Philadelphia is a popular tourist destination especially during the summer when many schools have breaks. During the summer, the important attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell can be very crowded, so expect to wait in lines. It can also be hot and humid in the summer and the hotels raise their room rates. Although the hotel room rates are the least expensive in the winter and fall, this can be a very cold time to visit the city. The best time to visit Philadelphia is during the spring months between March and May. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer people, and room rates are reasonable.
January is the coldest month in Philadelphia by far with an average high temperature of 40°F (5°C) and an average low temperature of 26°F (-4°C). Snowfall averages at 7 inches (18 cm) making winter activities like sledding and ice skating ideal during this time.
In February, Philadelphia experiences its second coldest month in the year. The average high and average low temperatures range between 44°F (7°C) and 28°F (-2°C). February also receives the largest amount of snowfall out of the year with a 9 inch (23 cm) average. Despite the snowfall, February has the lowest precipitation rate with an average that’s just a little over 2 inches (67 mm).
Philadelphia Weather in March: The temperatures in March start to climb as spring arrives in the city. An average high temperature of 53°F (12°C) can be expect while the average low temperature sits at 34°F (1°C).
April continues the upward trend in temperature with the average high temperature hits 64°F (18°C) and the average low temperature peaks at 44°F (7°C). The last and least of the year’s snowfall takes place in April with an average of 1 inch (3 cm).
In May, the average temperature rises further for the last month of spring (May). Visitors can expect and average high temperature of 74°F (23°C), while the average low temperature is at 54°F (12°C).
Philadelphia Weather in June: Summer arrives in June and brings with it an average high temperature of 83°F (28°C). The average low temperature makes a ten degree jump to 64°F (18°C).
July gets quite hot as the warmest month of the year and has the highest precipitation rate in the year as well at 4 inches (110 mm). The average high temperature climbs to an annual high of 87°F (31°C). The same can be said for the average low temperature which hits 69°F (21°C).
In August, things start to cool off ever so slightly with the year’s second warmest month bringing average high temperatures of 85°F (30°C). Average low temperatures drop by one degree this month.
Philadelphia Weather in September: With the arrival of fall in September, the average high temperature drops back below the 80’s resting at 78°F (26°C). Meanwhile, the average low temperature decreases to 60°F (16°C).
October brings even cooler temperatures as the leaves begin to turn red and brown. Average high temperatures to be expected are 67°F (19°C) and average low temps drop to 48°F (9°C).
In November, the temperature makes another considerable drop to an average high temperature of 56°F (13°C) and average low temperature of 39°F (4°C).
Philadelphia Weather in December: Winter arrives in December and so does the first of the season’s snowfall. The average low temperature sinks to 30°F (-1°C) to match the average snowfall of 3 inches (8 cm). Average high temperature to be expected is 45°F (7°C).
To avoid the droves of crowds in Pennsylvania, the best time to visit is March through May when the temperatures is still a bit brisk and the hotel rates are reasonable. During these spring months, flower festivals and parades take place making for great holiday activities. The cheapest month to tour the state of Pennsylvania is between September to February when the temperatures start to go down. If you’re a fan of cold weather, this is also a great time to take advantage of cheap room rates. For the best of Pennsylvania’s fall foliage, hiking and camping, come by between late September through October.
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