When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
The year kicks off in Washington, DC with brisk winter days, often hovering around 5°C, and the occasional dusting of snow adding charm to the National Mall. It’s a quieter time for tourism, ideal for uncrowded visits to the Smithsonian museums, warming up in exhibits like the National Museum of American History or Air and Space. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations at his memorial and throughout the city invite reflection.
February
Still wintery, February brings chilly air and a calm atmosphere. Presidents' Day weekend sees events at Mount Vernon and Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln’s legacy is commemorated. Indoor cultural escapes continue to shine, with performances at the Kennedy Center and seasonal ice skating at The Wharf or the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
March
Hints of spring begin to show as temperatures slowly climb. By late March, the famed cherry blossoms start budding around the Tidal Basin, signalling the approach of festival season. The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with a mix of outdoor art, food events, and kite-flying on the National Mall, drawing in visitors and locals alike.
April
Peak bloom usually arrives in early April, drawing crowds to the Jefferson Memorial and East Potomac Park. With average highs of around 19°C, it’s the perfect month to stroll through Georgetown or enjoy a paddleboat ride beneath the fluttering cherry trees. The city feels vibrant and fresh, as food festivals and open-air concerts begin to dot the calendar.
May
Spring is in full swing, with temperatures rising to around 25°C and gardens across DC bursting into colour. The National Cathedral Flower Mart and Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international cultures, offer unique experiences. Outdoor dining returns in full force along 14th Street and Eastern Market, and it's a great time for a bike ride along the Capital Crescent Trail.
June
Early summer brings long days and sunshine, ideal for rooftop drinks or exploring DC's many neighbourhoods. Temperatures settle around the mid-20s to low 30s°C. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival transforms the National Mall with music, crafts, and global food, while evening walks along the Georgetown waterfront are especially appealing.
July
DC gets hot and humid in July, often peaking around 31°C, but the city knows how to celebrate summer. Independence Day is marked with a massive fireworks display over the National Mall, preceded by concerts and a patriotic parade. Museum visits offer air-conditioned reprieve, while shaded green spaces like Rock Creek Park invite picnics and hikes.
August
Still warm and humid, August sees fewer crowds, making it a surprisingly good time to explore at a relaxed pace. Seasonal produce fills the stalls at Dupont Circle Farmers Market, and free evening movie screenings pop up at parks across the city. Locals often escape to nearby Chesapeake Bay, but those who stay enjoy a slower, sleepier version of the capital.
September
Cooler evenings return, with highs dipping to around 27°C early in the month. The city gears up for fall with events like the DC Jazz Festival, and the changing light makes monuments particularly photogenic. The Kennedy Center’s Open House Arts Festival offers free performances and workshops, kicking off the new arts season.
October
Fall foliage transforms the city's green spaces, including the National Arboretum and Theodore Roosevelt Island, into a painter’s palette. Temperatures hover around 21°C, ideal for walking tours of historic neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill or Adams Morgan. Halloween brings themed events at embassies and spirited ghost tours in Lafayette Square.
November
Chillier air arrives, especially by mid-month, but DC retains its appeal. Thanksgiving events and fall menus fill local restaurants. The National Gallery of Art and Library of Congress provide warming cultural respites, and anticipation builds for the festive season with the National Christmas Tree soon to be lit on the Ellipse.
December
With highs averaging around 8°C or so, December blends brisk winter days with festive spirit. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highlight, and Union Station becomes a hub of holiday cheer. Skating rinks open across the city, from Canal Park to The Wharf, while seasonal performances of The Nutcracker bring a classic close to the year.
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