So, you're looking for the current temperature in Washington DC. Honestly, if you're standing on the National Mall right now, you already know it’s pretty bitey out there.
Right now, it is 29°F in the District.
But here is the thing: that number is a bit of a lie. Because of a steady 6 mph wind coming out of the northwest, it actually feels like 22°F. That’s the "real feel" that matters when you're trying to decide if those light gloves are going to cut it or if you need the heavy-duty ones.
The Breakdown Right Now
Basically, we're looking at a clear night. Earlier today was a bit of a mess with that rain and snow mix, but that’s moved out. The humidity is sitting at 56%, and the UV index is a big fat zero since, well, it’s nighttime.
If you’re planning the rest of your night or looking ahead to Monday morning, here is the raw data you need to know:
🔗 Read more: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
- Current Temp: 29°F
- Feels Like: 22°F
- Wind: 6 mph (Northwest)
- Precipitation: 0% chance (It's dry for now)
- Condition: Clear skies
Why DC Weather is Kinda Weird in January
People think Washington is a "Southern" city. In July, when the humidity makes the air feel like warm soup, that's true. But January? January is a different animal.
Today, Sunday, January 18, we saw a high of 37°F. That sounds manageable until you realize the low is dropping to 26°F tonight. We had a 35% chance of snow earlier today that manifested as a sloppy rain-snow mix, but the clouds have mostly cleared out now.
Most folks get caught off guard by the wind tunnels created by the massive marble buildings downtown. A 6 mph wind might not sound like much on paper, but when it whips around the corner of the Smithsonian or the Capitol, it feels significantly sharper.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
Looking at the data from the National Weather Service and local trackers like the Capital Weather Gang, we are heading into a classic "Arctic Punch" scenario.
💡 You might also like: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s going to be sunny, which is great for the various events around the city, but it’s going to stay chilly with highs only reaching around 40°F. The real story is tomorrow night—temperatures are expected to plummet into the teens.
If you are visiting, you've gotta layer. It’s not just about a big coat. It’s about the thermal layer, the sweater, and then the wind-breaking shell.
Practical Advice for Navigating the Cold
If you're out and about in DC tonight or tomorrow, here is the move.
First, check the wind chill, not just the base temp. That 22°F "feels like" is what's going to numb your fingers while you're holding your phone to navigate. Second, watch for "black ice." Since we had rain and snow earlier today and the temperature is now well below freezing at 29°F, any puddles on the sidewalk are now invisible skating rinks.
📖 Related: Why Palacio da Anunciada is Lisbon's Most Underrated Luxury Escape
Stick to the sunny side of the street tomorrow. It makes a massive difference in how long you can stand being outside. Also, the Metro stations are usually a few degrees warmer than the street level, so if you're freezing, head underground for a bit.
The bottom line? It's cold, it's clear, and it's getting colder.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your layers: If you’re heading out, make sure you have a scarf. It’s the most underrated piece of gear for DC's wind.
- Watch the overnight lows: If you have a car parked outside, give yourself an extra ten minutes tomorrow morning to defrost the windshield.
- Stay updated: DC weather shifts fast because we’re stuck between the mountains and the ocean. Keep an eye on those "feels like" numbers before you step out the door.