Early winter · Weather & things to do
Philadelphia in December
Philadelphia cools off: highs slip to 44°F (7°C), from 55°F in November, with lows of 28°F (-2°C) and about 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.4 in (111 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 44°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 4.4 in (111 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 11 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 28°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 11 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 70/100 in November to 46/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Philadelphia, Longwood & Lancaster route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.4 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Philadelphia in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Liberty Bell Center
The cracked Liberty Bell and exhibits on its role in abolition and civil rights.
Independence Hall
Where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, open since 1860.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
German-style Christmas market in LOVE Park and around City Hall, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
Zahav
Michael Solomonov's Israeli restaurant, known for hummus and lamb shoulder.
Dilworth Park
Plaza on the west side of City Hall with an outdoor ice rink and a lit Wintergarden in the holiday season.
Nearby in December
- Kennett Square in December~30 mi · highs 42°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in December~61 mi · highs 41°F, 3.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- New York City in December~81 mi · highs 44°F, 5.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Manhattan in December~85 mi · highs 42°F, 4.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Broad Street & South Philly and Center City & Penn's Landing.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Philadelphia in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain or snow. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Philadelphia in December?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Philadelphia in December?
Some: about 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.3 in (1228 mm).
What should I pack for Philadelphia in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.4 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Philadelphia
Routes in season in December
- Philadelphia, Longwood & Lancaster Late Nov – Dec
Planning Philadelphia in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.