Washington looks compact on the map. Then you walk the National Mall, where the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is about two miles, and in July it's 90°F (32°C), sticky and wet with 17 rain days. Pack for long walks in humid heat in summer and real cold in winter, and choose your shoes before anything else.
Washington DC weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 43°F6°C | 50°F10°C | 59°F15°C | 70°F21°C | 73°F23°C | 86°F30°C | 90°F32°C | 84°F29°C | 79°F26°C | 68°F20°C | 57°F14°C | 46°F8°C |
| Low | 28°F-2°C | 32°F0°C | 37°F3°C | 48°F9°C | 55°F13°C | 64°F18°C | 72°F22°C | 66°F19°C | 63°F17°C | 50°F10°C | 39°F4°C | 32°F0°C |
| Rain days | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 17 | 11 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 43–50°F (6–10°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C) to 32°F (0°C), with 8 to 9 rain days a month. The Mall is wide open and the wind cuts across it. Pack a warm coat, a hat and gloves, plus layers you can peel off inside the heated museums.
Spring
March–MayHighs climb from 59°F (15°C) in March to 73°F (23°C) in May. Cherry blossom season brings the biggest crowds of the year to the Tidal Basin. May has 13 rain days, so pack a rain shell with your light layers.
Summer
June–AugustHot and humid. Highs run 84–90°F (29–32°C), nights stay at 64–72°F (18–22°C), and July is the wettest month with 17 rain days, often as afternoon thunderstorms. Breathable clothes, a water bottle and a packable shell, plus a light layer for the air-conditioning inside the Smithsonian museums.
Fall
September–NovemberOur pick for a visit. September is still 79°F (26°C), October is 68°F (20°C) with only 6 rain days, and November drops to 57°F (14°C) with lows of 39°F (4°C). Pack layers and a medium jacket later in the season.
What to bring to Washington DC
0 of 21 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The Mall, the monuments and a few museums can easily mean miles on foot, and this cushioned, breathable sneaker is made for exactly that kind of day.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light and machine washable, so a sweaty 90°F (32°C) day on the Mall comes out in the wash. The knit soaks through in a thunderstorm, so keep a shell handy.
July has 17 rain days, and a jacket that stuffs into its own pocket means you're not stuck under a museum awning waiting it out.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 90°F (32°C) with heavy humidity you'll drink a lot between monuments, and this one keeps water cold for 24 hours.
Firm 20-30 mmHg compression is built for long-haul flights and long days on your feet, which is what a DC trip is.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Flying in from abroad, this 70W GaN adapter has the US plug you need plus 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for every device.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A full day of maps and photos on the Mall drains a phone, and this 5,000mAh pack plugs straight into a USB-C phone from your pocket.
Clothing
- Breathable tops · 5July is 32°C and humid
- Shorts or light pants · 3
- Light layer for museums · 1Air-conditioned museums run cold
- Warm coatJanuary lows of -2°C
- Hat, gloves and scarfDec–Feb
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Second pair of walking shoes · 1 pairLet one pair dry after July rain
Gear
- Compact umbrellaJuly has 17 rain days
- Small daypackLong days walking the National Mall
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Blister plastersAbout two miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Metro card or contactless payment
What shoes should you pack for Washington DC?
Cushioned walking shoes, and nothing else matters as much. The Smithsonian museums, the monuments and the Capitol are spread along the Mall, and Metro stations come with long escalators and walks. A second pair helps if a summer storm soaks the first.
What do people wear in Washington DC?
Washington dresses more formally than most US cities, especially on weekdays around Capitol Hill and downtown, where suits are everywhere. Shorts and sneakers on the Mall are completely normal for visitors. Bring one smart-casual outfit for dinner in Georgetown or a night at the theater.
What plugs does Washington DC use?
The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V. If you're coming from the UK, Europe or Australia, a universal adapter with a US plug works. Check that your devices list 100-240V, because hair tools made for 230V often don't.
Tours and things to do in Washington DC
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Washington DC.
What should you leave at home for Washington DC?
Heels, a huge suitcase and heavy jeans in summer. You'll walk more than you planned, and denim in 90°F (32°C) humidity is miserable. Leave the formal shoes too unless you have a meeting on the Hill.
Packing for Washington DC: questions people ask
What should I wear in Washington DC in summer?
Light, breathable clothes and cushioned walking shoes. Highs reach 90°F (32°C) in July with high humidity and frequent storms, so carry a packable rain shell.
What should I wear in DC in October?
Jeans, a sweater and a light jacket. October highs are around 68°F (20°C) with lows of 50°F (10°C), and it's one of the driest months at 6 rain days.
When is cherry blossom season in Washington DC?
Usually late March into early April, around the Tidal Basin. It's the busiest time of year, so book your hotel early.
How much walking is there in Washington DC?
A lot. The National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is about two miles, before you count the museum floors.
Do I need a plug adapter for Washington DC?
If you're coming from outside North America, yes. The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V, so check that your chargers list 100-240V.
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