Washington, D.C. in October
In October, Washington, D.C. averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (96 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
It's peak hurricane season in Washington, D.C. during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Washington, D.C.
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Washington, D.C. (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (19°C). October runs 6°C cooler than September (26°C) and cools 7°C in November (13°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Washington, D.C.
Times shown for Washington, D.C. local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Washington, D.C. — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, 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 October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and Washington, D.C.'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Washington, D.C. in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Washington, D.C. in October?
In October, Washington, D.C. averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in October?
October is quite rainy in Washington, D.C., with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
October is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant 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 October?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Washington, D.C. for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.