Question 1

Which months had the most sunshine in Philadelphia in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia enjoyed the most sunshine during June 2024, recording 333.4 hours of bright skies—the highest of any month that year. This translates to an average of 11.1 hours of sunshine per day, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities in the city.

July followed closely with 308.5 hours of sunshine, while October surprised many with 292.5 hours, ranking as the third sunniest month of 2024. The fall month benefited from exceptionally dry conditions, receiving only 1.2 mm of precipitation throughout the entire month.

In total, Philadelphia accumulated 2,770 hours of sunshine across 2024. The summer months from June through August delivered 923.2 hours combined, averaging 307.7 hours per month. June's sunny conditions paired with pleasant average temperatures of 24.6°C (76.3°F), while October offered milder weather at 15.2°C (59.4°F) for those preferring cooler but still bright days.

January 2024 recorded the least sunshine with only 122.9 hours, typical for Philadelphia's cloudy winter season. For visitors seeking sun-filled days, late spring through early summer remains the best bet, though October 2024 demonstrated that fall can occasionally rival summer months for clear skies.

Question 2

What is the annual temperature range in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia experiences a dramatic annual temperature range of approximately 50.6°C (91.1°F), showcasing the city's distinct four-season climate. In 2024, temperatures swung from a winter low of -12.7°C (9.1°F) in December to a summer high of 37.9°C (100.2°F) in June.

The warmest month in Philadelphia during 2024 was July, with an average temperature of 26.5°C (79.7°F). Summer months from June through August maintained comfortable averages around 24.9°C (76.9°F), making it ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and outdoor attractions. January was the coldest month, averaging just 1.9°C (35.4°F), while winter overall (December through February) averaged 2.7°C (36.9°F).

The annual mean temperature in Philadelphia settled at 13.9°C (57.1°F) in 2024. This wide temperature variation means visitors should pack accordingly depending on the season. Spring and fall offer moderate conditions, with March averaging 8.0°C (46.4°F) and October reaching 15.2°C (59.4°F). The significant temperature swings in Philadelphia reflect its mid-Atlantic location, where continental air masses bring cold winters while humid subtropical influences create warm, sometimes hot summers.

Question 3

How much total rainfall did Philadelphia receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia received a total of 1,075.9 mm (42.4 inches) of rainfall in 2024, making it a moderately wet year for the city.

The precipitation was unevenly distributed throughout the year. March 2024 was the wettest month, recording 163.3 mm (6.4 inches) of rain, followed by August with 149.3 mm (5.9 inches) and January with 145.3 mm (5.7 inches). In stark contrast, October 2024 was exceptionally dry with only 1.2 mm of precipitation.

Spring proved to be Philadelphia's wettest season in 2024, accumulating 367.7 mm (14.5 inches) between March, April, and May. Winter followed closely with 318.5 mm (12.5 inches), while summer recorded 307.6 mm (12.1 inches). Fall 2024 was remarkably dry, with just 82.1 mm (3.2 inches) total across September, October, and November.

For residents and visitors, this precipitation pattern meant that outdoor activities in Philadelphia were best planned for the fall months, particularly September and October, when dry conditions prevailed. Spring travelers should prepare for frequent rain, especially in March. The average monthly precipitation of 89.7 mm (3.5 inches) provides a useful baseline for planning, though individual months varied significantly from this average in 2024.

Question 4

How cold does Philadelphia get in winter?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia experiences cold winter temperatures with average readings around 2.7°C (36.9°F) during the winter months of December, January, and February.

In 2024, Philadelphia's coldest temperature dropped to -12.7°C (9.1°F) in December, demonstrating how bitter the cold can become. January recorded lows of -10.1°C (13.8°F), while February was slightly milder with minimum temperatures reaching -6.7°C (19.9°F). All three winter months saw temperatures fall below freezing, which is typical for the region.

Despite the cold lows, Philadelphia winters also bring milder daytime conditions. Average daily highs during winter 2024 reached 17.4°C (63.4°F), showing the significant temperature swings the city experiences. January averaged 1.9°C (35.4°F), making it the coldest month overall.

Winter in Philadelphia also brings considerable precipitation, with 318.5mm (12.5 inches) falling across December, January, and February in 2024. Visitors should prepare for freezing temperatures, especially during morning hours and overnight periods when wind chill can make conditions feel even colder. Layered clothing and winter gear are essential for comfortable outdoor activities in Philadelphia during the colder months.

Question 5

When does spring really start in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Spring in Philadelphia truly begins in early to mid-April, when temperatures become consistently mild and frost risk fades. While the calendar marks March 20 as the start of spring, 2024 weather data shows the transition is more gradual.

In 2024, Philadelphia experienced its first spring-like warm spell in mid-March, with temperatures reaching 24.0°C (75.2°F) on March 14. However, this was followed by a late-March setback when average temperatures dropped to 3.5°C (38.4°F) during March 21-25, with the last frost occurring on March 25.

The city's monthly averages tell the story: March 2024 averaged 8.0°C (46.4°F), still quite cool for outdoor activities. April brought a significant improvement at 12.5°C (54.5°F). Stable spring conditions—defined as ten or more consecutive days with average temperatures above 10°C (50°F)—didn't arrive until April 8, 2024.

For Philadelphia residents planning outdoor events or gardening, early April marks the safest time to expect reliable spring weather. The last hard frost (temperatures below -2°C or 28°F) occurred on March 22, 2024, making late March planting risky. By mid-April, daytime highs regularly exceeded 20°C (68°F), and the frost danger had passed entirely.

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FAQ

Which months had the most sunshine in Philadelphia in 2024?

What is the annual temperature range in Philadelphia?

How much total rainfall did Philadelphia receive in 2024?

How cold does Philadelphia get in winter?

When does spring really start in Philadelphia?