Washington, D.C. in December
In December, Washington, D.C. averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (105 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Washington, D.C. is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
December is one of the coolest months in Washington, D.C. (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (19°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (13°C) and cools 3°C in January (6°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, 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 December
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 December's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December 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: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in December?
In December, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in December?
December can be fairly wet in Washington, D.C., with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool 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 December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.