Whether you want to catch the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom or snap photos on the National Mall, deciding the best time to visit Washington, DC, can feel like a challenge. From a perfect spring day to a quiet winter stroll, there’s always something to do year-round in the US’s capital.  

　　Here’s our guide to help you decide the best time to visit Washington, DC.  

　　Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

　　

High Season: March to June

Best time for visiting the National Mall 

　　Mild, albeit unpredictable weather, makes this the perfect time to visit Washington, DC. There will be lots of crowds at the National Mall, but the mild temperatures mean you won’t mind. Cherry Blossom season kicks off in late March and attracts people from all over the world.   

　　

Shoulder Season: July to September 

Best time for visiting museums

　　Summer's steamy conditions thin out the crowds a bit. Avoid the heat and humidity by visiting any number of DC’s fantastic museums like the National Museum of African American History, The Holocaust Museum or the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. If you’re in town for Independence Day, the city puts on an amazing fireworks display.  

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Low Season: October to February  

Best time for avoiding the crowds 

　　Though milder than its northern neighbors, temperatures can (and do) dip in DC. But there are still plenty of things to do. Go ice skating at the National Gallery of the Art’s Sculpture Garden or, when the holiday season kicks off, visit the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Keep in mind: although it’s low season, business travelers to the city keep hotel rates high. 

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January 

January is quiet – unless it’s an inauguration year. Then it’s madness. Crisp, clear days alternate with gray, frigid days. Every once in a while it will snow, shutting the city down.

　　Key events: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Inauguration Day. 

　　

February 

The weekend around President’s Day (the third Monday) brings crowds, but otherwise it’s time for low-season bargains. Several events brighten up the gloomy days.

　　Key events: Chinese New Year, DC Fashion Week. 

　　

March

Cherry-blossom season – DC’s tourism apex – ramps up around the 20th, culminating in the famed festival. The trees are gorgeous, but you will pay for it with higher-rates at hotels and restaurants at capacity.

　　Key events: St. Patrick’s Day, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Blossom Kite Festival. 

　　A guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival 

　　

April 

　　Cherry-blossom season continues to bring mega crowds (and prices). The park service determines that April 2 is the average “peak bloom,” so if you want to see the trees at their shimmery pink best, this is it.

　　Key events: White House Easter Egg Roll, FilmFest DC.

　　

May 

It rains more in May than other months, but the temperature is comfy. It’s a busy time for conventions, school groups and university graduations, so prices bump up and hotels are often full.

　　Key events: Passport DC, Broccoli City, Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, DC Black Pride. 

　　

June

June sees the end of peak season, as school-group visits start to dwindle. Hotel prices are still fairly high. The temperature steams up as the weeks go on.

　　Key events: Capital Pride, National Capital Barbecue Battle, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, DC Carnival, DC Jazz Fest. 

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July 

The days are exceptionally hot and humid, but that doesn’t stop lots of vacationers from touring the DC sights. Temperatures regularly crack 90°F (32°C).

　　Key events: Independence Day, Capital Fringe Festival. 

　　

August 

The heat keeps coming, but the city picks up with the return of college students. Might be the best time to snag some hotel deals before Congress comes back to town.   

　　Key events: Washington DC Water Lantern Festival, Around the World Cultural Food Festival. 

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September 

The heat breaks. Kids go back to school. Everyone is refreshed after August's congressional break. Hotel rates start to creep up again.

　　Key events: National Book Festival, H Street Festival, DC International Beer Wine & Food Festival. 

　　

October 

October is another banner month with lovely weather and fewer tourists, but business travelers keep hotel rates propped up. Daytime temperatures hover near 70°F (21°C).

　　Key events: Marine Corps Marathon, High Heel Drag Race, Taste of DC, Howard University Homecoming.

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November 

Pretty quiet time of the year as the city (and everyone else) gears up for the holiday season. 

　　Key events: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Trot for Hunger 5K.  

　　

December

'Tis the holiday season, and the city twinkles with good cheer from Zoo Lights to candlelight tours of historic homes to free holiday concerts. As your holiday gift, rates remain reasonable.

　　Key events: National Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting. 

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　　First published in February 2021, updated in September 2021.