Hey, everybody! I am from St. Louis, Missouri, where the weather is somewhat moderate. Until recently, I told myself that I would never go to a college in a city that was north of St. Louis, because I can’t stand cold weather. However, I heard that Philadelphia’s weather is actually somewhat comparable to St. Louis, so I should thus considering UPenn. Are Philadelphia winters all that bad or is Philadelphia a manageable city weather-wise?
I don’t know about St. Louis but I can tell you Philly weather sucks in the winter. It’s cold, dark, gray, and dirty and slushy from about December through end of March. But Phila is a GREAT city with a super fun nightlife for college students and top restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.
Philly is NOT cold, dark, gray, dirty and slushy throughout winter. Philly weather is quite similar to the other cities in the area, like Baltimore, DC, and NY. Over the last few years there really haven’t even been that many storms that come through, although there have been a few, as well as some periods of very cold weather. My expectations would be that winter is quite similar to what you would find in St. Louis. Sure it’s winter - but it’s nothing you need to avoid, especially if you’re already used to St. Louis.
I live in Philly and agree that it is not always cold, dark, gray, dirty, etc. in the winter. We walk, take public transit, and Lyft and are able to function all winter. We are out and about all winter. Remember that most cities are urban heat islands and are warmer than the suburbs and rural areas. The city looks beautiful when it does snow and I agree that after the first day the snow is no longer clean and pretty, but it doesn’t stay around for long and sadly hasn’t been sticking lately.
The city really is fun for college students ( and my girls have loved growing up here). Good luck with your decision.
Lol maybe I’m just showing my age cause I hate winter and cold weather. But yes Philly is very functional all year long with many ways to get around the city. It really is a great place to live and study.
@allieandjoe I’m 51 and grew up in Florida and I’ll take our Philly weather any day, lol;)
I went to college in Philla. and loved it. – the city. has typical northeast weather. I found this in a two second google search – I’m sure you can find more weather statistics if you want with a minimal amount of effort… https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Pennsylvania/Places/philadelphia-temperatures-by-month-average.php
Penn - the Miami of the Ivies!