Best time to visit Washington, DC

• “Spring and fall are the best time to visit, although the monuments can be crowded in the spring.” dchistory.com
• “Spring and fall are the best times to be outside, especially if you're hoping to avoid the area's extreme high and low temperatures.” thepointsguy.com
• “While spring is widely considered the best time to visit Washington, D.C., you shouldn’t overlook the fall months.” chariotsforhire.com

3 of the 5 travel guides we read name these months.

1. January45°F / 30°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Average high 43F; probably the slowest month for tourism.Coldest month with the lowest crowds, short daylight and snow potential.Martin Luther King Jr. Day brings some museum crowds.
2. February48°F / 32°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Same as January: cold and slow for tourism.Low to moderate crowds, with Valentine's week and Presidents' Day weekend upticks; early cherry blossoms possible in mild winters.
3. March57°F / 39°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Highs around 55F, with more tourists late in the month as cherry blossoms near peak.The cherry blossoms peak between the second half of March and mid-April.National cherry blossom festival
4. Best timeApril68°F / 48°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Highs average 66F; blossoms peak by mid-month and the Mall is very crowded on peak weekends.The National Cherry Blossom Festival in March and April draws over 1.5 million visitors.One guide calls April peak crowds and peak prices, and suggests late March or May for smaller crowds.
5. Best timeMay77°F / 58°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…Sunny days, relatively low humidity, highs near 75F; the peak month for school groups.Late spring with warm pleasant weather and moderate crowds.National Memorial Day Parade
6. June85°F / 68°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Highs near 84F; hot and humid weather possible late in the month; school groups in the first two weeks.The Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs for two weeks around the Fourth of July.
7. July90°F / 72°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Hot and humid, average high 88F with days above 90F common; no school groups but more families.Hottest and rainiest month.Independence Day is one of the most crowded days; the metro is advised.Independence Day on the National Mall
8. August88°F / 71°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Hot and humid like July but less crowded.National Book Festival
9. Best timeSeptember81°F / 64°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Average high 79F, nice weather, not as crowded as spring.The H Street Festival takes over 11 blocks each September.
10. Best timeOctober69°F / 52°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Average high 68F; leaves peak near the third week.Generally nice weather and a good time to visit.
11. November58°F / 42°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…Average high 57F, mild and not crowded except Thanksgiving week.The Downtown Holiday Market opens in November and December.National Christmas Tree Lighting
12. December49°F / 35°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Highs of 46F; bitterly cold weather and snow is uncommon. Not crowded except the week between Christmas and New Year's.City lit up for the holidays.

Weather: Washington averages from NOAA (1961 to 1990 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

• National cherry blossom festivalWashington, D.C.Every March to April
• National Memorial Day ParadeWashington, DCEvery May
• Independence Day on the National MallWashington, D.C.Every July
• National Book FestivalWashington, DCEvery August to September
• National Christmas Tree LightingThe Ellipse, Washington, DCEvery November to December

Is it a good time to travel to Washington DC.?

Any time works, but spring and fall have the best weather; winter is cheaper and quieter.

Is Washington DC walkable?

One source says walking outside can be uncomfortable in summer heat and humidity.

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