Washington, D.C. in January
In January, Washington, D.C. averages 6°C (42°F) during the day and -3°C (27°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (77 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January 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 January compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
January is one of the coolest months in Washington, D.C. (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 13°C below the annual average (19°C). January runs 3°C cooler than December (9°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (9°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, 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 January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
January 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 — January 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 — January 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 January
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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in January?
In January, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 6°C (42°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in January?
January can be fairly wet in Washington, D.C., with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
January is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold 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 January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.