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.
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.
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
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]