United States Washington DC Weather in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) — Climate Guide
December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) in Washington DC is Fair (cold + holiday lights)
Washington DC Weather in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 9° / 1°
- Rainfall
- 90mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) averages a high of 9°C and low of 1°C with 90mm of rain over about 9 days. Winter holiday — insulated jacket + wool hat + gloves + scarf + waterproof boots (snow + slush + cold rain). Layered base + mid + outer essential. Indoor museums + Metro stations heated. Holiday decorations make evening walking pleasant despite cold.
December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) is Fair (cold + holiday lights) for Washington DC.
Holiday season — National Christmas Tree + holiday displays + NYE fireworks make December magical despite cold. Smithsonians closed Christmas Day only. Hotels rise late month for holiday travel. Indoor museum focus + evening holiday lights combo.
Travel score
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) Weather Stats
Avg High
9°C
Avg Low
1°C
Rainy Days
9
90mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
Comfortable winter
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 28
Sea Temp
0°C
Not swimmable
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
38 μg/m³
Status
Good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
7°C
Nighttime
-3°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 28 km/h
Activities Recommended for December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)
December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- **National Christmas Tree (Ellipse) + holiday displays**
- **NYE fireworks at Lincoln Memorial Dec 31**
- Holiday markets (Downtown Holiday Market + Penn Quarter)
- Smithsonian holiday programs
- Indoor museum-heavy works
Cons
- Cold + wind chill -3 to -5°C
- Daylight only 9h 25m (sunset 16:45)
- Snow + ice 2-4 days
- Hotels spike Christmas + NYE weeks
- Smithsonians closed Christmas Day
December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) Events & Festivals
- **National Christmas Tree continues lit (Ellipse south of White House through Jan 1)**
- **Holiday displays at National Building Museum (Christmas Tree exhibit) + US Botanic Garden + Holiday Markets at Downtown Holiday Market + Smithsonian holiday programs**
- Christmas Day (Dec 25, all Smithsonians closed)
- **New Year's Eve fireworks at Lincoln Memorial (Dec 31)**
- Kennedy Center Honors (early December, by invitation)
Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) — Full Picture
Holiday season — National Christmas Tree + holiday displays + NYE fireworks make December magical despite cold. Smithsonians closed Christmas Day only. Hotels rise late month for holiday travel. Indoor museum focus + evening holiday lights combo.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Winter holiday — insulated jacket + wool hat + gloves + scarf + waterproof boots (snow + slush + cold rain). Layered base + mid + outer essential. Indoor museums + Metro stations heated. Holiday decorations make evening walking pleasant despite cold.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19°C
9°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
30.7°C
20.7°C
9.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
20.3°C
11°C
8/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current8.3°C
0°C
8.7/mo
Washington DC Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7° | -1° | 9d·75mm | 5h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 9° | 0° | 8d·70mm | 6h | 62% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 14° | 4° | 9d·80mm | 7h | 60% | 5 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 19° | 9° | 10d·80mm | 8h | 60% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 24° | 14° | 11d·100mm | 9h | 65% | 8 | Busy | Peak | |
| 29° | 19° | 10d·100mm | 10h | 70% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 22° | 10d·100mm | 10h | 73% | 10 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 31° | 21° | 8d·90mm | 9h | 73% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 27° | 17° | 8d·100mm | 8h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 11° | 8d·80mm | 7h | 65% | 5 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 14° | 5° | 8d·80mm | 6h | 65% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 9° | 1° | 9d·90mm | 5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) a good time to visit Washington DC?
Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) is Fair (cold + holiday lights). Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) averages a high of 9°C and a low of 1°C.
Does it rain much in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) averages 90mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
Winter holiday — insulated jacket + wool hat + gloves + scarf + waterproof boots (snow + slush + cold rain). Layered base + mid + outer essential. Indoor museums + Metro stations heated. Holiday decorations make evening walking pleasant despite cold.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) sunrise is 07:20 and sunset is 16:45, with 9h 25m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) air quality (AQI) averages 45, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Washington DC in December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE)?
In December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE), Washington DC is great for **National Christmas Tree Lighting (Ellipse)**, **NYE fireworks (Lincoln Memorial, Dec 31)**, Smithsonian holiday programs.
Is December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) peak season in Washington DC?
Washington DC December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Washington DC
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Planning a December (Winter + Holiday season — Christmas + NYE) trip to Washington DC?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.