Philadelphia Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

Philadelphia, like the rest of the United States, uses the US dollar (USD).

Philadelphia (photo by Liana Jackson / Flickr) (Photo Credit: Photo by Liana Jackson / Flickr.)

National Language

Philadelphians speak English, the main and official language in the United States.

Time Zone

Philadelphia is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (UTC-5). The city observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) from March to November when everyone sets clocks one hour ahead. So, remember to adjust your watches during and after these months.

Climate and Weather

Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct climates year-round. Depending on when you visit, you can find warm, rainy summers, cool falls, cold winters, and mild springs.

• Summer temperatures: 63 - 87°F (17-31°C)
• Fall temperatures: 47.5 - 66°F (8.6 -19.1°C)
• Winter temperatures: 23 - 41°F ( -5 to 5°C)
• Spring temperatures: 42.7- 62.4°F ( 5.9- 16.9°C)
  
  

Philadelphia receives an average of 42 inches of annual rainfall, with July and August being the rainiest months. Snow is also common in winter, with an average of 22 inches of annual snowfall.

When To Visit Philadelphia

In our opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Philadelphia. The weather is pleasant, and you will also find fewer crowds and enjoy cheaper flights and hotel rooms. We also find these the best times to navigate the city on foot!

However, if you can't visit during these seasons, you can still visit Philly during summer and winter. For instance, winter is the least busy season, so your trip will be cheaper and crowds are non-existent. Alternatively, while summer is busy and hot, you can catch popular festivals and enjoy the city's energetic nightlife. 

Best Attractions In Philadelphia

• The Philadelphia Museum of Art. We recommend visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art if you are interested in art. The museum is located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, displaying an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Some are works by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.
• The Philadelphia Zoo. If you love animals, visit the Philadelphia Zoo and have a good time with more than 1300 wild animals. We found the zoo to be very family-friendly, and you will enjoy different experiences like feeding giraffes and navigating a tropical rainforest replica. 
• Visit The Liberty Bell. A Philly visit is always better after experiencing the best of the country's history. That's why we recommend visiting the Liberty Bell, one of the most iconic emblems of American independence. Arrive early in the morning, and you can take a close-up selfie for your Instagram!