Weather in Philadelphia and When to Plan Your Cruise

Philadelphia's new cruise port is the latest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line's offerings. If you're excited to book a cruise from this freshly added destination, you'll find several compelling options. The weather in Philadelphia and your desired cruise destination may impact the ideal time for your travel.

Here's what you need to know to plan an incredible Norwegian cruise experience from Philly with the climate in mind. 

If you're planning to spend some time exploring Philadelphia before or after your cruise, you may want to consider the weather in Philadelphia and how it will impact your itinerary. Some seasons are better for strolling the streets of Philadelphia than others. Spring, summer, and fall all have unique benefits to recommend them.

Between March and May, the "City of Brotherly Love" emerges from the winter gloom and blooms charmingly into spring. Philadelphia is home to hundreds of flowering Yoshino Cherry trees. You'll find some of the city's best cherry blossoms in West Fairmont Park and the area along the Schuylkill River. The blossoms peak between the last week of March and the first week of April. 

March is still a bit chilly with highs in the low 50s and lows that still dip into the 30s. By April, things start to warm up to an average high of about 62 degrees and a low around 42. May becomes really comfortable with a high averaging 73 and an average low that's just over 52 degrees. Since summer hasn't set in yet, these months are still affordable. You can score a great deal on your hotel room, enjoy top attractions with little to no wait, and still avoid the perils of a Philadelphia winter.

If warm weather is a top priority, you'll want to hit Philadelphia in June, July, or August. Just know that you won't be the only one with this idea. The summer months are prime tourist season for the city, so prices are high and crowds are abundant.

You'll find average highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, keeping things comfortable.

Autumn is another beautiful season for the city. Fairmont Park, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Bowman's Hill Tower are stunning with a backdrop of brilliantly bright leaves. Leaves typically change between late September and early October. September is still warm, with highs in the 70s and lows dipping into the upper 50s. By October, temps start to fall, with an average high of 66 and an average low of 46 degrees.

You can book a Philadelphia cruisetour with select cruises between May and September for a guided tour of the city. Philadelphia is also easy to explore on your own if you prefer a self-guided stay. 

Though some people think of Bermuda as an island all its own, it is actually an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are home to numerous delights, including the mystical Crystal Caves, historic St. George Island, and picture-perfect pink sand beaches. Bermuda enjoys a humid subtropical climate. Sitting at the same latitude as the Carolinas, it's not as hot as you might expect, but Bermuda is never frigidly cold, either.

April marks the beginning of the cruise season to Bermuda. As such, it's a great time for budget bookings. You'll enjoy warm weather with highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s. You may want a wetsuit for water activities, but you'll typically enjoy plenty of sunny days and refreshingly low humidity. This is prime season for bike rides and ATV tours.

By May, the highs climb into the 80s, and the ocean begins to warm up. Humidity rises as well, but it's still only moderate. May kicks off prime fishing season in Bermuda.

June and July are great for water activities in Bermuda, as highs climb into the mid- to upper 80s with lows in the 70s. This is a beautiful time to bask on the pink sand of Horseshoe Bay beach. By July, you may even get highs in the 90s. You won't be the only traveler to target this time of year, though, so expect higher prices. 

It's worth noting that June kicks off hurricane season in the Atlantic, and Bermuda is situated squarely in the hurricane belt. Though your ship will steer clear of any dangerous weather, you may experience delays or rerouted itineraries.

By August, you'll find hot weather and high humidity in Bermuda. Prices dip slightly as a result. Sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular choices around this time of the year. 

By September, you're sailing into the shoulder season, which is a great time to score cruise deals. Temperatures fall slightly, though they'll still be in the 80s until October. By November, things cool off noticeably with average highs around 65 degrees. November 30 marks the end of hurricane season. If you don't mind a cooler trip, you can find competitive prices and safety from storms with a late Bermuda cruise in December.

Norwegian offers Caribbean cruises from Philadelphia between November and April. November is still part of hurricane season, but it's a great time for an affordable cruise. While it is still the rainy season, you'll find that many showers pass in just a few minutes. Temperatures are still around the 70s and 80s, and the waters are warm, creating ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and playing in waterfalls. 

By December, the hurricane threat has passed, and the weather is noticeably drier. This is a great time for boat tours and horseback rides on the beach. Prices are high around the holidays, however, so you'll splurge on this stunning cruise vacation.

January and February are among the very best months to cruise to the Caribbean. You'll escape the cold, dreary weather in Philadelphia to arrive at an idyllic island escape. Temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s during the day and rarely dip lower than the 60s at night. After New Year's, you'll find fewer travelers and lower prices.

March and April offer warmer weather. You'll find plenty of spring break travelers headed to the Caribbean alongside your family during this season. You can expect clear skies, warming water, and a festive atmosphere on the islands. This is the perfect time to pursue sun, sand, and shopping or book a farm experience where you can see how crops and livestock are managed in the Caribbean. 

You can cruise to the Bahamas from Philadelphia in February and March. For many, this is the best time to plan a cruise along this route. Your itinerary will typically stop in Florida on the way south. In Jacksonville and Orlando, you'll find low crowds and comfortable weather. In Orlando, highs peak in the mid- to upper 70s in February and March with lows in the 50s. Jacksonville is only slightly cooler. 

Theme parks, museums, and zoos are just perfect in these conditions. You'll enjoy short lines and plenty of sun without the sweltering heat that settles in over the summer. 

Down in the Bahamas, you'll find highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-60s. These are great conditions for Jeep adventures, cultural tours, and foodie experiences. There's a low chance of rain, so you'll have plenty of sun to warm up your days. At Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay private island, you'll find that the 28,000-square-foot pool is perfectly heated to provide a comfortable dip in any weather. 

In September and October, Norwegian offers cruises from Philadelphia to Canada and New England. You'll enjoy the crisp beauty of fall all along your route at this time. Though you're still in hurricane season, you're less likely to experience hurricane weather this far north. If you want a cruise that departs from the typical island adventure, this is a great option. You can stroll the Freedom Trail in Boston in comfortable temperatures that hover in the 60s and 70s. 

As you head further north, temperatures dip slightly. Expect highs in the 60s in September and 50s in October for the rest of your route. In Saint John, New Brunswick, you'll have fine weather for a trolley or walking tour around the city to take in highlights like the Old City Market and Fort Howe. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can take a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour to explore museums and historic sites or enjoy a brisk coastal drive to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove.

These cruises typically debark in Quebec City. If you stay for a few days post-cruise, you can enjoy highlights like the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, Battlefields Park, and The Citadel fortress. A Canada and New England cruise is ripe with history and culture from start to finish, offering a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

Many of the best cruises from Philadelphia do take place during hurricane season. Spanning half the year, this period is difficult to avoid for many travelers. Fortunately, you don't have to stay away from hurricane season entirely when you know how to prepare. 

Plan to spend a day or two at your embarkation and debarkation port on either end of your cruise to avoid any complications associated with potential delays. If a hurricane is in the area, you may find that your ship or your flight is delayed. Giving yourself a cushion will help you avoid the last-minute panic of a late flight before you're due to embark on your ship.

Cruise captains are extremely cautious about hurricanes and stay clear of any hazardous weather. Cruise ships are often fast enough to outrun a hurricane, and modern weather tracking technology makes it easy to understand where the threat is. You may find that your cruise is rerouted to avoid the worst weather. Cruise with an open mind and flexible agenda, and you'll find that you can make the most of any port. 

Norwegian is currently the only cruise line traveling out of Philadelphia. Experience this new cruise port yourself by booking your vacation with Norwegian now. No matter where you go, you'll enjoy Norwegian's Free at Sea. Start scheduling your next trip today!