Month guide · Philadelphia · United States
Philadelphia in October
What October is really like in Philadelphia: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: LittleT889, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Philadelphia. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Crisp, clear days and autumn colour along Kelly Drive and in Fairmount Park.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Philadelphia: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with September (26°C (79°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 13°C (55°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 07:11
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 18:21
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
Autumn (September–November). Sunny, crisp days, autumn colour, Fringe Festival theatre and Halloween Nights at Eastern State; hotel prices stay fairly high.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary (weekends through October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Park · Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square
One of the five squares in William Penn's 1682 plan, Rittenhouse is the city's favourite park for people-watching, with bronze animal sculptures that children climb, a reflecting pool and benches under plane trees.
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
Waterfront · Penn's Landing
Spruce Street Harbor Park and Penn's Landing
Go around dusk on a summer evening, when the lights come on over the water.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Kids
- Outdoors
Experience · Citywide
Mural Arts walking tours
Philadelphia's public-art programme has produced thousands of murals since the 1980s, covering rowhouse walls from Center City to Fishtown.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Historic site · Old City
Independence Hall
Pick up or print your tour ticket first, then visit the Liberty Bell Center across Chestnut Street while you wait for your slot.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Free
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 9°C and 9 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October 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 May–June and September. Compare every month.
Philadelphia in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Philadelphia?
It is one of the best months to visit Philadelphia. Crisp, clear days and autumn colour along Kelly Drive and in Fairmount Park.
+How warm is Philadelphia in October?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Philadelphia in October?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.