Washington, D.C. in April
In April, Washington, D.C. averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (100 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
April offers comfortable temperatures in Washington, D.C., with some rain to plan around.
How April compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Washington, D.C. (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. April runs 6°C warmer than March (13°C) and warms a further 5°C into May (24°C).
April sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — April
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Washington, D.C.'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Washington, D.C. in April
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — April in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — April in Washington, D.C.
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Washington, D.C. in other months
| 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 | — |
Other cities with similar April weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in April →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in April?
In April, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in April?
April is quite rainy in Washington, D.C., with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is April a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
April is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Washington, D.C. in April?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full April packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.