Washington, D.C. in July

In July, Washington, D.C. averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (165 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

July is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Washington, D.C.. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
21
Rain days
165 mm
Rainfall

How July compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.

1st
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in July
14 h 38 min
daylight on the 15th

July is one of the warmest months in Washington, D.C. (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C above the annual average (19°C). July runs 2°C warmer than June (29°C) and cools 1°C in August (30°C).

July sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:54 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:32 PM
Day length
14 h 38 min

Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of July. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Washington, D.C. — July

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of July, in Washington, D.C.'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:54 AM – 5:34 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:34 AM – 6:34 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:52 PM – 8:52 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:52 PM – 9:32 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Washington, D.C..

📅 When to book — Washington, D.C. in July

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 July's tier (High season) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — July in Washington, D.C.

High season

This is a busy month in Washington, D.C. — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — July in Washington, D.C.

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.2
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 July weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in July →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Washington, D.C. in July?

In July, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in July?

July is quite rainy in Washington, D.C., with about 21 rainy days on average.

Is July a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?

July 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 July?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full July packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Washington, D.C. on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.