What August feels like in Philadelphia
August is late summer in Philadelphia. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Philadelphia in August
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 9.4 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Philadelphia averages about 9.7 mm per rainy day, so August is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 6:12 am and sets around 7:59 pm local time, giving 13 h 48 min of daylight. Compared with mid-July, the day has lost 58 min. The sun is out for roughly 77% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
In Philadelphia's temperature order, August sits as the 2nd warmest month. Compared with July, afternoons are 1.5°C (2.7°F) cooler, with 5 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into September. By September, typical highs are 25.6°C (78.1°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Philadelphia in August
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Philadelphia in August?
It feels hot: typical highs are 29.1°C (84.4°F), with lows near 19.9°C (67.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in August?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 103 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Philadelphia in August?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Philadelphia?
On our 12-month climate ranking, September comes out ahead (#1 of 12 vs #6). September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.