Business Casual
Navy Trench and Shorts
A navy trench coat over khaki bermuda shorts and a blue linen blouse works between seasons on a mild rainy day. Black pointed-toe heels sharpen what could easily be too casual.
What to Wear in Philadelphia in November
November in Philadelphia is genuine mid-Atlantic fall cold, with highs averaging 56°F and lows near 38°F as the Delaware Valley settles into its grey, pre-winter character. A medium-to-heavy jacket, warm layers, and waterproof footwear are the practical standard, and rain arrives on about 9 days throughout the month. Fairmount Park's bare-tree winter beauty and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are excellent November destinations, though the exposed sections of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill Riverbanks channel cold wind.
What to wear
top / Long-Sleeve Top
fitted long-sleeve
lightweight layer for mild temps
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
Umbrella
Based on typical November conditions in Philadelphia. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
November in Philadelphia has a particular atmospheric beauty — the last of the Fairmount Park foliage has fallen, the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art look dramatic in the grey November sky, and the city's excellent indoor food scene in Reading Terminal Market, Rittenhouse Square's restaurant row, and the Italian Market comes into its own as the temperature drives people inside. Highs in the mid-50s on clear days are manageable for outdoor exploration with the right layers, while the wet, cold evenings demand genuine fall-to-winter outerwear. The visitor challenge in November Philadelphia is a combination of consistent precipitation and the city's brick-and-cobblestone historic surfaces. Old City and Society Hill's picturesque streets become genuinely slippery when wet leaves and November rain combine, and nine rainy days across the month means you're likely to encounter these conditions. A proper waterproof outer coat — not just a fashion jacket with a DWR coating — and ankle boots with solid grip are the practical investments that distinguish a comfortable November Philadelphia visit from a wet, cold, frustrating one.
Curated Looks
Casual
Olive Anorak Trousers
An olive anorak handles mild rain without abandoning the polish of wide-leg navy trousers underneath. The crossbody stays tucked and close.
Chic
Cream Puffer Wide-Leg
A cream oversized puffer over a navy striped cardigan and wide-leg ivory linen trousers handles mild rain with a considered mix of textures. Black ballet flats are the restrained finish.
Cozy
Parka Cable Knit Mules
A black longline parka over a cable knit sweater in mild rain keeps warmth without overdressing. Black mule heels under leggings are an unexpected and intentional detail.
Cute
Blush Jacket Knit Skirt
A blush cropped jacket over a grey cardigan and black sweater mini skirt handles mild rain with charm. A black bucket bag and ankle boots keep the proportions balanced.
Formal
Grey Coat Wide-Leg
A grey longline coat over an ivory blouse and black wide-leg trousers handles mild rain without losing formal intent. Black Chelsea boots and a mini bag keep it focused.
Sporty
Cargo Rain Jacket
A black rain jacket over an oversized graphic tee and olive cargo trousers handles mild rain practically. White lace-up booties finish the look with enough contrast to lift the palette.
Packing List
What to Pack for Philadelphia in November →
Other Months in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Philadelphia in November?+
Dress for genuine fall-to-winter cold: a sweater or thermal layer under a medium-to-heavy coat (waterproof or paired with a rain layer), jeans or heavier trousers, and waterproof ankle boots. The 38°F lows and ~9 rainy days make proper cold-weather outerwear and waterproof footwear essential — Old City's cobblestones are dangerously slippery when wet.
Is November a good time to visit Philadelphia?+
November is a genuinely good time to visit Philadelphia — the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary's fall programming, and Reading Terminal Market are all excellent and less crowded than summer. The city's fall dining scene is vibrant, and Fairmount Park's winter character is stark and beautiful. Proper cold-weather preparation is required.
What shoes are best for Philadelphia in November?+
Waterproof ankle boots with traction are essential for November Philadelphia. Old City and Society Hill's cobblestones and brick surfaces become dangerous when wet, and with ~9 rainy days across the month, wet conditions are the norm. Insulation matters given the 38°F lows — choose boots that provide both waterproofing and temperature protection.
How cold does Philadelphia get in November?+
November lows average around 38°F — approaching freezing — with cold snaps pushing overnight temperatures into the mid-30s by late November. Highs reach about 56°F on milder days. The Delaware Valley's damp air makes the cold feel more penetrating than dry climates at the same temperature, and a proper waterproof coat outperforms a dry-climate equivalent by a significant margin.
What should I pack for Philadelphia in November?+
Pack a medium-to-heavy waterproof coat, sweaters, heavier trousers or jeans, waterproof ankle boots, and cold accessories — hat and scarf for outdoor time in Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill. An umbrella is important for the ~9 rainy days. Include one smart-casual evening outfit for Philly's outstanding fall restaurant scene.