Month guide · Philadelphia · United States
Philadelphia in August
What August is really like in Philadelphia: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Derek Ramsey, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
August is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 13.7 hours of daylight. Still hot and sticky; many locals head 'down the shore', and city restaurants feel a little quieter.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 13.7 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in Philadelphia: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with July (31°C (88°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:13
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 19:58
- Daylight
- About 13.7 hours
Summer (June–August). Hot, humid days with thunderstorms, long evenings on the waterfront and the big Fourth of July celebrations, when the historic sites are busiest.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in May). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in August
August has no major recurring festival in Philadelphia, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in August
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
.jpg){kind=link}
Museum · Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Franklin Institute
One of the oldest science museums in the country, with a giant walk-through heart, a full-size Baldwin steam locomotive, the Fels Planetarium and hands-on halls on electricity, flight and the brain.
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
.jpg){kind=link}
Museum · Logan Square
Academy of Natural Sciences
Younger children love the fossil dig in the Dinosaur Hall; arrive early in the day to have it to yourselves.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Gallery · South Street
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar covered a lot on South Street with a maze of tiles, mirrors, bottles and bicycle wheels, creating an immersive outdoor labyrinth and indoor galleries.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Photo spot
- Couples
Market · South Philly
9th Street Italian Market
Come on a Saturday morning when every stall is set up, then walk to East Passyunk Avenue for lunch.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
- History
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 20°C and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Philadelphia?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Philadelphia in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Still hot and sticky; many locals head 'down the shore', and city restaurants feel a little quieter.
+How warm is Philadelphia in August?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in August?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.