When is the best time to visit Washington, DC?

The most comfortable stretch is April to May and September to October, when average highs run 67 to 79 degrees F with 8 to 13 rainy days a month. July is the hottest month at 89 degrees F on average, and January the coolest at 45 degrees F.

What is the rainiest month in Washington, DC?

August, with roughly 16 days of rain. The driest is October, with about 8. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.

How warm does it get in Washington, DC?

July averages 89 degrees F by day and 71 degrees F at night, and January averages 45 degrees F and 30 degrees F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.

How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Washington, DC?

Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Washington, DC: Best Time to Visit & Things to Do

Updated September 23, 2026. Prices and availability come live from the partners when you click; ratings are re-checked on the date shown in the note at the end of the page.

Top-rated tours in Washington, DC

DC: US Capitol & Library of Congress/Supreme Court Tour★ 4.989 reviews→

See all things to do in Washington, DC → More tours on Viator →

Where to stay in Washington, DC

Hotels and vacation rentals around Washington, DC with live prices from the big booking sites. Pick your dates on the map to compare.

Hotel map by our partner Stay22. If you book through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Best time to visit Washington, DC

The most comfortable months in Washington, DC are April to May and September to October, with average daytime highs of 67 to 79°F and 8 to 13 rainy days a month. July is the hottest month, averaging 89°F, and January the coolest at 45°F. August sees the most rain, around 16 days, while October is the driest with about 8.

Jan45°30°11 d

Feb50°32°10 d

Mar58°38°10 d

Apr67°47°12 d

May75°55°13 d

Jun84°65°12 d

Jul89°71°15 d

Aug86°69°16 d

Sep79°62°11 d

Oct69°52°8 d

Nov57°40°8 d

Dec49°33°10 d

Average daily high / low and days with rain, from Open-Meteo ERA5 records for 2019-2024. Highlighted months are the pick above.

Plan the rest of your trip to Washington, DC

🏨Hotels in Washington, DCCompare hotels and apartments through our partner RateHawk. 🚗Car rental near Washington, DCCompare car rental prices for your trip with Discover Cars. 🎟️What’s on in Washington, DCSee upcoming concerts, sports and shows from Ticketmaster. 👻Ghost tours in Washington, DCHaunted history walks, pub crawls and ghost hunts after dark, from US Ghost Adventures. ✈️Flights to Washington, DCCompare airfares on Trip.com and search your route. 🛎️Hotels in Washington, DC on Trip.comCompare hotels and homes in Washington, DC for your dates. 🏩Hotels in Washington, DC on ExpediaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Expedia for your dates. 🎫Is a city pass worth it?How to tell if a sightseeing pass will save you money in Washington, DC, before you buy. 🍝Eating near the big sightsHow to avoid tourist-trap restaurants near Washington, DC’s landmarks and find a better meal nearby. 🎡Things to do in Washington, DC on ExpediaTours, tickets and activities you can book on Expedia. 🏡Vacation rentals in Washington, DC on VrboWhole homes, villas and apartments with room for everyone. 🚖Airport transfer in Washington, DCPre-book a driver who meets you at arrivals, from Welcome Pickups. 🧭Transfer, taxi or rideshare?Our guide to choosing the best ride from the airport into Washington, DC. 🙋Private local guideCustomizable private tours with vetted local guides from GoWithGuide. 📱eSIM data planGet mobile data before you land, with Airalo. 📶eSIM, roaming or local SIM?Our guide to staying connected on a short trip to Washington, DC. 🛡️Travel insuranceCompare travel medical and cancellation cover with HelloSafe. ⏱️Flight delayed or cancelled?Check if you are owed compensation, with AirHelp. ✦Ask our AI conciergeTell us how many days you have and what you enjoy, and get a plan for Washington, DC. 🏨Hotels in Washington, DC on AgodaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Agoda, via our partner Stay22.🔎Compare hotels in Washington, DC on KAYAKSearch and compare hundreds of hotel sites at once, via our partner Stay22.🛂Do you need a visa for Washington, DC, United States?Check entry requirements and apply online with eVisas.com, a private visa service (service fee applies).

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Closest guides to Washington, DC

🔔 Philadelphia 120 mi 🗽 New York City 200 mi 💦 Niagara Falls 310 mi 🍁 Toronto 350 mi 🦞 Boston 390 mi

Planning guides

Cruise or all-inclusive resort?Airport transfer or rental car?What travel insurance actually pays When to book flights and hotels

Washington, DC: common questions

When is the best time to visit Washington, DC?: The most comfortable stretch is April to May and September to October, when average highs run 67 to 79°F with 8 to 13 rainy days a month. July is the hottest month at 89°F on average, and January the coolest at 45°F.
What is the rainiest month in Washington, DC?: August, with roughly 16 days of rain. The driest is October, with about 8. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.
How warm does it get in Washington, DC?: July averages 89°F by day and 71°F at night, and January averages 45°F and 30°F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.
How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Washington, DC?: Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Some links on this page are sponsored: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings and review counts come from GetYourGuide and were last checked on September 23, 2026. Prices, availability and rules are set by the providers and change often. See our affiliate disclosure.