Contents
- The climate of Washington, D.C.
- The best time to visit Washington, D.C.
- The worst time to visit Washington, D.C.
- Weather hazards
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA
The climate of Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the national capital of the United States, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot and humid summers and cold winters. The city lies on the Potomac River, bordered by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Location near the east coast with closeness to the ocean significantly influences the climate.
Summers are hot with plenty of sunshine, and the peak temperatures reach an average high of 88.4°F (31.3°C) in July. Spring and autumn are relatively less humid and pleasant, with evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. January is the coldest with average lows reaching an astounding 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Snowfall is common during the winter and reaches 15" (381mm). Annual rainfall is abundant to the tune of 40" (1016mm) and is occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms and destructive tornadoes.
Summers are hot with plenty of sunshine, and the peak temperatures reach an average high of 88.4°F (31.3°C) in July. Spring and autumn are relatively less humid and pleasant, with evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. January is the coldest with average lows reaching an astounding 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Snowfall is common during the winter and reaches 15" (381mm). Annual rainfall is abundant to the tune of 40" (1016mm) and is occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms and destructive tornadoes.
The best time to visit Washington, D.C.
The best time to visit Washington, D.C. is the spring and the fall seasons, from March to May and from September to November. Spring brings warm weather in the 60°F (15.6°C) and 70°F (21.1°C), and the winter chill is absent. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in spring is a bucket list event, and the cherry trees blossoming all over downtown is a magnificent sight. Autumn is devoid of the heat and stickiness of the summer with spectacular fall foliage soothing the eyes. Leaves changing into different color shades against the background of numerous marble monuments are a sight straight from heaven.
The worst time to visit Washington, D.C.
Winter is the worst time to visit Washington, D.C. The cold is at its peak in January, with average low temperatures of 28°F (-2.2°C). Snowfall is common during the winter, and warm winter coats and coverings are mandatory to step out. The weather is cold, and the days are short, with daily sunshine lasting for an average of 4.3 hours. Winter offers indoor activities to visitors, as Washington, D.C. is a historic city with many museums and monuments of interest.
Weather hazards
Washington, D.C.'s location on the east coast is prone to snowstorms. These storms make the city vulnerable during winter as a few of the more violent ones may last a few days and slow down the city. On average, one year out of four is severely affected by blizzards.
Hurricanes are also a threat to Washington, D.C., not due to the powerful winds that lose strength when they reach inland, but due to the resultant flooding of the Potomac River, that causes widespread property damage.
Hurricanes are also a threat to Washington, D.C., not due to the powerful winds that lose strength when they reach inland, but due to the resultant flooding of the Potomac River, that causes widespread property damage.
Weather in January
January, like December, in Washington, District of Columbia, is a wintry winter month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and an average low of 27.5°F (-2.5°C). With an average high-temperature of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 27.5°F (-2.5°C), January is the coldest month. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February, the last month of the winter in Washington, is a frosty month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 30.2°F (-1°C) and 44.8°F (7.1°C). In February, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in January - a chilly 44.8°F (7.1°C). Weather in February »
Weather in March
The first month of the spring, March, is a cool month in Washington, District of Columbia, with an average temperature varying between 37.2°F (2.9°C) and 53.2°F (11.8°C). In Washington, the average high-temperature in March slightly increases from a chilly 44.8°F (7.1°C) in February to a cool 53.2°F (11.8°C). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Washington, District of Columbia, is an enjoyable spring month, with an average temperature varying between 47.3°F (8.5°C) and 65.1°F (18.4°C). In April, the average high-temperature rises from a cool 53.2°F (11.8°C) in March to a comfortable 65.1°F (18.4°C). Weather in April »
Weather in May
The last month of the spring, May, is a moderately hot month in Washington, District of Columbia, with an average temperature fluctuating between 57°F (13.9°C) and 74.5°F (23.6°C). In Washington, the average high-temperature in May rises from an enjoyable 65.1°F (18.4°C) in April to a moderately hot 74.5°F (23.6°C). Weather in May »
Weather in June
The first month of the summer, June, is still a warm month in Washington, District of Columbia, with an average temperature fluctuating between 82.8°F (28.2°C) and 64.2°F (17.9°C). In June, the average high-temperature marginally rises from a warm 74.5°F (23.6°C) in May to a still moderately hot 82.8°F (28.2°C). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Washington, District of Columbia, is a tropical summer month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 88°F (31.1°C) and 69.1°F (20.6°C). With an average high-temperature of 88°F (31.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 69.1°F (20.6°C), July is the warmest month. In July, the average heat index is computed to be a sweltering 100.4°F (38°C). Weather in July »
Weather in August
The last month of the summer, August, is also a moderately hot month in Washington, District of Columbia, with temperature in the range of an average low of 68°F (20°C) and an average high of 85.8°F (29.9°C). In August, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in July - a moderately hot 85.8°F (29.9°C). Weather in August »
Weather in September
September, the first month of the autumn in Washington, is also a moderately hot month, with an average temperature varying between 78.4°F (25.8°C) and 61.9°F (16.6°C). In Washington, the average high-temperature in September slightly decreases from 85.8°F (29.9°C) in August to a still moderately hot 78.4°F (25.8°C). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, like September, in Washington, District of Columbia, is another comfortable autumn month, with an average temperature ranging between min 51.3°F (10.7°C) and max 66.9°F (19.4°C). In October, the average high-temperature decreases from a moderately hot 78.4°F (25.8°C) in September to a comfortable 66.9°F (19.4°C). Weather in October »
Weather in November
The last month of the autumn, November, is another cool month in Washington, District of Columbia, with an average temperature varying between 54.9°F (12.7°C) and 39.7°F (4.3°C). In Washington, the average high-temperature in November decreases from a comfortable 66.9°F (19.4°C) in October to a cool 54.9°F (12.7°C). Weather in November »
Weather in December
The first month of the winter, December, is also a frosty month in Washington, District of Columbia, with temperature in the range of an average low of 34.2°F (1.2°C) and an average high of 46°F (7.8°C). In Washington, District of Columbia, the average high-temperature in December slightly decreases from a cool 54.9°F (12.7°C) in November to a frosty 46°F (7.8°C). Weather in December »
[Resources]FAQ
What is the coldest month in Washington?
January is the coldest month in Washington, District of Columbia, with an average high-temperature of 40.6°F (4.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 27.5°F (-2.5°C).
What is the driest month in Washington?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 9.3 days and typically collects 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Washington?
Throughout the year, in Washington, there are 149.1 rainfall days, and 26.14" (664mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Washington?
Months with snowfall are January through March and December.
When does it snow the most in Washington?
The month with the most snowfall in Washington, District of Columbia, is January, when snow falls for 3.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.17" (55mm) of snow.
How many days does it snow in Washington?
Throughout the year, in Washington, District of Columbia, there are 11.7 snowfall days, and 6.3" (160mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Washington?
January, February and December, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Washington.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Washington?
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Washington, District of Columbia.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Washington?
On Sunday, March 12. 2023, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Washington, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 5. 2023, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
What is the least humid month in Washington?
The months with the lowest humidity in Washington are April and July, with an average relative humidity of 71%.
When it does not snow in Washington?
April through November are months without snowfall.
What is the most humid month in Washington?
May is the most humid month in Washington, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
When are the longest days in Washington?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 51min of daylight.
When is the highest UV index in Washington?
With an average maximum UV index of 7, June is the month with the highest UV index.
What is the warmest month in Washington?
July is the warmest month in Washington, with an average high-temperature of 88°F (31.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 69.1°F (20.6°C).
What month has the most sunshine in Washington?
With an average of 10.7h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in Washington, District of Columbia.
What is the wettest month in Washington?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.5 days and accumulates 3.46" (88mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Washington?
With an average of 9h and 29min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Washington, DC
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (40.6°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.5°F).
Average pressure
Washington, DC
- Average pressure in January:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.95"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.04"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.11"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.95"Hg).
Average wind speed
Washington, DC
- Average wind speed in January:
7.6mph - Average wind speed in February:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.9mph - Average wind speed in April:
7.8mph - Average wind speed in May:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.8mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5mph).
Average humidity
Washington, DC
The month with the highest relative humidity is May (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and July (71%).
Average rainfall
Washington, DC
- Average rainfall in January:
1.57" - Average rainfall in February:
1.77" - Average rainfall in March:
1.93" - Average rainfall in April:
2.09" - Average rainfall in May:
2.64" - Average rainfall in June:
2.4"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.76" - Average rainfall in August:
3.46" - Average rainfall in September:
1.85" - Average rainfall in October:
2.01" - Average rainfall in November:
1.73" - Average rainfall in December:
1.93"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.57").
Average rainfall days
Washington, DC
- Average rainfall days in January:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.1 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.1 days).
Average snowfall
Washington, DC
The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.17").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").
Average snowfall days
Washington, DC
- Average snowfall days in January:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
2.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
1.7 days
The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Washington, DC
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 49min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 46min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 59min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 15min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 19min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 51min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 35min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 38min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 26min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 10min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 29min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 51min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 29min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 6min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 6min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 12min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 42min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 6min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Washington, DC
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
14.1 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
20 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (20 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (12.8 days).
Average UV index
Washington, DC
The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Washington, DC
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 30).
Average visibility
Washington, DC
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).
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