Washington DC Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Washtington D.C. has a warm sea climate. Summers are warm and winters tend to be mild most years. Although in January and february there is a chance of snowfall.
In July and August temperatures are on average around 30°C. From July until December hurricanes sometimes hit the region.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
The climate in Washington DC is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 32°C in July to a chilly 7°C in January.
Nighttime temperatures can drop, with average lows reaching -2°C in January. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Washington DC has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1047 mm of rain/snowfall per year. The seasons in Washington DC, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 137 mm of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snow/rainfall, totaling 62 mm over 10 snowy/rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Washington DC Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
In Washington DC, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 9.4 hours in June. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 4.3 hours per average day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Washington DC.
The city experiences its highest humidity in August, reaching 69%. In March, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 58%. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 4 m/s in May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December to 5 m/s in January, February, March and April.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
almost clear and no rain almost clear and no rain overcast and rainForecast for Washington DC
5 m/s
4 m/s
3 m/s
The best time of year to visit Washington DC in the United States of America
During the months of May and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
July has an average maximum temperature of 32°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 7°C.
June tops the wettest month list with 137 mm of rainfall.
January is the driest month with 62 mm of precipitation.
June is the sunniest month with an average of 282 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
