Destination
When should you visit Washington DC?
Washington DC is at its most famous in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin, and at its most crowded too. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold but quiet and cheap, and fall brings mild, clear days. The Smithsonian museums are free every month. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
October
October has mild, mostly dry days that are good for walking the National Mall, with fewer school groups than spring and none of the summer humidity.
Best for cherry blossoms
Late March–early April
Peak bloom varies each year; the festival runs around it.
Best value
January–February
The lowest hotel rates, with cold weather.
Best for events
July
Fourth of July fireworks over the National Mall.
Good shoulder month
November
Mild, calm and good value before the holidays.
October scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Cherry blossom crowds
- The Tidal Basin is packed at peak bloom. Go at sunrise and book hotels early.
- Summer humidity
- Hot and sticky, with afternoon thunderstorms. Plan museums for the middle of the day.
- School trips
- Monuments and museums fill with school groups on weekdays in spring.
Late March–mid-April
June–August
Spring
Washington DC travel tip
See the monuments at night. The Lincoln Memorial and the Tidal Basin are open around the clock, lit up and far calmer after dinner. Save the daytime for the Smithsonian museums, which are free and air-conditioned.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- -1–7°C
- Cold, with occasional snow.
- Crowds
- Low
- One of the quietest months.
- Prices
- $
- The lowest rates of the year.
Pair outdoor monuments with warm museum breaks.
- Museums
- Value
- Temperature
- 0–9°C
- Cold, with some mild spells.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Book a Kennedy Center show on a weekday.
- Museums
- Theater
- Temperature
- 4–14°C
- Cool to mild and changeable.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy around the blossoms and spring break.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates rise with the festival.
Watch the National Park Service bloom forecast before you book.
- Cherry blossoms
- Walking
- Temperature
- 9–20°C
- Mild and fresh, with showers.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy around peak bloom.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Peak spring rates.
Go to the Tidal Basin at sunrise for space and soft light.
- Cherry blossoms
- Events
- Temperature
- 14–25°C
- Warm and pleasant, with some storms.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy with school trips.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Visit popular museums right at opening.
- Walking
- Museums
- Temperature
- 20–30°C
- Hot and humid.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy with summer visitors.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Plan outdoor walks before 10am.
- Festivals
- Museums
- Temperature
- 22–32°C
- Hot and humid, with thunderstorms.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy around the Fourth.
- Prices
- $$$
- Higher around July 4.
Claim a fireworks spot early and bring water.
- Events
- Museums
- Temperature
- 22–31°C
- Hot and humid, with storms.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quieter, with Congress in recess.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Use the Metro and museums to escape the heat.
- Museums
- Value
- Temperature
- 18–27°C
- Warm, becoming comfortable.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range rates.
Bike the National Mall in the late afternoon.
- Walking
- Museums
- Temperature
- 11–21°C
- Mild, sunny and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range rates.
Walk the Georgetown waterfront and C&O Canal towpath.
- Walking
- Fall color
- Temperature
- 5–15°C
- Cool and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Go early in the month for the last fall color.
- Museums
- Value
- Temperature
- 1–9°C
- Cold, with occasional snow.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Fairly quiet, busier at the holidays.
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
See the National Christmas Tree in the evening.
- Holidays
- Museums
Climate
Washington DC weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | -1°C / 30°F | 73 mm | 10 |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 0°C / 32°F | 67 mm | 9 |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | 89 mm | 11 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 9°C / 48°F | 82 mm | 11 |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 100 mm | 12 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 107 mm | 11 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 110 mm | 11 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 83 mm | 9 |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 100 mm | 9 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 93 mm | 8 |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 74 mm | 8 |
| December | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 87 mm | 10 |
Climate data: NOAA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Washington DC
What is the best month to visit Washington DC?
October is the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. Late March and early April are best for cherry blossoms.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in DC?
Peak bloom usually falls in late March or early April and changes every year with the weather.