Early spring · Weather & things to do
Philadelphia in March
Philadelphia warms up: highs climb to 50°F (10°C), from 41°F in February, with lows of 31°F (-1°C) and about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 59/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 50°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (100 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 59/100 · Fair
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 50°F (10°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 31°F (-1°C), so expect frost and ice.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (100 mm).
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 41°F.
- Comfort improves from 47/100 in February to 59/100.
- March sits inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
- Our Philadelphia, Longwood & Lancaster route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — March falls outside it.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 50°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Philadelphia in March
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Franklin Square
One of William Penn's original squares, with a carousel, mini golf and a holiday light show set to music in December.
Liberty Bell Center
The cracked Liberty Bell and exhibits on its role in abolition and civil rights.
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.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
German-style Christmas market in LOVE Park and around City Hall, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, open since 1860.
Nearby in March
- Kennett Square in March~30 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in March~61 mi · highs 49°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- New York City in March~81 mi · highs 44°F, 4.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Manhattan in March~85 mi · highs 46°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (4°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It's middling, scoring 59/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 84. Expect highs of 50°F (10°C) and 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain. March is inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
How cold is Philadelphia in March?
Average highs are 50°F (10°C) and average lows 31°F (-1°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in March?
Some: about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.3 in (1228 mm).
What should I pack for Philadelphia in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 50°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Philadelphia
Routes in season in March
- Capital Cities Corridor Mar – Jun
Planning Philadelphia in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.