Washington DC Weather in January
Washington DC in January averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night. This is the driest month of the year, and part of the winter season.
Rainfall in Washington DC in January
With the driest weather of the year, this month is a solid choice for exploring, even if you'll want to dress warmly. Looking at the last 30 years, the data shows about 10 days with snow/rain, averaging 62 mm (2.4 in) for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Washington DC in January
In January, expect low temperatures in Washington DC, with highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of -2°C (28°F) at night. The month of January belongs to the winter season. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. Nights are well below freezing at -2°C (28°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. On average, it is the coldest month of the year. So be prepared and make sure to pack winter clothes.
Sunshine in Washington DC in January
The month experiences a moderate amount of sunlight, with 144 hours of sunshine. This provides a nice balance between sunshine and clouds.
Wind Speed in Washington DC in January
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in January. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.January in Washington DC has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington DC's climate page.
Washington DC Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Max Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Chance of Rain
33%
Precipitation
62 mm (2.4 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
62%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
144 hours
Percentage Sunshine
48%
Best Places in the United States of America in January
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Washington DC in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Washington DC in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Washington DC in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington DC's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Washington DC climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
