What is the weather like in Washington DC throughout the year?

Washington DC experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is July with average highs of 31°C. The coolest month is January.

What is the weather like in Washington DC in October?

Washington DC in October scores 64/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Good option with minor considerations.

Who should visit Washington DC in October?

October in Washington DC is ideal for: Families with children, Elderly travelers, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists.

Best Time to Visit Washington DC | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why October is the Best Time to Visit Washington DC

Is October a Good Time to Visit Washington DC?

👌Good option with minor considerations(64/100)

Short Answer

October is Washington DC's peak season for good reason: 20°C temperatures and 19% rain probability. But expect crowds (90% of annual maximum) and premium prices.

Decision Factors

Peak tourist season

90% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Exceptional dining scene

112 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 19.8°C temperatures and low 19% rain risk
👴
Elderly travelers
Comfortable 19.8°C temperature range with manageable humidity
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 19.8°C, 19% rain chance
📸
Photographers
7.7h sunshine, 51% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere

Warmest

July

31°C avg

Coolest

January

6°C avg

Driest

November

19% rain

Wettest

May

31% rain

Planning Your Trip to Washington DC, United States

Wondering when is the best time to visit Washington DC? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Washington DC are October, May, September. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 20°C with only 19% chance of rain.

The Washington DC climate varies throughout the year. July is the hottest month with average highs of 31°C, while January is the coldest at 6°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Washington DC, avoid May when rainfall peaks at 31% probability.

For the best Washington DC weather experience, we recommend visiting during November for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of October and May for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Washington DC Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Washington DC

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Washington DC: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Washington DC travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest months with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

JulyAugustJune

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

OctoberNovemberMarch

Winter Escape

Escape the cold with warmest temperatures

JuneJulyAugust

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

AprilMaySeptember

Washington DC Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Washington DC?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Washington DC are October, May, September. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (20°C avg) and low rainfall (19% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Washington DC?

July is historically the warmest month in Washington DC with average highs of 31°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in January when temperatures average around 6°C.

When is the rainy season in Washington DC?

May typically sees the most rainfall in Washington DC with a 31% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in November when rain probability drops to just 19%.

How accurate is the Washington DC weather forecast?

Our Washington DC climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Washington DC.

What should I pack for Washington DC?

Packing depends on when you visit. In July (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 31°C weather. In January (coolest month), bring layers for 6°C temperatures.

Is Washington DC good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Washington DC are November (only 19% rain chance) and October for optimal weather conditions. Avoid May when rain probability peaks at 31%.