Washington DC in October
Mild and clear
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
October is the best month to visit Washington DC.
October has crisp, clear days and fall color, plus the Marine Corps Marathon late in the month.
October in detail
What October actually feels like
- Weather
- 11–21°C
- Mild, sunny and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range rates.
+The most comfortable weather.
–Popular for conferences.
My tip for October
Walk the Georgetown waterfront and C&O Canal towpath.
- Walking
- Fall color
How October compares
Against the other eleven months
1st of 12 overall in Washington DC, 1st for weather, 5th for space, 8th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for Washington DCAlso good in October
Weather
Weather in Washington DC in October
In October Washington DC averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F), with about 93 mm of rain or snow over 8 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C); the wettest month is July.
- Average high
- 21°C
- 70°F
- Average low
- 11°C
- 52°F
- Precipitation
- 93 mm
- Wet days
- 8
Climate data: NOAA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Washington DC in October: the questions people ask
- Is October a good time to visit Washington DC?
- October is the best month to visit Washington DC. It ranks 1 of 12 months in Washington DC overall (1 for weather, 5 for space, 8 for value). The main upside: The most comfortable weather. The main downside: Popular for conferences.
- What is the weather like in Washington DC in October?
- Average highs are around 21°C and lows around 11°C. Expect about 93 mm of rain or snow over roughly 8 wet days. Mild, sunny and mostly dry. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 32°C) and the coolest is January (around 7°C).
- Is Washington DC crowded in October?
- Crowds are moderate. Moderate. The quietest month is January.
- How expensive is Washington DC in October?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). Mid-range 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 (this month). The quietest month is January and the best value is January.
Ready to book October in Washington DC?
The most comfortable weather.
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