December 17 is generally a great time to visit Washington DC. While there is a slight chance of rain (26%), showers are usually brief. Expect comfortable 8°C weather. Washington DC is currently in its most popular travel window, meaning vibrant crowds and premium pricing.
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Essential Travel Info for Washington DC
Currency
USD
$ United States dollar
Language
English
Driving
Right side
Connect
The D.C. government operates a network o...
Safety
Moderate Safety
GPI: 2.44
Washington DC Weather Forecast for December 17
"Mild & Comfortable. Expect average highs of 8.1°C. 26% chance of snow."
What to Wear in Washington DC in December
Based on historical data for December 17, Washington DC typically experiences temperatures between 0°C and 8.1°C. We recommend packing heavy coat, scarf, gloves to stay comfortable. With a 26% chance of rain, keeping a raincoat or umbrella handy is a smart move.
Complete Packing Guide
Weekly breakdown & essential items for Washington DC
Smart Suitcase
- Heavy Coat
- Scarf
- Gloves
Average High
8.1°C
Daytime Peak
Average Low
0°C
Nighttime Low
Feels Like
5.4°C
❄️ Slightly colder
Snow Chance
26%
Avg 1.8mm if it snows
Snowfall
0.3 cm
~26% chance
Pressure
1020.2 hPa
High volatility
Washington DC Weather Conditions & UV Index
Weather Confidence
30-year variance analysis
Based on 10 years of data
✓ This date historically delivers consistent weather 78% of the time. Safe to plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Sun Exposure
UV Index & Safety Guide
Protection Needed
SPF 15 for extended outdoor time
UV estimate based on latitude, season & cloud cover. Actual UV may vary.
Outdoor Comfort
How pleasant is it outside?
Dew Point
3.4°C
Dry air
Heat Stress
Low
No heat warning
😐 Best outdoor time:
Midday (11 AM - 3 PM) when warmest
Travel & Logistics Insights
Local Calendar
Business Day
Standard hours in United States
Flight Traffic
High
84/100 pressure index
Health Advisory
Healthy
Routine only • View Details →
Landing Slots
~397
Daily arrival options (inc. codeshare)
Sunrise, Sunset & Wind in Washington DC
Daylight & Sun
Solar Elevation Cycle
🌅 Sunrise
07:22
☀️ Noon
12:05
🌇 Sunset
16:48
⏱️ Daylight
9h 26m
Wind Speed
16.6 km/h
Gentle breeze
Sunshine
5.6 hrs
Direct Sun (Cloud-free)
Humidity
72%
Humid / Damp
Travel Intelligence
Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Washington DC
Smart Flight Estimator
Airport-to-Airport Logistics
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Travel Health & Safety in Washington DC
Travel Comfort Index
Real-time tourism conditions
Weather Quality
⛅ Good
Tourist Crowds
🟡 Busy
Price Level
💰💰💰 Expensive
Health & Wellbeing
Meteo-Health Forecast
Rapid pressure changes detected. High risk for meteosensitive people.
Weather unlikely to affect joint pain.
Fish are active due to pressure changes.
Air quality is excellent. Perfect for outdoor activities.
Regional Safety Profile
Seismic Activity
Zero seismic activity detected in 30 years.
"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite data, Washington DC on December 17 averages 8.1°C with a 26% precipitation probability. Wedding/Outdoor Event Score: 53/100."
— Source: 30YearWeather.com|Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)|View Methodology
Washington DC Weather History (2010–2024)
Temperature History
Hall of Fame
Records from last 10 years
Better Alternatives Nearby
Consider these dates within ±7 days
December 11
8°C • 24% rain
Score
54
December 12
8.1°C • 25% rain
Score
54
December 13
8°C • 25% rain
Score
54
💡 Moving your event by a few days could significantly improve weather conditions
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Same date (December 17) in other destinations
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📍 Is Washington DC Worth Visiting on December 17?
Planning a trip to Washington DC on December 17? Our historical weather analysis based on 30 years of NASA satellite data shows that this time of year offers a bracing seasonal atmosphere averaging 8.1°C with a 26% historical precipitation risk.
✈️ Travel Logistics: Approximately 397 landing slots available daily during this period, indicating peak tourist activity.
📊 Historical Extremes: The hottest December 17 recorded in the last 30 years saw temperatures hit 17.3°C in 2024, while the coldest dropped to -4.4°C in 2020.