Washington Weather in October
October in Washington brings pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) and nights around 10°C (50°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 128 mm (5 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Washington in October
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 11 days of rain, with 128 mm (5 in) average for the month. 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 in October
In October, Washington sees pleasant temperatures, with highs of 20°C (68°F). Nights drop to around 10°C (50°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. At 10°C (50°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in Washington in October
The city usually sees around 205 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days — a great month for sightseeing.
Wind Speed in Washington in October
In October, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, April and September typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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's climate page.
Washington Temperature in October
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
20°C (68°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
128 mm (5 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
67% *
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots) *
Sunshine
205 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
59% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Washington typically drop from around 23°C (73°F) at the start of October to approximately 18°C (64°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F).
Average temperatures in October
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in October
Historical weather for Washington in October
Browse day-by-day weather records for Washington spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Washington historical weather extremes in October
According to our 49 years of weather records for Washington, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.
- Washington recorded its highest October temperature of 36°C (97°F) on October 2, 2019.
- The lowest daytime temperature in October was 5°C (41°F), recorded on October 30, 2002.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in October was -1°C (30°F) (October 23, 1997).
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
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Washington in October
Pleasant temperatures in October mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Washington in October
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's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Washington climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
