Washington, D.C. in August
In August, Washington, D.C. averages 30°C (85°F) during the day and 20°C (69°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (150 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
It's peak hurricane season in Washington, D.C. during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
August is one of the warmest months in Washington, D.C. (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C above the annual average (19°C). August runs 1°C cooler than July (31°C) and cools 3°C in September (26°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, 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 August
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 August's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August 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: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — August 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 August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in August?
In August, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 30°C (85°F) and a low of 20°C (69°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in August?
August is quite rainy in Washington, D.C., with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
August is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot 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 August?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.