Best Time to Visit

Washington, D.C. has four distinct seasons, and when you visit changes everything from what you'll pack to which excursions are worthwhile. Here's a month-by-month look at weather, crowds and typical prices.

Best time: April-June & September-October

Mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and comfortable conditions for the National Mall and outdoor memorials, plus autumn colors in October.

Good alternative: Summer

Long daylight hours and outdoor sightseeing on the National Mall, though July and August bring hot, muggy days, thunderstorms and higher prices.

Consider avoiding: January-February

Cold, short and often foggy days on the lake make sightseeing tougher, though this is when hotel prices are at their lowest outside the ski season peak.

Month Weather Crowds Prices Notes
January 30-39°F (-1-4°C), cold, occasional fog Low Low Quietest month after New Year's; good for skiing day trips to nearby Alpine resorts.
February 32-43°F (0-6°C), cold Low-moderate Low-moderate Museum season peaks indoors; Washington, D.C. stays milder and often less crowded than summer, with occasional snow.
March 39-54°F (4-12°C), variable Moderate Moderate Weather is unpredictable; layer up for sudden cold snaps and lake breezes.
April 45-61°F (7-16°C), mild Moderate Moderate Cherry blossom season approaches around the Tidal Basin; a good month for outdoor walks, though peak bloom shifts year to year.
May 54-70°F (12-21°C), pleasant Moderate Moderate Comfortable weather for the National Mall, Georgetown and day trips to Gettysburg or Harpers Ferry.
June 61-77°F (16-25°C), warm Moderate-high Moderate-high Long daylight hours and the start of the CGN boat season in full swing.
July 65-81°F (18-27°C), warm High High Warm weather brings lakefront-style waterfront events at The Wharf; peak season for outdoor sightseeing.
August 64-80°F (18-27°C), warm High High Similarly warm to July; note that even in August the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m stays below freezing.
September 57-72°F (14-22°C), mild Moderate-high Moderate-high Late-summer humidity eases and temperatures stay pleasant for excursions to Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge.
October 48-61°F (9-16°C), crisp Moderate Moderate Peak autumn colors along Skyline Drive and in the Shenandoah/Blue Ridge mountains.
November 39-50°F (4-10°C), cool, often foggy Low-moderate Low-moderate A quiet transitional month before the ski season and holiday markets begin.
December 32-43°F (0-6°C), cold Moderate-high Moderate-high The Smithsonian museums and National Mall memorials fill with visitors alongside seasonal events and holiday lights.
Best time Good alternative Consider avoiding