Summer is a busy tourist season in Washington, D.C. Schools are on break and there are so many things to see and do in the nation’s capital. But in addition to the crowds, the heat and humidity can be unbearable for some visitors. The good news is that most buildings are air-conditioned. Winter is cold with occasional snowstorms; but there are no crowds and room rates are low. The best times to visit Washington, D.C. are spring and fall. Between March and May the weather is pleasant and if you time your visit right, you can see the cherry blossoms. September to November is also a good time to visit: the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds have disappeared.
January is Washington D.C.’s coldest month with an average high temperature of 42°F (6°C). The average low temperature is below freezing at 27°F (-3°C).
In February, Washington D.C. experience it’s second coldest month of the year as the average high temperature increases just a tad to 44°F (7°C). Average low temperatures remain in the below freezing range despite increasing a degree to 28°F (-2°C). Additionally, rainfall in February is the lowest in the year at 2 inches (77 mm).
March sees a significant increase in temperature averages. The average high temperature rises to 53°F (12°C) while the average low temperature increases to 35°F (2°C).
Washington D.C. Weather in April: Temperatures continue their upward trend in April with the average high and average low temperature settling at 64°F (18°C) and 44°F (7°C) respectively.
In May, Washington D.C. receives 221 hours of sunshine, which is accompanied by further increases in temperature. The average high temperature increases to 64°F (18°C) while the average low temperature also increase but remains quite cool at 44°F (7°C).
June is the first month of summer and sees temperatures rising into the 80s. The average high temperature is a warm 83°F (28°C). Meanwhile, the average low temperatures increase to 63°F (17°C).
Washington D.C. Weather in July: Washington D.C. experiences its warmest month in the year in July as the average high temperature peaks at 87°F (31°C). Coincidentally, July also receives the most sunshine in the year with an average of 226 hours. Low temperature averages rise to 68°F (20°C).
August is the second hottest month in the year at 84°F (29°C) for the average high temperature. The average low temperature decreases to 66°F (19°C). August has the highest precipitation rate of the year with rainfall averaging at 5 inches (124 mm).
In September, temperatures decrease for the first month of fall. The average high and average low temperatures drop to 78°F (26°C) and 59°F (15°C) respectively.
October continues the downward trend in temperatures as the average high decreases to 67°F (19°C). Average rainfall is 3 inches (78 mm). Low temperature is 48°F (9°C).
Washington D.C. Weather in November: For the month of November, the average low temperature closes in on freezing temperatures at 38°F (3°C). Meanwhile the average high temperature hovers at 55°F (13°C).
December has seemingly shorter days as the month average just 66 hours of sunshine, which is the least in the year. The average high temperature drops 10 degrees to 45°F (7°C) and the low temperature average sinks to freezing temperatures at 29°F (-2°C).
One of the most beautiful things to see in Washington D.C. are its beloved cherry blossoms. The best time to see these trees are from mid-March through June. To explore the area when there is the least amount of tourists, come in between mid-August and mid-September while congress is still out and the children are back in school. For spectacular public celebrations, come during July as the 4th of July celebrations are great fun to partake in. Verified Resource: National Weather Service
