What October feels like in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, October is the heart of autumn. Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cool. Moist air is typical, yet it seldom feels heavy at this time of year.
Rain in Philadelphia in October
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.5 mm (0.5 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 October
In mid-October, sunrise is at about 7:10 am and sunset at about 6:23 pm (local time) — 11 h 13 min of daylight. Compared with mid-September, the day has lost 1 h 18 min. Measured sunshine covers about 70% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How October compares to the rest of the year
October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Philadelphia. Compared with September, afternoons are 6.3°C (11.3°F) cooler, with 3 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into November. By November, typical highs are 12.5°C (54.5°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Philadelphia in October
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Philadelphia in October?
Expect around 19.3°C (66.7°F) in the afternoon and 10.5°C (50.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in October?
It does: about 9 rainy days bring roughly 104 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Philadelphia in October?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is October or November better for visiting Philadelphia?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3). November is cooler and has fewer rainy days.