Washington DC in December
Holiday lights
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is a reasonable month in Washington DC — with trade-offs.
December brings the National Christmas Tree near the White House and holiday lights across the city.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 1–9°C
- Cold, with occasional snow.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Fairly quiet, busier at the holidays.
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
+The National Christmas Tree.
–Cold and dark early.
My tip for December
See the National Christmas Tree in the evening.
- Holidays
- Museums
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
5th of 12 overall in Washington DC, 8th for weather, 4th for space, 3rd for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for Washington DCNot set on December?
Even stronger months in Washington DC
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Washington DC in December
In December Washington DC averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F), with about 87 mm of rain or snow over 10 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C); the wettest month is July.
- Average high
- 9°C
- 48°F
- Average low
- 1°C
- 34°F
- Precipitation
- 87 mm
- Wet days
- 10
Climate data: NOAA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Washington DC in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Washington DC?
- December is a reasonable month in Washington DC — with trade-offs. It ranks 5 of 12 months in Washington DC overall (8 for weather, 4 for space, 3 for value). The main upside: The National Christmas Tree. The main downside: Cold and dark early.
- What is the weather like in Washington DC in December?
- Average highs are around 9°C and lows around 1°C. Expect about 87 mm of rain or snow over roughly 10 wet days. Cold, with occasional snow. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C).
- Is Washington DC crowded in December?
- Crowds are low–moderate. Fairly quiet, busier at the holidays. The quietest month is January.
- How expensive is Washington DC in December?
- Prices are at level 2 of 5 ($$). Fair rates. 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 (December ranks 5 of 12). The quietest month is January and the best value is January.
Ready to book December in Washington DC?
The National Christmas Tree.
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