Late spring · Weather & things to do
Philadelphia in May
Philadelphia warms up: highs climb to 72°F (22°C), from 63°F in April, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain.
At 83/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 72°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (96 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What May feels like
Warm afternoons near 72°F (22°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Lows average 52°F (11°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.8 in (96 mm).
Plan around May
May is one of Philadelphia's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 72°F, up from 63°F in April.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 75/100.
- Comfort holds steady from April (81 → 83/100).
- May 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 72°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Philadelphia in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Franklin Square
One of William Penn's original squares, with a carousel, mini golf and a holiday light show set to music in December.
Why now May scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Independence Hall
Where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
Dilworth Park
Plaza on the west side of City Hall with an outdoor ice rink and a lit Wintergarden in the holiday season.
Why now Highs near 72°F and 3.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Zahav
Michael Solomonov's Israeli restaurant, known for hummus and lamb shoulder.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
German-style Christmas market in LOVE Park and around City Hall, with wooden stalls, ornaments, bratwurst and Glühwein.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Reading Terminal Market
1893 market hall with Amish bakeries and Philly sandwich counters.
Nearby in May
- Kennett Square in May~30 mi · highs 72°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in May~61 mi · highs 72°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- New York City in May~81 mi · highs 63°F, 4.0 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Manhattan in May~85 mi · highs 69°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Philadelphia?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 83/100. Expect highs of 72°F (22°C) and 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
How hot is Philadelphia in May?
Average highs are 72°F (22°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in May?
Some: about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.3 in (1228 mm).
What should I pack for Philadelphia in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 72°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 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 May
- Capital Cities Corridor Mar – Jun
Planning Philadelphia in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.