Weather in Washington, D.C.

Planning your visit to Washington, D.C.? Check out the latest weather information, detailed forecasts, and visual charts right in this section.

The climate in Washington, D.C. is characterised as humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons. This means that travellers can expect significant weather changes throughout the year, making the city an attractive destination to visit at different times, depending on your preferences.

Summers in Washington are generally hot and humid, with average temperatures in July, the warmest month, reaching 26.8°C, and maximums often exceeding 30°C. Winters are cool, sometimes cold, with an average January temperature of around 3.0°C and possible frosts. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a distinct dry or rainy season, although the summer months may seem wetter due to a higher number of days with precipitation.

Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. In spring, the city blooms, and in autumn, it delights with golden foliage, offering comfortable conditions for long walks and sightseeing. Overall, the weather in Washington, D.C. offers a diverse experience that is worth preparing for by choosing seasonal clothing.

Washington, D.C. experiences significant annual temperature variations, typical of its climate. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 26.8°C, and daily highs often rise to an average of 31.5°C. Conversely, the coldest month is considered to be January with an average temperature of about 3.0°C, while night-time lows can drop below zero, averaging -0.8°C.

The summer months in Washington, from June to August, are characterised by hot weather. In June, the average temperature is 23.8°C (ranging from 18.8°C at night to 28.7°C during the day), and in August, it is 25.3°C (from 21.0°C to 29.5°C). The daytime heat can be quite palpable, especially in July, when the thermometer regularly crosses the 30°C mark. Considering the significant number of days with precipitation during this period, the summer weather can feel quite humid.

Winter in Washington, D.C. brings cool and at times frosty weather. From December to February, average daytime temperatures range from 6.8°C in January to 9.6°C in February, while night-time temperatures often drop to 1.0°C (February) or even -0.8°C (January), creating conditions for frost. The transitional seasons, spring (for example, April with an average temperature of 13.8°C) and autumn (October with an average temperature of 16.3°C), offer milder and more comfortable temperature conditions. Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year are quite noticeable, with a difference between daytime highs and night-time lows averaging about 8-10°C.

Precipitation in Washington, D.C. is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without a sharply defined dry or rainy season regarding total volume. According to the provided data, monthly precipitation varies slightly: most months receive about 3 mm, whereas June, August, and December receive 4 mm each, and the peak occurs in July with 5 mm. This indicates consistent, albeit moderate, moisture levels throughout the year.

Regarding the frequency of precipitation, there is greater variability. The "wettest" months, when the likelihood of encountering precipitation is highest, are July and August – each averaging 14 days with precipitation. Spring, for instance in May, also sees quite a few rainy days (13 days). Conversely, the "driest" month in terms of frequency is November, with an average of only 8 days bringing moisture. In other months, the number of days with precipitation ranges from 9 (in October) to 11 days.

The nature of precipitation changes depending on the season. In summer, especially in the hot months of July and August, it is usually rain. In winter, particularly in January (average minimum temperature -0.8°C) and February (average minimum temperature 1.0°C), as well as in December, precipitation can fall not only as rain but also as snow. Spring and autumn months are usually characterised by rain. Thus, although monthly precipitation volumes appear low according to statistics, their regularity and the change in type depending on the season are important features of the Washington climate.

When planning a trip to Washington, D.C., it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as the city is perfect for long walks. Given that there are between 8 and 14 days with precipitation monthly in Washington, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will become your faithful companions. On sunny days, especially from spring to autumn, do not forget sunscreen and a hat.

Summer in Washington (June-August) is characterised by hot and humid weather. The average temperature in July reaches 26.8°C, and the maximum can rise above 31°C. Therefore, your suitcase should contain light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and sandals. Winter (December-February) here is cool, with an average January temperature of about 3.0°C; frosts and occasional snow are possible. For a winter trip, you will need a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, warm sweaters, and waterproof shoes.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are wonderful transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, but the weather can be changeable. In early spring and late autumn (March, November), it is still quite cool, with average temperatures ranging from 8.6°C to 9.3°C. In May and September, it is significantly warmer, with average temperatures around 19-22°C. During these periods, the layering principle is ideal: bring T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light jumpers or a fleece jacket, as well as a mid-season jacket or windbreaker. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.