When to go · Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. in January
Mixed month. Outside 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.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) / −1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 10
- Crowds
- Low
- United States overall
- Prices
- Low
- United States overall
Verdict
Outside 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.
Is another month better than January?
January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in January
- Washington, D.C.Highs around 7 °C (45 °F), lows around -1 °C (30 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 45 °F (7 °C), lows around 30 °F (-1 °C), rain on about 10 days
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United States overall
- Low
- Prices · United States overall
- Low
United States overall: Cold and snowy north and in the mountains; Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest are the picks.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Washington, D.C., side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Mixed
Mar: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jan: 7 °C (45 °F)45 °F (7 °C)
Mar: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Night low
Jan: -1 °C (30 °F)30 °F (-1 °C)
Mar: 4 °C (39 °F)39 °F (4 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 10
Mar: 10
Crowds
Jan: Low
Mar: Medium
Prices
Jan: Low
Mar: Medium
Festivals listed
Jan: 0
Mar: 2
January: Outside 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.
March: 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.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast