When to go · Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., month by month
The best months for Washington, D.C.: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct. Months to avoid: Jul, Aug.
Month by month
- JanuaryMixedOutside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.7 °C (45 °F) / -1 °C (30 °F), 10 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 30 °F (-1 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: Low
- FebruaryMixedOutside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Still winter north; ski season in the Rockies; Presidents' Day weekend busy. Mardi Gras in New Orleans (date varies).9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 10 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.20 °C (68 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 10 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.25 °C (77 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 11 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 11 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneGoodOutside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Rockies and northern parks open; desert heat builds; hurricane season starts. Book parks months ahead.29 °C (84 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 10 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 68 °F (20 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: High
- JulyAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid).32 °C (90 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 11 rain days90 °F (32 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 11 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid).31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 9 rain days88 °F (31 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High
- SeptemberGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.27 °C (81 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 8 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 64 °F (18 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.21 °C (70 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 8 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- NovemberMixedOutside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Quiet between holidays; Thanksgiving week is the busiest travel period of the year.14 °C (57 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 8 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- DecemberMixedOutside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). Across United States: Holiday lights in New York, ski season opens; flights and hotels peak around Christmas and New Year.9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 9 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Washington, D.C., side by side.
Verdict
Mar: Great
Apr: Great
Daytime high
Mar: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Apr: 20 °C (68 °F)68 °F (20 °C)
Night low
Mar: 4 °C (39 °F)39 °F (4 °C)
Apr: 9 °C (48 °F)48 °F (9 °C)
Rain days
Mar: 10
Apr: 10
Crowds
Mar: Medium
Apr: Medium
Prices
Mar: Medium
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Mar: 2
Apr: 1
March: Inside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
April: Inside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
Washington, D.C.: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.