Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Philadelphia in October
Philadelphia cools off: highs slip to 67°F (19°C), from 79°F in September, with lows of 47°F (8°C) and about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain.
At 84/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 67°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (110 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 53%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What October feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 67°F (19°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 47°F (8°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.3 in (110 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around October
October is one of Philadelphia's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 70/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 7°C (13°F) from September.
- Comfort holds steady from September (83 → 84/100).
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so October 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 — October falls outside it.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Philadelphia in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar's mosaic labyrinth made of tile, mirror and bottles.
Why now October scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Elfreth's Alley
Narrow lane of 18th-century brick houses, often called the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 4.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Reading Terminal Market
1893 market hall with Amish bakeries and Philly sandwich counters.
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 One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
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.
Nearby in October
- Kennett Square in October~30 mi · highs 65°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in October~61 mi · highs 65°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- New York City in October~81 mi · highs 64°F, 4.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Manhattan in October~85 mi · highs 65°F, 4.8 in rain · 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Philadelphia?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 84/100. Expect highs of 67°F (19°C) and 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Philadelphia in October?
Average highs are 67°F (19°C) and average lows 47°F (8°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in October?
Some: about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.3 in (1228 mm).
What should I pack for Philadelphia in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Philadelphia
Planning Philadelphia in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.