Washington (DC) Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Washington’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United States of America.
Monthly Temperature Averages
With significant temperature fluctuations, Washington enjoys distinct seasons year-round. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 32°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 6°C during cooler months like January. At night, minimum temperatures typically average around -3°C during these months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Washington by month:
Typically, the coolest time of day is between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the hottest time occurs around 3 PM, when the sun’s heating effect is strongest. July, the city’s warmest month, experiences 279 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, sees about 66 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 10 days. It records 144 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in the United States of America Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Washington Temperatures Compared World Wide
Washington’s average annual maximum temperature is 19°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In contrast, in Zermatt, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 4°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
Boston, USA, experiences seasonal shifts similar to New York, with an average annual temperature of 16°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.
In Washington, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 62% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 6°C. In the warmest month, July, the humidity is 67% combined with an average maximum temperature of 32°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Effects of Temperature on Weather and Climate
Temperature variations influence precipitation patterns in Amsterdam:
Rainfall: Warm air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rain during warmer months. However, precipitation is generally moderate year-round.
Snow: Occasional snowfall occurs in winter, though it rarely lasts very long.
For more detailed information about Washington’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Washington climate page.
Current temperature in Washington (DC)
7 m/s
almost clear and chance of rain
3 m/s
clear and no rain
3 m/s
almost clear and no rain
