Washington DC Weather
A month-by-month look at temperature, rainfall and what to pack in Washington DC. The annual average is 20°C high / 10°C low — hottest in July (Peak summer — 4th of July fireworks + humidity peak) (32°C) and coldest in January (Winter — coldest, inauguration year peak every 4 years) (-1°C).
Washington DC Weather at a Glance
As of 2026A quick summary of Washington DC's year-round climate and the best time to visit.
- Annual average
- 20° / 10°
- Best time to visit
- March (Cherry Blossom shoulder — peak bloom watch begins late month), April (Cherry Blossom tail + spring peak — DC's most beautiful month), October (Foliage peak — DC's #2 best month after April Cherry Blossom)
- Hottest month
- July (Peak summer — 4th of July fireworks + humidity peak) (32°C)
- Coldest month
- January (Winter — coldest, inauguration year peak every 4 years) (-1°C)
- Wettest month
- May (Spring tail — comfortable + before summer humidity) (100mm)
- Driest month
- February (Winter tail — Presidents' Day + Black History Month) (70mm)
As of 2026, Washington DC's weather averages 20°C high / 10°C low across the year, and the best time to visit for stable temperatures, rainfall and crowds is March (Cherry Blossom shoulder — peak bloom watch begins late month), April (Cherry Blossom tail + spring peak — DC's most beautiful month), October (Foliage peak — DC's #2 best month after April Cherry Blossom). The hottest month is July (Peak summer — 4th of July fireworks + humidity peak) (32°C), the coldest is January (Winter — coldest, inauguration year peak every 4 years) (-1°C), and the wettest is May (Spring tail — comfortable + before summer humidity) (100mm).
Best Time to Visit Washington DC
**Late March Cherry Blossom peak window — DC's #1 tourism event. Book hotels 6+ months ahead (1.5-2x normal prices). National Park Service publishes bloom forecast March 1.**
**DC's most beautiful month — Cherry Blossom tail + spring colors + comfortable 19/9°C. Hotels still 1.5-2x normal. Book all attractions 1-2 months ahead.**
**DC's #2 best month after April Cherry Blossom — climate ideal + foliage peak mid-month + Marine Corps Marathon last Sunday. Hotels still affordable (only 1.1x normal). Book Capitol + minibar 2-3 weeks ahead.**
Washington DC Weather Month by Month
Tap any month for a detailed guide with what to wear, sunrise/sunset and air quality.
What to Wear in Washington DC by Season
Spring perfect — light jacket morning + T-shirt afternoon + sunglasses. Rain jacket essential (April 80mm rainfall + 10 rainy days). Comfortable walking shoes mandatory (3km National Mall walk + Cherry Blossom Tidal Basin loop). Light scarf for evening 9°C lows.
Peak heat + humidity — lightweight cotton/linen T-shirt + shorts + breathable sneakers + wide-brim hat + sunglasses + sunscreen SPF 50. Carry 2L water. Cooling towel useful. Light cardigan for AC indoors (museums freeze at 18°C). Rain poncho for afternoon thunderstorms (cumulonimbus 14:00-17:00 daily).
Autumn perfect — long-sleeve shirt + light jacket + jeans/pants + comfortable sneakers + light scarf. Layer for 11°C morning + 20°C afternoon swings. Rain jacket for occasional showers. Wide-brim hat optional. Best DC walking weather of the year.
Winter tail — still need insulated jacket + hat + gloves but slightly milder than January. Snow possible 1-3 days per month. Indoor museum focus still works. Late month sees first hint of warmth (10-12°C some days).
Washington DC Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Washington DC? +
For weather, March (Cherry Blossom shoulder — peak bloom watch begins late month), April (Cherry Blossom tail + spring peak — DC's most beautiful month), October (Foliage peak — DC's #2 best month after April Cherry Blossom) are the most comfortable months. Highs sit around 14°C with relatively stable rainfall and crowds.
What are the hottest and coldest months in Washington DC? +
The hottest month is July (Peak summer — 4th of July fireworks + humidity peak) with an average high of 32°C, and the coldest is January (Winter — coldest, inauguration year peak every 4 years) with an average low of -1°C. The annual average is 20°C high / 10°C low.
When does it rain most in Washington DC? +
The wettest month is May (Spring tail — comfortable + before summer humidity) (100mm over about 11 rainy days) and the driest is February (Winter tail — Presidents' Day + Black History Month) (70mm). Total annual rainfall is roughly 1045mm.
What should I pack for Washington DC? +
Spring (Mar–May) averages 19/9°C — Spring perfect — light jacket morning + T-shirt afternoon + sunglasses. Rain jacket essential (April 80mm rainfall + 10 rainy days). Comfortable walking shoes mandatory (3km National Mall walk + Cherry Blossom Tidal Basin loop). Light scarf for evening 9°C lows. Summer (Jun–Aug) averages 31/21°C — Peak heat + humidity — lightweight cotton/linen T-shirt + shorts + breathable sneakers + wide-brim hat + sunglasses + sunscreen SPF 50. Carry 2L water. Cooling towel useful. Light cardigan for AC indoors (museums freeze at 18°C). Rain poncho for afternoon thunderstorms (cumulonimbus 14:00-17:00 daily). Autumn (Sep–Nov) averages 20/11°C — Autumn perfect — long-sleeve shirt + light jacket + jeans/pants + comfortable sneakers + light scarf. Layer for 11°C morning + 20°C afternoon swings. Rain jacket for occasional showers. Wide-brim hat optional. Best DC walking weather of the year. Winter (Dec–Feb) averages 8/0°C — Winter tail — still need insulated jacket + hat + gloves but slightly milder than January. Snow possible 1-3 days per month. Indoor museum focus still works. Late month sees first hint of warmth (10-12°C some days).
What is the weather in Washington DC this month (June (Summer start — humidity ramps + Capital Pride))? +
June (Summer start — humidity ramps + Capital Pride) averages 29°C high / 19°C low with 100mm rainfall over about 10 rainy days. Crowds are busy and prices are high.
Keep Planning Your Washington DC Trip
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.