Month guide · Philadelphia · United States
Philadelphia in May
What May is really like in Philadelphia: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jeffrey M. Vinocur, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Philadelphia. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 14.4 hours of daylight. One of the most pleasant months, with warm days and outdoor dining; university graduations fill hotels on some weekends.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 14.4 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Philadelphia: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with April (18°C (64°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:45
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:08
- Daylight
- About 14.4 hours
Spring (March–May). Blossom on the Parkway and in Fairmount Park, the Flower Show and Penn Relays; weather is changeable and school groups crowd the Independence sites.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Broad Street Run — 10-mile road race (usually early May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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Museum · Old City
Museum of the American Revolution
Time your visit to catch the tent presentation early, before it fills with school groups.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
Museum · Fairmount
Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rocky Steps
The Greek Revival temple at the top of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (long known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art) holds Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Cézanne's The Large Bathers and the world's leading collection of Marcel Duchamp, plus period rooms and armour.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Art
- Views
- Rainy day
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Market · Center City
Reading Terminal Market
Arrive before noon on weekdays; at weekend lunchtime the aisles and the DiNic's queue get very crowded.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Iconic
- Rainy day
- Shopping
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Gallery · Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Barnes Foundation
Albert C.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 12°C and 11 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Philadelphia?
One of the best months to visit Philadelphia, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June and September–October. Compare every month.
Philadelphia in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It is one of the best months to visit Philadelphia. One of the most pleasant months, with warm days and outdoor dining; university graduations fill hotels on some weekends.
+How warm is Philadelphia in May?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in May?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.