Washington, DC Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Washington
Weather in Washington is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 88°F (31°C), while January highs hover near 44°F (6°C). Annual precipitation averages 53.5 inches (1358 mm) over about 132 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 44°F (6°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: -7°F (-21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 7 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 70°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 44°F (6°C) and lows around 28°F (-2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -7°F (-21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain over 14 days, while November is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 7 days in a typical year, mostly from January through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44° | 28° | 9 | 3.3 in | 6.1 h/day | 68% |
| February | 48° | 31° | 10 | 3.3 in | 7.0 h/day | 66% |
| March | 56° | 36° | 10 | 3.7 in | 8.0 h/day | 64% |
| April | 66° | 46° | 11 | 3.7 in | 9.2 h/day | 64% |
| May | 75° | 56° | 13 | 5.1 in | 9.7 h/day | 71% |
| June | 84° | 65° | 13 | 5.0 in | 11.5 h/day | 69% |
| July | 88° | 70° | 14 | 6.9 in | 11.7 h/day | 72% |
| August | 85° | 69° | 14 | 6.2 in | 10.8 h/day | 75% |
| September | 80° | 63° | 11 | 5.1 in | 8.8 h/day | 74% |
| October | 69° | 52° | 9 | 3.6 in | 8.0 h/day | 74% |
| November | 57° | 40° | 8 | 3.3 in | 7.6 h/day | 69% |
| December | 49° | 34° | 10 | 4.1 in | 6.0 h/day | 72% |
Washington month by month
Washington weather in January
January brings highs around 44°F (6°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Washington.
Washington weather in February
February brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Washington weather in March
March brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Washington weather in April
April brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 11 wet days.
Washington weather in May
May brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 13 wet days.
Washington weather in June
June brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 13 wet days.
Washington weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in Washington.
Washington weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 14 wet days.
Washington weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 11 wet days.
Washington weather in October
October brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 9 wet days.
Washington weather in November
November brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Washington.
Washington weather in December
December brings highs around 49°F (9°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 10 wet days.
Seasons in Washington
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Washington is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 65°F (19°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Washington brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 41 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Washington brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 52°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Washington is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 47°F (8°C) and nights around 31°F (-1°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Washington?
Is Washington hot in summer?
Is Washington cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Washington get in a year?
Best time to visit Washington
The best time to visit Washington is generally September to November and April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 68°F (20°C).
Pack for Washington with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 70°F (21°C).
Washington temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.