Best time to go to Washington D. C. Average weather of Washington D. C., United States
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Washington D. C.?
The best time to visit Washington DC, based on the weather, is from April to October. During these months, you will enjoy pleasant weather to explore the numerous monuments and museums of this historic city. Whether you want to stroll along the National Mall, visit the Capitol, or even wander through the picturesque neighborhood of Georgetown, the mild climate during this period will make your stay most enjoyable.
For those looking to cool off during their visit, the best time to swim at the beaches in Maryland or Virginia is from July to September, with water temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 28°C (83°F) .
However, it is important to note that the peak tourist season in Washington DC is from April to October, as well as in December. During this period, the city is particularly lively, hosting numerous events such as the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival in April or the year-end festivities in December. However, this tourist influx can also mean longer queues for popular attractions and higher accommodation rates.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, considering visiting Washington DC outside of the peak season can be a good option. Despite less favorable weather, you can appreciate the city from a different perspective, with fewer tourists and more advantageous rates.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the mildness of spring, the heat of summer, the colors of autumn, or the tranquility of winter, Washington DC always has something to offer its visitors.
So, when is the best time to go to Washington D. C.? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Washington D. C. are April, May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are June, July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are May, June, July, August, September and October
- The best months for swimming are July, August and September
Annual weather in Washington D. C.
Weather details in Washington D. C. month by month
Weather and climate in Washington D. C.
Welcome to Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. This dynamic city is a global center for politics, history, and culture. It enjoys a humid subtropical climate, meaning it has hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and regular precipitation throughout the year. The climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate with no dry season and hot summer according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Keep reading for a season-by-season breakdown of Washington D.C.'s climate.
Winter in Washington D.C. (December - February)
Winter in Washington D.C. can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 8°C (47°F) . January is usually the coldest month, with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F) in the morning and 5°C (41°F) at noon. It is also during these months that the city experiences the most snow days, although it is usually light. Snow is a fairly rare occurrence, but it can add a winter charm to the city when it falls.
Spring in Washington D.C. (March - May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Washington D.C. Temperatures start to warm up, with averages ranging from 5°C (41°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) in May. The highlight of spring in Washington D.C. is the blooming of cherry blossoms, a celebrated event each year with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Summer in Washington D.C. (June - August)
Summer in Washington D.C. is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (92°F) in July. However, the weather is generally sunny, making it a great time to visit the city's many outdoor monuments and museums. The sun shines generously during the summer, with an average of 12 to 14 clear sky days per month.
Autumn in Washington D.C. (September - November)
Autumn sees a gradual drop in temperatures, with averages ranging from 28°C (83°F) in September to 14°C (58°F) in November. It's a great time to visit as the leaves change color, bringing picturesque beauty to the city. Precipitation is also lower in the fall, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
In conclusion, Washington D.C. offers a variety of climatic conditions throughout the year, from cool winters to hot and humid summers. Whether you prefer the quiet beauty of the city under snow, the splendor of cherry blossoms in spring, the sunny warmth of summer, or the vibrant colors of autumn, there is always a good reason to visit Washington D.C..
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Washington D. C.
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Washington D. C.: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Washington D. C.
Find out when Washington D. C. has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Washington D. C.
- Very low season in Washington D. C.
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and February. - Low season in Washington D. C.
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, November and December. - High season in Washington D. C.
The number of visitors to Washington D. C. is high in: April, May, June, July, September and October. - Peak season in Washington D. C.
The largest number of tourists visiting Washington D. C. is during: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Washington D. C. month by month
Best time for low prices in Washington D. C.
Average prices of hotels in Washington D. C. month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Washington D. C.. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Washington D. C.
A return flight between London and Washington D. C. is generally cheaper if you go in february ($ 487 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 417 more for your airline ticket to Washington D. C. if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Washington D. C.
Average price of hiring a car in Washington D. C.
On average, it costs $ 99 per day to hire a car in Washington D. C.. This price varies by $ 34 depending on the month. In december, hiring a car costs an average of $ 85 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 118.
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