Weather in Washington, D.C.
What's the weather like in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. has a wide swing between hot summers and cold winters and moderate rainfall spread across the year. Average daytime highs range from 6°C (42°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in July, with overnight lows around -3°C (27°F) and 21°C (70°F) respectively.
For comfortable sightseeing temperatures (18–26°C daytime highs), the best months to visit Washington, D.C. are April through May, and September through October.
Quick facts
- Country
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Region
- North America
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Coordinates
- 38.907, -77.037
Monthly climate
Long-run averages for each month of the year.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / 42°F | -3°C / 27°F | 77 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | -1°C / 30°F | 92 mm | 14 | — |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | 2°C / 35°F | 87 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 8°C / 46°F | 100 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 56°F | 122 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 29°C / 83°F | 18°C / 65°F | 131 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 21°C / 70°F | 165 mm | 21 | — |
| August | 30°C / 85°F | 20°C / 69°F | 150 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 120 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 96 mm | 15 | — |
| November | 13°C / 56°F | 4°C / 39°F | 86 mm | 11 | — |
| December | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 105 mm | 12 | — |
Washington, D.C. by month
Detailed weather for any specific month:
Seasonal patterns to know
Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November (peak August–October). Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible — peak risk is August–October.
Cities with a similar climate to Washington, D.C.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Washington, D.C.?
The most comfortable months in Washington, D.C. are usually April, May, October, when average highs sit near 18–26°C (64–79°F) with relatively little rain. See the full month-by-month breakdown for the exact figures.
What is the hottest month in Washington, D.C.?
July is typically the hottest month in Washington, D.C., averaging a high of 31°C (88°F).
What is the coldest month in Washington, D.C.?
January is usually the coldest, with average lows around -3°C (27°F).
Does it snow in Washington, D.C.?
Snow is rare in Washington, D.C.; the climate data shows essentially no snowfall across the year.
Live forecast, sunrise/sunset, and more.