Washington DC in August
Hot and quieter
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
August is one of the weakest months in Washington DC.
August is hot and humid, but the city is quieter and rates are lower.
August in detail
What August actually feels like
- Weather
- 22–31°C
- Hot and humid, with storms.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quieter, with Congress in recess.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
+Better rates.
–Hot and humid.
My tip for August
Use the Metro and museums to escape the heat.
- Museums
- Value
How August compares
Against the other eleven months
11th of 12 overall in Washington DC, 9th for weather, 5th for space, 3rd for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for Washington DCPlan around
What’s on in Washington DC in August
- Summer humidity
- Hot and sticky, with afternoon thunderstorms. Plan museums for the middle of the day.
June–August
Not set on August?
Months I'd choose over August
Also good in August
Weather
Weather in Washington DC in August
In August Washington DC averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F), with about 83 mm of rain or snow over 9 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C); the wettest month is July.
- Average high
- 31°C
- 88°F
- Average low
- 22°C
- 72°F
- Precipitation
- 83 mm
- Wet days
- 9
Climate data: NOAA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Washington DC in August: the questions people ask
- Is August a good time to visit Washington DC?
- August is one of the weakest months in Washington DC. It ranks 11 of 12 months in Washington DC overall (9 for weather, 5 for space, 3 for value). The main upside: Better rates. The main downside: Hot and humid.
- What is the weather like in Washington DC in August?
- Average highs are around 31°C and lows around 22°C. Expect about 83 mm of rain or snow over roughly 9 wet days. Hot and humid, with storms. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C).
- Is Washington DC crowded in August?
- Crowds are moderate. Quieter, with Congress in recess. The quietest month is January.
- How expensive is Washington DC in August?
- Prices are at level 2 of 5 ($$). Good value. The best-value month is January.
- When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, October is the best month overall (August ranks 11 of 12). The quietest month is January and the best value is January.
Still going to Washington DC in August?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — hot and humid.
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