Philadelphia in November: weather, events and what to know

November is a strong month for Philadelphia: cool, walkable weather, historic sites with smaller crowds and a packed holiday-kickoff weekend before Thanksgiving. Clocks fell back on November 1, so the sun sets around 5 p.m. This year, 2026 is also the nation's 250th anniversary year, which keeps interest in the historic district high.

Updated 2026-11-01

November at a glance

Typical temperatures: Highs in the upper 50s °F, lows around 40°F (approximate)
Conditions: Crisp and changeable; cold rain and the first frosts are common
Daylight: Clocks fell back Sunday, November 1; sunset is about 5 p.m. early in the month and about 4:35 p.m. by the end
Crowd level: Medium; high marathon weekend and Thanksgiving week
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2026

Weather in Philadelphia in November and what to pack

A warm coat and layers you can add or remove.

A hat and gloves for evenings and the Christmas Village.

Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes (brick and cobblestones get slick).

A compact umbrella.

A scarf for the wind along the river and Parkway.

Daylight shrinks through the month: sunset moves from about 4:56 p.m. on November 1 to about 4:36 p.m. by November 30, with sunrise shifting from about 6:31 a.m. to about 7:02 a.m..

Top events in Philadelphia in November 2026

5 events

Dates as of 2026-11-01; confirm with the organizer.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Utah Mammoth Sunday, November 01, 4:00 PM local (2026-11-01T21:00:00.000Z) · Xfinity Mobile Arena Ticketed evening show at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday, November 01.
Taylor Tomlinson Sunday, November 01, 6:30 PM local (2026-11-01T23:30:00.000Z) · Helium Comedy Club - Philadelphia Ticketed evening show at Helium Comedy Club - Philadelphia on Sunday, November 01.
Raj Suresh & Friends Sunday, November 01, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-02T00:00:00.000Z) · Punch Line Philly Ticketed evening show at Punch Line Philly on Sunday, November 01.
Mini Kiss Sunday, November 01, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-02T00:00:00.000Z) · Reverb Ticketed evening show at Reverb on Sunday, November 01.
Alice Cooper - Alice's Attic Tour Sunday, November 01, 7:00 PM local (2026-11-02T00:00:00.000Z) · The Wind Creek Event Center Ticketed evening show at The Wind Creek Event Center on Sunday, November 01.

Also in Philadelphia in November

seasonal picks

Recurring seasonal events and holidays. Dates move year to year, confirm with the organizer.

Philadelphia Marathon weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, with the full marathon on Sunday, November 22. Expect street closures in Center City, along the Parkway and in Manayunk.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia, November 21 to December 27, at LOVE Park and City Hall. Free to enter, open noon to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed November 23 to 25 and December 25, and open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, November 26. America's longest-running Thanksgiving parade starts around 8:30 a.m. at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, and a Philadelphia Veterans Parade; confirm the date and route.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, from about November 20 to January 10, 2027, a day trip option; reserve timed tickets.
Sports: check Eagles, Flyers and Sixers schedules.

Crowds, prices and what to book ahead

Calmest: early to mid November, weekdays. Busiest: marathon weekend (November 21 and 22) and Thanksgiving weekend. Book ahead: hotels for marathon weekend, Independence Hall timed tickets (free, with a small online fee) and Thanksgiving dinner. Getting around: the marathon and parade close major roads; use SEPTA and allow extra time.

What changes in Philadelphia in November

Earlier dark. Historic sites close earlier in the day; plan outdoor sightseeing for midday.

Fall color lingers in Fairmount Park and Rittenhouse Square in the first half of the month.

Holiday decor appears throughout Center City after the Christmas Village opens.

Independence Hall still requires reserved, timed tickets for tours; the Liberty Bell Center does not.

Best things to do in November

5 picks

Tour Independence Hall (reserve ahead) and visit the Liberty Bell Center.

Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market.

Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Barnes Foundation.

Walk Old City, Society Hill and Elfreth's Alley.

Try a cheesesteak and a soft pretzel.

Full Philadelphia visitor guide

Sample November itinerary

Day 1: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Museum of the American Revolution, lunch at Reading Terminal Market, and dinner in Old City.

Day 2: The Museum of Art and the Rocky steps, Fairmount Park, and an evening in Fishtown or the Christmas Village (from Nov 21).

Getting around in November

Getting around: the marathon and parade close major roads; use SEPTA and allow extra time.

Questions

6 answers

Is Philadelphia worth visiting in November?

Yes. The weather is walkable, historic sites are less crowded and the holiday season kicks off.

What should I wear in Philadelphia in November?

A warm coat, layers, a hat, gloves and comfortable water-resistant shoes.

When do clocks change?

Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

When is the Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Thursday, November 26, 2026, starting around 8:30 a.m.

When does Christmas Village open?

November 21, 2026, and runs through December 27, closed November 23 to 25.

Do I need tickets for Independence Hall?

Yes. Timed tickets are required for tours; reserve ahead on Recreation.gov. --- *An independent local guide. Weather figures are approximate climate norms. Verify event dates, hours and ticket requirements with official sources before you go.*