What March feels like in Philadelphia
Early spring arrives in Philadelphia with March. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cold. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Philadelphia in March
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 10.2 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. The yearly figure is similar, around 9.7 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Philadelphia gets 11 h 52 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:14 am to sunset near 7:06 pm. Since mid-February the day has gained 1 h 12 min. About 69% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 4th coolest month of the year in Philadelphia. Compared with February, afternoons are 5°C (9°F) warmer, with 19 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into April. The next month's average high: 17.5°C (63.5°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Philadelphia in March
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Philadelphia in March?
Expect around 11.4°C (52.5°F) in the afternoon and 1.3°C (34.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in March?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 102 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Philadelphia in March?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is March or April better for visiting Philadelphia?
April, clearly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Philadelphia's months, against #9 for the other. April is warmer.