Punxsutawney Phil: Photos Of The Weather Predicting Groundhog

By:
February 1, 2017 10:20AM EST

Punxsutawney Phil is the beloved groundhog who makes a prediction about weather every Groundhog Day. See photos of him from the annual celebration here.

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Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil
David Maxwell/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutte

Every year on Groundhog Day — Feb. 2 — Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to make a prediction about the weather. If he sees his shadow, he runs back into the burrow, predicting six more weeks of winter. However, if he does not see his shadow, he stays outside, which is a prediction that spring is coming early. After Phil makes his prediction, he shares the results with his special handlers, who are members of his “inner circle,” and they reiterate the prediction to thousands of viewers, who can watch via live stream.

The Groundhog Day ceremony has become quite a big tradition in Punxsutawney, with thousands of people from all over the country heading to Gobbler’s Knob for days of activities that lead up to the big day. The Groundhog Day tradition began in the late 1800s and has become more fun and built up over the years. Keep scrolling through the gallery to see more photos of Phil!

February 1, 2019, 1:58PM
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Punxsutawney Phil Celebrating Groundhog Day 2023

Punxsutawney Phil Celebrating Groundhog Day 2023
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is held by his handler while being shown to the crowd on Groundhog Day 2023. His prediction was for six more weeks of winter.

February 2, 2023, 8:01AM
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Punxsutawney Phil Makes His 2023 Prediction

Punxsutawney Phil Makes His 2023 Prediction
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow in 2023. The Vice President held him up for the crowd to see.

February 2, 2023, 8:02AM
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Punxsutawney Phil in 2022

Punxsutawney Phil in 2022
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is held by handler AJ Dereume on Groundhog Day. In 2022, he predicted we’d have six more weeks of winter.

February 2, 2023, 7:46AM
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Punxsutawney Phil Addressing The Crowd

Punxsutawney Phil Addressing The Crowd
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is held up to address the crowd during Groundhog Day 2021. He predicted six more weeks of winter.

February 2, 2023, 7:46AM
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Punxsutawney Phil With his Handler

Punxsutawney Phil With his Handler
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil his held by his handler on Groundhog Day. The vice president then read out Phil’s predictions from a scroll.

February 2, 2023, 7:46AM
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Punxsutawney Phil With A.J. Dereume

Punxsutawney Phil With A.J. Dereume
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is cradled by his handler A.J. Dereume on Groundhog Day 2022. Thousands of people gathered to watch whether or not he’d see his shadow. 

February 2, 2022, 8:21AM
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Punxsutawney Phil On Groundhog Day 2022

Punxsutawney Phil On Groundhog Day 2022
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is introduced to the crowd on Groundhog Day 2022. Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

 

February 2, 2022, 8:22AM
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Punxsutawney Phil Celebrating Groundhog Day 2021

Punxsutawney Phil Celebrating Groundhog Day 2021
Barry Reeger/AP/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil gets shown to the viewers on Groundhog Day 2021. The event took place during a snow storm and Phil predicted six more weeks of winter.

February 2, 2022, 7:32AM
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Punxsutawney Phil With His Handler

Punxsutawney Phil With His Handler
David Maxwell/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutte

Punxsutawney Phil is held by handler John Grifiths on Groundhog Day 2018. Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter, at the ceremony.

February 1, 2019, 1:58PM
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Punxsutawney Phil During Groundhog Day 2017

Punxsutawney Phil During Groundhog Day 2017
REX/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, is held by the gloved hands of handler Ron Ploucha during the 129th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. The celebration took place on Feb. 2, 2017.

February 2, 2018, 7:24AM
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Punxsutawney Phil With Handler Ron Ploucha

Punxsutawney Phil With Handler Ron Ploucha
REX/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil is held by his handler, Ron Ploucha, on Groundhog Day 2017. Thousands of people gathered to watch him make his prediction. 

February 2, 2018, 7:24AM
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Punxsutawney Phil After Making His Prediction

Punxsutawney Phil After Making His Prediction
REX/Shutterstock

Punxsutawney Phil stares at the crowd after making his prediction on Groundhog Day 2017. He was held by a handler from his inner circle as he addressed the crowd.

February 2, 2018, 7:24AM
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Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil
Mark Pynes/PennLive.com via AP

Punxsutawney Phil is held by the Inner Circle president, Bil Deeley, ahead of Groundhog Day 2016. Bill showed Phil off to tourists before the big day.

February 2, 2018, 7:25AM