Washington, D.C. in February
In February, Washington, D.C. averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (92 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
February is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Washington, D.C.. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How February compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
February is one of the coolest months in Washington, D.C. (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (19°C). February runs 3°C warmer than January (6°C) and warms a further 4°C into March (13°C).
February sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of February. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — February
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of February, 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 February
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 February's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — February 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — February 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.
🌬 Frosty nights — Washington, D.C. in February
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
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 February weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in February →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in February?
In February, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in February?
February can be fairly wet in Washington, D.C., with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is February a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
February is cool but on the rainy side. 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 February?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full February packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.