What April feels like in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, April is the heart of spring. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cold. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Philadelphia in April
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. When rain comes it is heavy, about 10.1 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.7 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in April
Mid-month, Philadelphia gets 13 h 13 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:24 am to sunset near 7:38 pm. The days are stretching out — 1 h 21 min more daylight than mid-March. Measured sunshine covers about 70% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
April is the 6th coolest month of the year in Philadelphia. Compared with March, afternoons are 6.1°C (11°F) warmer, with 1 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into May. By May, typical highs are 22.8°C (73°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Philadelphia in April
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Philadelphia in April?
It feels cool: typical highs are 17.5°C (63.5°F), with lows near 6.9°C (44.4°F).
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in April?
Quite a lot — 101 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Philadelphia in April?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is April or May better for visiting Philadelphia?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #5). May is warmer and has more rainy days.