Measured, not vibes
Best Time to Visit Washington DC
By measured weather comfort, the top months for Washington DC are October, May, September — and RouteVerdict's editorial pick, which also weighs crowds and prices, is March, April, October, November. The table below is computed from ERA5 reanalysis data for 2020–2024, measured at Washington D.C. (Washington DC) (7 m elevation).
Month by month
Washington DC weather and comfort, 2020–2024
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Comfort | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.5°C / 46°F | 9 | 19 | |
| February | 9.9°C / 50°F | 8.3 | 29 | |
| March | 14.8°C / 59°F | 7.8 | 56 | |
| April | 19.2°C / 67°F | 10 | 73 | |
| May | 23.3°C / 74°F | 9.8 | 80 | Best |
| June | 29.2°C / 85°F | 9.8 | 63 | Shoulder |
| July | 31.7°C / 89°F | 12.5 | 47 | |
| August | 29.7°C / 85°F | 13.8 | 55 | Shoulder |
| September | 25.7°C / 78°F | 9.8 | 77 | Best |
| October | 20.5°C / 69°F | 6.8 | 83 | Best |
| November | 14.5°C / 58°F | 6.5 | 56 | |
| December | 9.5°C / 49°F | 7.7 | 28 |
Comfort is RouteVerdict's 0–100 score: 100·exp(−(high−23)²/162) × (1 − min(0.35, wet days × 0.02)). The full method is on the methodology page. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (ERA5, CC BY 4.0), 2020–2024 normals. Wet day = ≥1 mm precipitation.
FAQ
Washington DC timing questions
What is the best month to visit Washington DC?
By measured weather comfort (ERA5 2020–2024), the top months are October, May, and September, with October scoring highest. RouteVerdict's editorial pick is March, April, October, and November, which also weighs crowds, prices, and events.
What is the hottest month in Washington DC?
July, with an average daily high of 31.7°C (89°F).
What is the rainiest month in Washington DC?
August, averaging 13.8 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation.
When is shoulder season in Washington DC?
June and August — the best-scoring months outside both the measured top three and RouteVerdict's editorial peak-season pick.