Spring in Philadelphia. Ugh. Not my fav! Dare I say hate? Hate might be a strong word—maybe dread? Stick with me.
Now, I’ll give credit where it’s due: the start of baseball, March Madness, Rita’s opening, a few flowers blooming… all good things. But I’d much rather be sitting in the stands watching the Fightins’ without a ski hat, gloves, boots—and yes, hand warmers. I’m soft, I know.
I’ve lived here most of my life, minus a few years in my college/early 20s era when I was down South. And let me tell you—spring there is glorious. Warm days, cool nights, flowers popping, that fresh green grass smell with every step. It’s a welcome reward after winter.
Here? Spring’s a dupe. One day it’s a perfect 70 degrees, and you think It’s Spring! The next morning you’re back in 40-degree temps, cold rain, and a gray sky, lighting up the fireplace.
Don’t get me wrong—I live for that first 65-degree day. Sitting outside, face turned up to the sun, pretending winter didn’t just drag on forever. But we all know the perfect day is short-lived.
Which brings me to something you’ve may have heard of: The 5 Stages of Philly Spring. It’s funny because it’s painfully accurate—and we go through it …Every. Single. Year!
The 5 Stages of Philly Spring:
- Fool’s Spring – One random, glorious 65° day hits and suddenly everyone’s out in t-shirts and flip flops like it’s July.
- Second Winter – Just kidding. Temps drop, the wind kicks up, and we’re back to coats, rain, and maybe even a little wet snow.
- The Pollening – Everything turns yellow. The cars, the sidewalks—your sinuses.
- Mud & Grey – Days of rain turn everything into a dreary, muddy mess.
- Actual Spring (late May/June) – It finally arrives… warm, sunny, and perfect—just in time for summer.
And somehow, every year, we forget all about those first four stages the second the sun is out again. I guess the long, agonizing wait allows us to appreciate more, making the eventual joy “all the more worth it”.
Happy Spring Y’all!
Regina
