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 / -1 °C, 10 rain days45 °F / 30 °F, 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 / 0 °C, 9 rain days48 °F / 32 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.14 °C / 4 °C, 10 rain days57 °F / 39 °F, 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.20 °C / 9 °C, 10 rain days68 °F / 48 °F, 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.25 °C / 14 °C, 11 rain days77 °F / 57 °F, 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 / 20 °C, 10 rain days84 °F / 68 °F, 10 rain daysCrowds: High
- JulyAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid).32 °C / 22 °C, 11 rain days90 °F / 72 °F, 11 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jul–Aug (hot and humid).31 °C / 22 °C, 9 rain days88 °F / 72 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: High
- SeptemberGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.27 °C / 18 °C, 8 rain days81 °F / 64 °F, 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberGreatInside Washington, D.C.'s best window: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.21 °C / 11 °C, 8 rain days70 °F / 52 °F, 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 / 6 °C, 8 rain days57 °F / 43 °F, 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 / 2 °C, 9 rain days48 °F / 36 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday