If you ask a local what’s the weather like in DC, they’ll probably give you a weary look before checking three different radar apps. Washington, D.C. doesn’t just have weather; it has moods. It’s a swamp—literally and figuratively—and that geography dictates everything from how the marble monuments "sweat" to why everyone carries a backup umbrella in July.
People come for the cherry blossoms and stay for the accidental sauna. Honestly, the city’s climate is a mix of Mid-Atlantic unpredictability and subtropical intensity. You can wake up to a crisp 45°F morning in April and be sweating through your shirt in 80°F heat by lunchtime.
The Four Seasons (And the Secret Ones)
Most travel guides tell you about spring, summer, fall, and winter. They’re lying. In D.C., we have "The Great Pollening," "The Humidity Wall," and "False Spring."
Spring: The High-Stakes Gamble
Everyone wants to know what's the weather like in DC during the cherry blossoms. It’s the million-dollar question. Usually, peak bloom hits between the last week of March and the first week of April. But here’s the kicker: it’s entirely up to the whims of the Jet Stream.
In 2024, the blossoms hit peak on March 17th because of a freakish warm streak. A few years prior, a late-March "snownado" nearly killed the buds. If you’re planning a trip, aim for mid-April. The crowds are slightly thinner, and the Kwanzan cherries (the fluffy pink ones) are usually just starting their show.
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Summer: Welcome to the Sauna
July in D.C. is an endurance sport. The average high is around 89°F, but that number is a total lie. Thanks to the Urban Heat Island effect, the concrete in areas like the Navy Yard or Downtown can make it feel like 105°F.
The humidity is the real villain. It’s "thick." You don't just walk through the air; you wear it. Dew points frequently climb into the 70s, meaning your sweat doesn't evaporate. It just stays there. If you’re visiting the National Mall, do the monuments at 7:00 AM or after 8:00 PM. Anything else is just asking for heatstroke.
Fall: The Hidden Gem
If you want the best version of Washington, come in October. This is when the city finally exhales. The humidity vanishes, and the "dry" heat of September (which can still be quite hot, reaching 80°F) gives way to crisp 65°F days. The foliage along Rock Creek Park is underrated. It rivals New England if the timing is right.
Winter: Gray, Slushy, and Weirdly Brief
D.C. doesn't really get "winter" anymore; it gets a long, damp shoulder season. We average about 13.7 inches of snow a year, but half of that usually comes in one giant "Snowmageddon" event every five years. Most of the time, it’s just 40°F and raining.
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One thing to watch for: The Flash Freeze. Because D.C. sits on the line between the cold north and the warm south, we get a lot of freezing rain. The city notoriously panics at the sight of a single snowflake. Schools close, the federal government shuts down, and grocery stores run out of bread in three minutes.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Knowing the averages is helpful, but knowing the "vibe" is better. Here is the raw data on what's the weather like in DC across the calendar year.
- January: Coldest month. Highs are 44°F, lows are 30°F. It’s gray. Great for museum hopping because there are zero lines.
- February: Slightly warmer (47°F) but actually snowier. This is when the big storms usually hit.
- March: Pure chaos. It could be 75°F or 35°F. Wind picks up significantly—March is actually the windiest month here.
- April: The "Goldilocks" month. Highs of 67°F. Perfect for walking, though you’ll need a light jacket for the evenings.
- May: Pre-summer. It hits 76°F and the thunderstorms start. D.C. storms are theatrical—short, violent, and loud.
- June: The humidity arrives. Highs of 85°F. This is when the "swamp" reputation starts feeling very real.
- July: Peak heat. 89°F average, but often hits 95°F+. It’s the wettest month too, thanks to daily 4:00 PM thunderstorms.
- August: Sticky and stagnant. Most locals flee the city for the Delaware beaches.
- September: A transition. Highs around 80°F. The humidity starts to break toward the end of the month.
- October: Perfection. 69°F highs. Best walking weather of the year.
- November: Chilly and brisk. 58°F. The light over the Potomac gets really beautiful and golden this time of year.
- December: Festive but damp. 48°F.
The "Microclimates" You Didn't Know About
Not every part of D.C. feels the same. If you’re standing on the Tidal Basin, the water provides a tiny bit of a breeze, but it also jacks up the local humidity.
Rock Creek Park can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the city because of the massive tree canopy. It’s a lifesaver in August. Conversely, the National Mall is a heat trap. There isn't enough shade between the Smithsonian buildings, and the white gravel reflects the sun right back at your face.
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Pro Tip: If you're near the Capitol in the summer, duck into the United States Botanic Garden. It's air-conditioned (mostly) and offers a lush escape from the sidewalk heat.
Packing for the Chaos
Since the weather in DC likes to change its mind every four hours, your suitcase needs to be strategic.
- Layers are non-negotiable. Even in the summer, the Smithsonian museums keep their AC set to "Arctic Tundra" levels to protect the artifacts. You will freeze inside the Air and Space Museum if you're only wearing a tank top.
- Professional vs. Practical. This is a "suit and tie" city, but the weather hates fashion. You’ll see lobbyists in expensive suits wearing running shoes for the commute. Do the same.
- Waterproof everything. D.C. rain isn't always a drizzle; it’s often a tropical downpour that lasts 20 minutes and leaves you soaked. A lightweight, packable rain shell is better than an umbrella, which will just flip inside out during a March windstorm.
Surviving the "D.C. Melt"
If you end up here during a heat wave, do what the locals do. We live in the underground tunnels (the "concourse") that connect some of the House and Senate office buildings. We also time our museum visits for the hottest part of the day, usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
The National Gallery of Art is notoriously one of the best-chilled buildings in the city. The East Building is airy and cold—perfect for escaping a July afternoon.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make sure the weather doesn't ruin your D.C. experience, follow these specific steps:
- Monitor the Capital Weather Gang: Forget the generic weather apps. The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang is the local gold standard for hyper-local D.C. forecasts and "hype-free" snow predictions.
- Book for Late April or Early May: You’ll miss the madness of the cherry blossoms but catch the city when it’s green, blooming, and actually breathable.
- Hydrate Beyond Water: In the D.C. summer, you lose salt fast. If you're walking the 2-mile stretch of the Mall, bring electrolytes.
- Download the "DC Circulator" App: When the heat index hits 100°F, stop walking. The Circulator bus is cheap (often free or $1) and air-conditioned, running loops around the major tourist sites.
Washington is a beautiful city, but it’s a temperamental one. Treat the weather like a powerful politician: respect it, prepare for its mood swings, and always have an exit strategy.