Philadelphia in August
Good time to visit
August tests your tolerance for heat and humidity in Philadelphia - it's genuinely uncomfortable walking around during midday. But the city's festival season is in full swing, and evening activities along the waterfront provide some relief.
Weather
August continues July's oppressive heat with added humidity that makes the air feel thick enough to swim through. Late afternoon storms are common but don't provide much cooling relief. The concrete around City Hall radiates heat well into the evening.
29°C high20°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$185/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Philadelphia Folk Festival
- •Made in America Festival
- •Fringe Festival continues
August Tips
- •Museums become your refuge during peak afternoon heat
- •Many food trucks take breaks during the hottest part of the day
- •Evening river cruises on the Delaware are popular escapes from city heat
All Months
Spring hits Philadelphia perfectly. April and May bring mild temperatures in the 60s-70s and blooming cherry blossoms around the city. The crowds haven't arrived yet, and hotel prices stay reasonable. Summer gets hot and humid — July averages 85°F with sticky air that makes walking around Old City feel like a slog. But the outdoor festivals and concerts make up for the sweat. The Made in America festival takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each September. Fall delivers the best weather. September and October offer crisp days perfect for walking the city, plus the changing leaves in Fairmount Park create actual scenery. Winter? It's cold and gray, but hotel prices drop 30-40%. The Christmas markets and holiday decorations downtown create some charm, and you'll have the museums mostly to yourself. Just pack layers — January temperatures hover around 40°F during the day, dropping to the 20s at night.
Philadelphia Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
6/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
6/10
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