Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Philadelphia in January
This is the coldest month in Philadelphia: highs average 38°F (4°C) and lows 23°F (-5°C), with about 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.1 in (78 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 38°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 23°F (-5°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 9 h 28 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (46 → 45/100).
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January 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 — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Philadelphia in January
With highs near 38°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, open since 1860.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Philadelphia Art Museum
Major collection from Renaissance to Duchamp, plus the 'Rocky' steps and skyline view.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 38°F.
Reading Terminal Market
1893 market hall with Amish bakeries and Philly sandwich counters.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Zahav
Michael Solomonov's Israeli restaurant, known for hummus and lamb shoulder.
Why now A cozy break on a 38°F day.
Museum of the American Revolution
Story of the Revolution, including Washington's original war tent.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
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 January
- Kennett Square in January~30 mi · highs 37°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in January~61 mi · highs 37°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- New York City in January~81 mi · highs 38°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Manhattan in January~85 mi · highs 36°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Philadelphia in January?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Philadelphia in January?
Some: about 3.1 in (78 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Philadelphia
Planning Philadelphia in January?
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