Best Time To Visit Washington > Weather, Temperature & Season

What is the best time to visit Washington?

Washington DC is indeed a year-round destination. The best time to visit Washington DC would be in the fall season, from September to November. The weather conditions are pleasant with lesser tourists. Regardless of the time of your visit, the memorials remain open 24x7, and the Smithsonian museums operate on all days except Christmas. Overall, the weather is relatively mild and the city witnesses four distinct seasons, of almost the same length. Expect cold and snowy winters, scorching and humid summers and rainstorms in extremely short bursts. One of the most beautiful things that Washington DC has to offer is its beloved cherry blossoms. If you want to witness the cherry blossom trees at its best, then it is recommended to plan a trip between mid-March and June. For tourists who are looking to partake in spectacular public celebrations, the best time to visit would be during the 4th of July celebrations.

Weather in Washington

Upcoming Washington Weather

Monthly Weather in Washington

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	9°/ 1°	5 days
February	11°/ 2°	9 days
March	16°/ 7°	8 days
April	17°/ 7°	7 days
May	26°/ 16°	11 days
June	29°/ 19°	12 days
July	32°/ 22°	15 days
August	30°/ 21°	15 days
September	29°/ 19°	2 days
October	22°/ 13°	6 days
November	12°/ 3°	2 days
December	9°/ 1°	8 days

Top Hotels In Washington

More about Best Time to Travel to Washington

Washington in August

Weather
The average temperatures are still soaring in August. However, Washington DC witnesses a much quieter time in this month. Kids head back to school and politicians take a recess. August is easily the second hottest month of the year. It also has the highest precipitation of the year. Expect warm and muggy days with slight thundershowers. The rainfall in Washington DC occurs in short waves. So you can expect to go on about your day after the brief hiatus.

Events & Festivals in August
DC Beer Week is held in August. The festival focuses on celebrating the Capital city’s craft beer community. A vast variety of small, large and home breweries come together to take part in the festivities. You can expect to learn about the several stages of brewing, right from conception to the pint.
The Summer Restaurant Week is also held in August. The participating restaurants offer special menus at fixed and often slashed prices, encouraging everyone to try out new places and dishes. It is advised to make reservations in advance as some popular restaurants get entirely booked out.

Washington in September

Weather
September marks the beginning of fall in Washington DC. It is also one of the best times to explore the city on foot and take part in a wide range of outdoor activities. The changing colours of the leaves add to the pleasure of outdoor recreation.

Events & Festivals in September
September is an ideal month to get a taste of Washington DC’s local culture. Several neighbourhoods host their local festivals. DC State Fair sees a bunch of artisans and lots of history talk. Barracks ROw Fall festival has the Marine’s Silent Drill team performances. Adams Morgan Day is one of the oldest neighbourhood festivals and takes place in Northwest DC. The H Street Festival that started as a block party is now a one-stop destination for live music, art exhibits and fashion shows.

Washington in October

Weather
October is a great time to plan a trip to Washington DC. The temperatures reach a mild state this month. It is a pleasant time to take a hike or to participate in the Halloween events. There is also a decrease in the number of tourist crowds. The weather conditions are still quite warm, but there are no heat waves experienced, like in summer.

Events & Festivals in October
Taste of DC is considered to be the most significant culinary festival held in the mid-Atlantic region. It usually begins at the start of October. The festival comprises of tastings form a wide spectrum of restaurants and beer gardens. There are live music events and culinary demonstrations. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, from their website.
Another annual event is the DC High Heel Drag Queen Race. It is held on the Tuesday before Halloween. Hundreds of spectators gather to watch the costumed drag queens exhibit their elaborate outfits as they race down the 17th Street. It is advised to arrive early as this event witnesses a considerable crowd.
The Marine Corps Marathon is an annual race that brings together runners from all walks of life. It is also referred to as “The People’s Marathon”.

Washington in November

Weather
With the advent of November, the days get shorter and colder in Washington DC. This month witnesses a transition from fall-like weather to winter-like weather. It is recommended to pack lots of warm clothing. There are considerably lesser crowds at this time of the year.

Events & Festivals in November
Veterans Day is celebrated on 11th November. It is a federal holiday and promises a plethora of activities and wreath-laying ceremonies. Thanksgiving comes towards the end of this month. This classic American holiday provides an opportunity to take part in volunteering activities, local Turkey Trots, and other events.

Washington in December

Weather
Washington DC reaches its peak beauty during this Christmas month. Giant red bow decorations, the glittering National Christmas Tree, all add to the festive vibes of the city. December also sees shorter and colder days. This month also records the least amount of sunshine received in the year, at 66 hours. The minimum temperature usually sinks below the freezing point. There is considerable snowfall, hence a white Christmas.

Events and Festivals in December
The National Christmas Tree, located on the South side of the White House, is an honoured tradition. Do visit it and take in its spectacular beauty. The latter part of the month offers a wide array of holiday happenings that you and your entire family can partake in. Another noteworthy event is the ZooLights when the National Zoo is all lit up with LED lights.

Washington in July

Weather
July is the warmest month of the year for Washington DC. Expect soaring temperatures and humidity. Washington DC receives the maximum sunshine (an average of 226 hours) in this summer month. Afternoons usually tend to get extremely warm. Expect sunny skies with light winds. However, outdoor activities and events remain the major attraction of this month.

Events & Festivals in July
The most popular time to visit Washington DC is on the Fourth of July, Independence Day. There is no other place to celebrate this occasion, other than the nation's capital. There are fireworks, a concert and a sunset parade. There is a parade with drum corps and military units in the morning. The best place to catch the parade would be outside the National Archives. Fireworks on the fourth of July is a longstanding American tradition. People usually go to the lawns near the Washington Monument to witness the fireworks. The Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial are two other favourite spots to watch the fireworks from. The entry to the Capitol Concert is free, and spots are served on a first come basis. The concert usually starts at around 8 PM, but it is recommended to get in line at least two hours prior if you’re hoping for a good spot. Also, make sure you carry snacks along.
The Smithsonian Folklife festival extends into the first week of July. The last few days of the festival are curated exclusively for kids. It’s a free event and is open to the public on all days.

Washington in Peak Season

The peak season for tourism in Washington DC is during Spring and Summer. The tourist attractions, museums and historical sites are packed with millions of visitors. Summer sees an additional inflow of local tourists owing to the schools going on break. The rush of tourism in Spring can be attributed to the blooming cherry blossoms. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance during the peak season.