°F. The warmest month is January, when average highs reach 80°F and the mean temperature sits around 71°F. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 47°F and an average of 55°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 17°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 5°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Philadelphia is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 441 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 37 mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 96 mm of rainfall. July and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 7 mm. That's 89 mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Philadelphia is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 17.4 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 1.5 in per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 3.8 in of rainfall. July and August also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 0.3 in. That's 3.5 in less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Philadelphia is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 15km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 18km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 12km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 6km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 13km/h in winter, 16km/h in spring, 18km/h in summer, 14km/h in autumn.Philadelphia is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 9mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 11mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 7mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 8mph in winter, 10mph in spring, 11mph in summer, 8mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Philadelphia is during January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 19°C with modest rainfall averaging 20 mm per month. By contrast, July can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 8°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit Philadelphia is during January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 66°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.8 in per month. By contrast, July can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 47°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Philadelphia based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Philadelphia based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.