Best time to visit Washington
The best months to visit Washington are May, October and September, based on month-by-month temperature and rainfall data. The full year of weather, daylight, holidays, and festival timing is below.
May, October and September score best for Washington weather:
- May24° / 14°CMay is warm and green, strong for Georgetown, Eastern Market, and evening memorial walks.
- September27° / 17°CSeptember eases into better walking weather for Capitol Hill, Dupont, and evening waterfronts.
- October20° / 10°COctober is one of the best months, with comfortable Mall walks and fall color near Rock Creek.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026
Washington weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6° | -2° | 80 | 13 | 10h |
| February | 8° | -1° | 76 | 13 | 10h |
| March | 13° | 3° | 91 | 14 | 11h |
| April | 19° | 9° | 87 | 15 | 13h |
| MayBest weather | 24° | 14° | 95 | 16 | 14h |
| June | 29° | 19° | 97 | 17 | 15h |
| July | 31° | 22° | 107 | 17 | 15h |
| August | 30° | 21° | 91 | 16 | 14h |
| SeptemberBest weather | 27° | 17° | 107 | 13 | 13h |
| OctoberBest weather | 20° | 10° | 88 | 11 | 12h |
| November | 14° | 4° | 73 | 11 | 11h |
| December | 9° | 1° | 90 | 12 | 10h |
Temperatures in °C. Long-term monthly averages.
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Washington month by month
January
Washington in January: 6.2°C high, -1.8°C low, 79.8mm rain over 13 days, 9.8h daylight. Cold and wet — bundle up, museum and pool weather.
Washington Auto Show (late January) · Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show (late January)
February
Washington in February: 8.3°C high, -0.8°C low, 76.3mm rain over 13 days, 10.3h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
March
Washington in March: 13.2°C high, 3°C low, 90.7mm rain over 14 days, 11.4h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
National Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March–early April) · Blossom Kite Festival (Late March)
April
Washington in April: 19.4°C high, 8.6°C low, 87.1mm rain over 15 days, 12.7h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
National Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March–early April)
MayBest weather
Washington in May: 24°C high, 13.8°C low, 94.7mm rain over 16 days, 13.9h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
June
Washington in June: 29°C high, 19.1°C low, 96.7mm rain over 17 days, 14.7h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Late June–around 4 July)
July
Washington in July: 31.4°C high, 21.7°C low, 107.2mm rain over 17 days, 14.8h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
A Capitol Fourth (4 July) · Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Late June–around 4 July) · Otakon (Three-day weekend in Jul or Aug (varies))
August
Washington in August: 30.3°C high, 20.9°C low, 91mm rain over 16 days, 14.2h daylight. Hot and rainy — afternoon storms, plan indoor afternoons.
Shakespeare Free for All (Early August) · Otakon (Three-day weekend in Jul or Aug (varies))
SeptemberBest weather
Washington in September: 26.5°C high, 16.8°C low, 107.4mm rain over 13 days, 13h daylight. Mild but rainy — flexible plans pay off.
Library of Congress National Book Festival (One Saturday in early September)
OctoberBest weather
Washington in October: 20.2°C high, 10.2°C low, 88mm rain over 11 days, 11.8h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
November
Washington in November: 13.9°C high, 4.2°C low, 72.8mm rain over 11 days, 10.5h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
December
Washington in December: 8.7°C high, 0.6°C low, 90.4mm rain over 12 days, 9.6h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
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