You’ve seen the postcards of the cherry blossoms. Maybe you’ve even seen the snowy shots of the Lincoln Memorial looking all serene and frozen. But if you’re actually planning to spend time here, I’m gonna be honest: the weather in dc monthly is a total rollercoaster that doesn’t always follow the brochure.
One day you’re wearing a light sweater, and the next, the humidity hits you like a wet wool blanket.
D.C. is basically built on what people call "reclaimed swampland." While historians love to argue about whether that's technically true, anyone standing on the National Mall in July will tell you it sure feels like it. The city doesn't just get hot; it gets "sticky."
The Winter Freeze and the "Bread and Milk" Panic
Let’s start with the cold months. January and February are the real deal here.
January is usually the coldest. We’re talking average highs of around 44°F and lows that dip to 29°F. If you’re coming from Chicago, you’ll think it’s cute. But D.C. has this specific kind of damp cold that gets into your bones. It’s not a dry, crisp cold. It’s a "why am I shivering in three layers?" kind of cold.
Snow is a weird one. On average, the city gets about 13.7 inches a year, mostly in January and February. But here’s the thing: D.C. cannot handle snow. Two inches of slush will literally shut down the federal government. You’ll see people at the Safeway in Georgetown clearing out the bread and milk aisles like they’re prepping for the apocalypse.
February is actually the snowiest month on average, usually dumping about 5 inches. If you want the museums to yourself, this is the time. It’s quiet. It’s grey. It’s cheap. Just bring a heavy coat and shoes with decent grip because the sidewalks turn into ice rinks fast.
Spring: The Beautiful, Pollen-Filled Gamble
Everyone wants to be here in April. I get it. The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are iconic.
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But weather in dc monthly data shows that spring is the ultimate gamble. March is "fake spring." You'll get a 70°F day where everyone is out in shorts, followed by a week of 40-degree rain. The National Park Service (NPS) usually predicts the "Peak Bloom" for the Yoshinos around the last week of March or first week of April, but a late frost can—and often does—ruin the party. In 2017, a late March freeze killed off about 70% of the blossoms.
By May, things settle down. This is arguably the best month to visit.
Average highs hit a perfect 78°F. The humidity hasn't quite arrived yet, and the city is exploding with green. It’s the "Goldilocks" zone—not too hot, not too cold. You can actually walk from the Capitol to the Washington Monument without needing a shower immediately afterward.
The Mid-Summer "Swamp" Reality
Then comes July. Oh boy.
If you aren't a fan of sweating through your shirt in five minutes, stay away in July and August. July is the hottest month, with average highs near 89°F, but that number is a lie. The heat index is what matters. Because of the humidity, a 90-degree day frequently feels like 105°F.
The air gets heavy. Thick. It feels like you’re breathing through a warm sponge.
- June: Starts pleasant, ends like a sauna.
- July: Peak heat, peak crowds, peak "why did I do this?"
- August: The "Dog Days." It’s still hot, but the city gets weirdly empty because Congress goes on recess and locals flee to the Delaware beaches.
One thing people forget about D.C. summers? The thunderstorms. Late afternoon in July almost always brings a sudden, violent downpour. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re trapped under a museum portico watching the sky dump buckets. It cools things down for about twenty minutes, then just makes the steam rising off the asphalt even worse.
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Why Fall is the Real Local Favorite
Honestly, if you ask anyone who lives here, they’ll tell you to come in October.
September is okay, but it’s a bit of a transition month. It stays warm (avg 81°F), and the humidity finally starts to break toward the end of the month. But October? October is elite.
The air turns crisp and dry. The average high is 68°F. The leaves in Rock Creek Park turn these incredible shades of burnt orange and yellow. It’s perfect walking weather. Most importantly, the "mosquito season" finally ends.
November is also underrated. It’s cooler (around 58°F), but it’s dry and calm. It’s the best time for a crisp morning run past the monuments.
Breaking Down the Weather in DC Monthly (At a Glance)
To make it simple, here is how the year generally shakes out in terms of what you'll actually feel:
January: Cold, grey, damp. Occasional "snow panics."
February: The real winter. Peak snow risk. Great for empty museums.
March: Unpredictable. Wind, rain, and the first "fake" warm days.
April: Stunning but crowded. Keep an umbrella for spring showers.
May: Absolute perfection. Long days, mild nights.
June: The humidity starts creeping in. Fireflies come out.
July: The "Swamp" effect. High heat and heavy afternoon storms.
August: Sticky and quiet. Great for hotel deals if you can handle the sweat.
September: Lingering heat but the air starts to feel "lighter."
October: Best weather of the year. Crisp, dry, and colorful.
November: Light jacket weather. Clear skies and fewer tourists.
December: Chilly and festive. Mostly cold rain, rarely a White Christmas.
What to Actually Pack
Don't just look at the thermometer. For a D.C. trip, you need a strategy.
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In the summer, you need "breathable" fabrics—linen or technical moisture-wicking stuff. If you wear heavy denim in July, you will regret your life choices by noon. Also, D.C. is a walking city. You will easily hit 15,000 steps just visiting three museums. Wear broken-in sneakers, not fancy boots.
In the winter, layering is king. The Metro stations can be weirdly warm, but the wind whipping across the National Mall is brutal. A scarf is a non-negotiable from December through March.
The Actionable Insight for Your Trip
If you want the "Instagram version" of D.C., aim for the first week of April, but book a refundable hotel in case the blossoms are early or late.
If you want to actually enjoy the city without the sweat or the crowds, go the second or third week of October. The weather is more stable, the air is clean, and the "swamp" is officially on hiatus.
Check the Capital Weather Gang (they’re the local legends for a reason) about three days before you arrive. They’re much more accurate than the generic weather apps when it comes to the weird micro-climates created by the Potomac River.
Pack a reusable water bottle for the summer and a solid pair of walking shoes for any month of the year. You're going to be doing a lot of moving, regardless of what the sky is doing.