Washington DC Weather in October

With daytime temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and nighttime lows of 11°C (52°F), October in Washington DC brings pleasant temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 122 mm (4.8 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Washington DC in October

Expect around 10 days of rain based on historical data, with 122 mm (4.8 in) average. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.

Temperature in Washington DC in October

Expect highs of 21°C (70°F) in Washington DC in October, with nights dropping to around 11°C (52°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With overnight lows of 11°C (52°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.

Sunshine in Washington DC in October

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 205 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Washington DC.

Wind Speed in Washington DC in October

Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during October. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.

Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, April and September typically offer the most agreeable circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

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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 October

Min Temperature 11°C (52°F)  

Max Temperature 21°C (70°F)  

Chance of Rain 35%  

Precipitation 122 mm (4.8 in)  

Rainy days 10 days  

Humidity 67%  

Windspeed 4 m/s (8 knots)  

Sunshine 205 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 59%  

What to Wear in Washington DC in October

For Washington DC in October, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.

What To Do in Washington DC in October

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Cycling

9/10

Walking

9/10

Camping

6/10

Outdoor sports

9/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

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.

More climate data for Washington DC

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed

See the full Washington DC climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.