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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.

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%

Washington DC Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Washington DC - and find the best time to visit.

Best Places in the United States of America in October

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 October →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

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

Washington DC 3-Day Forecast

Popular in October

Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.