Washington, D.C. in March
In March, Washington, D.C. averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 2°C (35°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (87 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March 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 March compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Washington, D.C. (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (19°C). March runs 4°C warmer than February (9°C) and warms a further 6°C into April (19°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, 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 March
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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in March?
In March, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in March?
March is quite rainy in Washington, D.C., with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
March 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 March?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.