When to visit Philadelphia without the crowds
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, United States) is calmest in January, February, March, October and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in May, June, July and August. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
Jan–Mar & Nov
When everyone heads home
The second half of August.
Tip
The Liberty Bell is free with no booking; Independence Hall needs a timed ticket.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 6 °C (42 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 9 °C (47 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 2/5 · calm | 13 °C (55 °F) | |
| April | 3/5 · moderate | 18 °C (65 °F) | |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 23 °C (74 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 28 °C (83 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 4/5 · busy | 31 °C (88 °F) | Wawa Welcome America, Fourth of July, Independence Day |
| August | 4/5 · busy | 30 °C (85 °F) | |
| September | 3/5 · moderate | 26 °C (79 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm | 21 °C (69 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 14 °C (56 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 1/5 · calm | 8 °C (46 °F) | Christmas Day |
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Philadelphia without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually December (crowds 1/5). In December the average high is 8 °C (46 °F). All the calm months: January, February, March, October and December.
When is Philadelphia most crowded?
The busiest season is May, June, July and August. The second half of August.
What is the weather like in Philadelphia?
Average highs range from 6 °C (42 °F) in January to 31 °C (88 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What festivals are there in Philadelphia?
The main ones: Wawa Welcome America, Fourth of July (July).
More places in Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh calm in February, March, April, May and December; busiest in July and August
- Gettysburg calm in January, February, March and December; busiest in May, June and July