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Best Time to Visit Washington

The best months to visit Washington are Apr, May, Oct. Here is the full monthly breakdown.

💰 From USD 150/day

Photo: Alexander Popov / Unsplash

☀️

Best Months: Apr, May, Oct

These months offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and low rainfall for visiting Washington. Expect highs of 21°C to 23°C to 20°C with relatively dry conditions.

Warmest Month

July

31°C high

Coldest Month

January

-2°C low

Driest Month

October

7 rain days

Wettest Month

July

18 rain days

Monthly Weather

January

High: 6°C / Low: -2°C

9 rain days

6°
-2°Jan

February

High: 10°C / Low: 0°C

11 rain days

10°
0°Feb

March

High: 15°C / Low: 4°C

10 rain days

15°
4°Mar

April

High: 21°C / Low: 9°C

12 rain days

21°
9°Apr

May

High: 23°C / Low: 13°C

15 rain days

23°
13°May

June

High: 30°C / Low: 18°C

15 rain days

30°
18°Jun

July

High: 31°C / Low: 22°C

18 rain days

31°
22°Jul

August

High: 29°C / Low: 19°C

12 rain days

29°
19°Aug

September

High: 26°C / Low: 17°C

14 rain days

26°
17°Sep

October

High: 20°C / Low: 10°C

7 rain days

20°
10°Oct

November

High: 14°C / Low: 5°C

10 rain days

14°
5°Nov

December

High: 8°C / Low: 0°C

11 rain days

8°
0°Dec
Best monthsTemperatures in °C (high/low)

Tourist Seasons in Washington

🌟

Peak Season

April, May, October

  • +Best weather conditions
  • +Most activities and events
  • -Higher prices and larger crowds
  • -Book accommodation well in advance
⚖️

Shoulder Season

March, June, September, November

  • +Good weather, fewer tourists
  • +Better value for accommodation
  • +More authentic local experiences
  • ~Some attractions may have reduced hours
💰

Off Season

January, February, July, August, December

  • +Lowest prices of the year
  • +No crowds at attractions
  • -Weather may be less favourable
  • -Some seasonal businesses may close

Month-by-Month Breakdown

MonthHighLowRain DaysSeason
January
6°C-2°C
9
Off Season
February
10°C0°C
11
Off Season
March
15°C4°C
10
Shoulder Season
April
21°C9°C
12
Peak Season
May
23°C13°C
15
Peak Season
June
30°C18°C
15
Shoulder Season
July
31°C22°C
18
Off Season
August
29°C19°C
12
Off Season
September
26°C17°C
14
Shoulder Season
October
20°C10°C
7
Peak Season
November
14°C5°C
10
Shoulder Season
December
8°C0°C
11
Off Season

Season Timeline

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PeakShoulderOff Season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Washington?
The best months to visit Washington are Apr, May, Oct. These months offer the most comfortable temperatures with relatively low rainfall.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has temperatures ranging from -2°C to 31°C throughout the year. Summer (June to August) is the warmest period.
When is peak tourist season in Washington?
Peak tourist season in Washington is typically around Apr and May and Oct. For lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during shoulder season months.
Is Washington worth visiting in winter?
Winter in Washington (December to February) sees lows of around 0°C. It can be cold, but you will find lower prices and thinner crowds.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Washington

Make the most of your trip by booking popular tours and activities in advance.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Washington Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Washington on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Washington Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Washington with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Washington: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Washington's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Washington: Scenic Excursion

Escape Washington for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Washington Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Washington's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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Top 3 Areas to Stay in Washington

Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment

Penn Quarter/Chinatown area in Washington
1

Penn Quarter/Chinatown

Energetic urban hub with theaters, museums, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

Our top picks in Penn Quarter/Chinatown

🏨
The Hamilton Hotel$$$

Historic hotel offering elegant accommodations and a prime location near attractions.

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🏨
Grand Hyatt Washington$$$

Large, modern hotel connected to a convention center, offering extensive amenities.

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Kimpton George Hotel$$

Stylish boutique hotel known for its personalized service and complimentary wine hours.

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🛡️ Generally safe with high foot ...Mid-rangefirst-timersnightlife
View Hotels in Penn Quarter/Chinatown
Dupont Circle area in Washington
2

Dupont Circle

Bohemian and intellectual, with embassies, art galleries, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

Our top picks in Dupont Circle

🏨
The Dupont Circle Hotel$$$

Chic hotel with a rooftop bar and modern amenities, overlooking the bustling circle.

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Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle$$

Elegant boutique hotel with a focus on art and design, offering a refined stay.

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Hotel Lombardy$$

Historic hotel with a classic charm and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but be aware o...Mid-rangecouplessolo travelers
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Capitol Hill area in Washington
3

Capitol Hill

Historic and politically charged, with charming row houses and bustling commercial streets.

Our top picks in Capitol Hill

🏨
The Hay-Adams$$$

Iconic luxury hotel with unparalleled views of the White House.

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Hotel Hive$$

DC's smallest hotel, offering compact but stylish rooms in a prime location.

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Capitol Hill Hotel$$

Charming boutique hotel with apartment-style suites and a residential feel.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Mid-rangefirst-timersculture
View Hotels in Capitol Hill

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