Philadelphia is a city that has something to offer all year round. However, certain times of the year are more popular than others, depending on what you're looking for.
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Philadelphia is a city that has something to offer all year round. However, certain times of the year are more popular than others, depending on what you're looking for.
Spring is a beautiful season to visit Philadelphia. Although there are still occasional cold days, the presence of ample sunshine often compensates for them. The city, often referred to as America's Garden Capital, begins to burst with life as spring flowers and cherry blossoms start to bloom. The number of people in crowds gradually grows over the months, with a noticeable increase in March during spring break and in May around Memorial Day. However, these crowds are still significantly smaller compared to the ones seen during the summer. The rates for hotels in March, April, and May are more affordable compared to the rates during the summer season.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society organises the Philadelphia Flower Show every March, right before the arrival of spring in full bloom. The flower show, which is the largest and longest-running in the country, has a history that dates back to 1829. During spring, you can discover various festivities celebrating the cherry blossom season in Fairmount Park.
The summer is the most popular time to plan a visit to Philadelphia. School is over, the sun is shining, and people are out and about. Numerous popular attractions in Old City and surrounding areas are experiencing high activity levels. Hotel rates reach their peak during the summer season. Summer is a season that is brimming with a plethora of special events and pop-up experiences. Visitors can enjoy the pleasant weather by indulging in rooftop bars, exploring green spaces, and attending outdoor concerts.
The Roots Picnic takes place in early June and brings together a fantastic lineup of musical performances. The Roots, featuring Philly's own Questlove, headline the event, along with artists like Ms Lauryn Hill and Usher. Additionally, June is filled with annual Pride festivities, including parades and concerts. In the days leading up to July 4th, Wawa Welcome America offers an exciting lineup of events. This celebration spans over two weeks and includes free concerts, museum admission, and various family-friendly activities. Additionally, the highly anticipated Wawa Hoagie Day, free for all, is a significant highlight of the festivities.
Philadelphia is a beautiful destination to visit during the autumn season, thanks to its moderate temperatures and stunning foliage. After Labour Day, the summer crowds start to disperse, resulting in a decrease in room rates. If you're interested in experiencing the beauty of autumn foliage, visit Washington Square Park and Fairmount Park. Additionally, explore areas slightly outside the city, such as Route 32 in Bucks County, for even more stunning autumn colours.
During autumn, the Eastern State Penitentiary, a renowned prison once housed Al Capone, organises its annual Halloween Nights event. Additionally, the Head of the Schuylkill regatta takes place in October, attracting numerous rowing clubs to the river for an exciting weekend of races and festivities.
Despite the cold temperatures in winter, Philadelphia remains a popular destination for visitors. December is a month brimming with numerous special holiday events and dazzling lights. Fortunately, these events often offer a delightful array of hot food and beverages perfect for warming you up. During January and February, the convention centre experiences a high activity level due to numerous indoor events.
If you are fortunate enough to visit during a snowfall, take advantage of the opportunity to go sledging at some of the best locations in the city. When a thick coating covers them, the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art transform into a single massive hill.
During the winter, the combination of the post-holiday lull and weather conditions results in a scarcity of crowds in the city. In January and February, hotel rates are at their lowest point of the year.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Low | 26°F | 2926°F | 35°F | 46°F | 57°F | 65°F | 72°F | 69°F | 63°F | 52°F | 39°F | 49°F |
| High | 41°F | 44°F | 53°F | 66°F | 76°F | 84°F | 89°F | 86°F | 80°F | 68°F | 55°F | 66°F |
The best time to visit Philadelphia is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant during these seasons, and the crowds are smaller than during the summer months. Philadelphia's cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring, and the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals. In the fall, the leaves change colors, and the city celebrates with harvest festivals and seasonal foods.
Philadelphia is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and there are many events and festivals throughout the year to choose from. Some of the most popular include the Philadelphia Flower Show in March, the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts in April, the Philadelphia Folk Festival in August, and the Made in America Music Festival in September. On the food front, the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival in October and the Philadelphia Bacon and Beer Classic in November are to be noticed. No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something happening in Philly.
Visiting Philadelphia in October is highly recommended. The foliage in the city will soon be at its peak colour, and the temperatures will be pleasantly mild and comfortable.
During the shoulder season, you may also be eligible for discounts on flights, hotels, and other services.
The number of days you should spend in Philadelphia depends on the nature of your trip and the amount of time you have available. It is generally recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Philadelphia in order to fully experience and explore the city.
