Best Time to Visit Washington DC
United States · Humid Subtropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
Recommended Months
Based on temperature comfort, low precipitation, and sunshine hours, the best time to visit Washington DC is:
June → August → July
June scores 66/100 — the highest-rated month for travel.
Monthly Ratings (0-100)
Scores are weighted: temperature comfort (50%), low precipitation (30%), sunshine (20%). Higher is better.
| Month | Overall Score | Temp Comfort | Precipitation | Sunshine | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| February | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | |
| March | 14 | 29 | 0 | 0 | |
| April | 25 | 50 | 0 | 0 | |
| May | 36 | 72 | 0 | 0 | |
| June | 50 | 99 | 0 | 0 | |
| July | 42 | 85 | 0 | 0 | |
| August | 46 | 92 | 0 | 0 | |
| September | 44 | 88 | 0 | 0 | |
| October | 30 | 60 | 0 | 0 | |
| November | 16 | 31 | 0 | 0 | |
| December | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Monthly Temperature Comfort
| Month | Mean Temp | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.9°C (37.2°F) | Cool (0-9°C) |
| February | 4.5°C (40.1°F) | Cool (0-9°C) |
| March | 8.8°C (47.8°F) | Cool (0-9°C) |
| April | 13.1°C (55.6°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| May | 17.5°C (63.5°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| June | 23.2°C (73.8°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| July | 26.0°C (78.8°F) | Hot (25-29°C) |
| August | 24.5°C (76.1°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| September | 20.7°C (69.3°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| October | 15.1°C (59.2°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| November | 9.2°C (48.6°F) | Cool (0-9°C) |
| December | 4.6°C (40.3°F) | Cool (0-9°C) |
Monthly Precipitation Rating
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86.9 mm | 11.4 | Wet |
| February | 89.2 mm | 12.4 | Wet |
| March | 96.9 mm | 12.4 | Wet |
| April | 105.3 mm | 15.8 | Very Wet |
| May | 106.2 mm | 16.8 | Very Wet |
| June | 125.1 mm | 15.4 | Very Wet |
| July | 161.6 mm | 20.8 | Very Wet |
| August | 218.2 mm | 20.0 | Very Wet |
| September | 134.0 mm | 14.4 | Very Wet |
| October | 92.4 mm | 12.8 | Wet |
| November | 90.9 mm | 9.0 | Wet |
| December | 116.2 mm | 12.2 | Very Wet |
Monthly Sunshine Rating
| Month | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.9 hrs | Moderate |
| February | 6.8 hrs | Good |
| March | 7.9 hrs | Good |
| April | 9.2 hrs | Excellent |
| May | 9.8 hrs | Excellent |
| June | 11.6 hrs | Excellent |
| July | 11.9 hrs | Excellent |
| August | 10.5 hrs | Excellent |
| September | 8.9 hrs | Excellent |
| October | 8.1 hrs | Excellent |
| November | 7.9 hrs | Good |
| December | 6.2 hrs | Good |
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (Mar-May)
Temperature: 13.1°C (55.6°F)
Rainfall: 102.8mm avg
Sunshine: 9.0 hrs/day
Humidity: 65.7%
Rainy Days: 15.0/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Temperature: 24.6°C (76.3°F)
Rainfall: 168.3mm avg
Sunshine: 11.3 hrs/day
Humidity: 71.6%
Rainy Days: 18.7/mo
This is the warm season. Ideal for outdoor activities but be prepared for heat.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Temperature: 15.0°C (59.0°F)
Rainfall: 105.8mm avg
Sunshine: 8.3 hrs/day
Humidity: 72.3%
Rainy Days: 12.1/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Temperature: 4.0°C (39.2°F)
Rainfall: 97.4mm avg
Sunshine: 6.3 hrs/day
Humidity: 69.5%
Rainy Days: 12.0/mo
This is the cool season. Pack warm layers and plan indoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Washington DC?
Based on our data-driven analysis, the best months to visit Washington DC are June, August, July, when temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is lower, and sunshine is plentiful. June scores 66/100, the highest-rated month.
What is the hottest month in Washington DC?
July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 26.0°C (78.8°F).
What is the coldest month in Washington DC?
January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 2.9°C (37.2°F).
When is the rainy season in Washington DC?
August is the wettest month with an average of 218.2mm of precipitation. Washington DC experiences about 173.0 rainy days per year. The driest month is January with 86.9mm.
What should I pack for a trip to Washington DC?
Packing recommendations depend on the season of your visit. Based on the climate data, pack lightweight, breathable clothing if visiting during the warm months (July is hottest at 26.0°C). For cooler months, bring layers and a warm jacket (January averages 2.9°C). A waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended year-round as Washington DC receives 1423.0mm of annual precipitation. Sun protection is important, especially during months with high UV index.
There's something about Washington DC in late March when the cherry blossoms peak that turns the political city into something tender. I stood at the Tidal Basin one spring as 3,000 trees bloomed pink against the Jefferson Memorial — the data says peak bloom is usually the last week of March to first week of April, around 15°C. Summer (June-August) is famously brutal: 30°C with 70% humidity, the kind that makes the National Mall feel like a sauna. October is DC's secret weapon: 18°C, golden leaves along the Mall, and the cultural season reopening. Winter is quieter and the museums are empty — a trade-off worth making.
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 38.9°, -77.04°. Timezone: America/New_York. Last updated: 2026-07-30.