Washington, DC Climate Guide
Washington, D.C. has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. The city sits in the Potomac River valley between the Blue Ridge and the Chesapeake Bay, which keeps it warmer and wetter than the interior of Maryland and Virginia.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Washington Climate Overview
July averages a high near 90°F with overnight lows above 70°F, while January averages a 44°F high and a 29°F low. The city receives about 40 inches of precipitation a year and roughly 13 inches of snow.
Summer afternoons bring frequent thunderstorms and heat index values above 100°F. Winter storms can arrive as snow, sleet, or cold rain depending on a few degrees of temperature, because the city sits close to the typical rain/snow line. Nor'easters and the remnants of tropical systems both reach the region.
Washington Weather by Season
spring
Spring is the region's signature season — Tidal Basin cherry blossoms usually peak in late March or early April, and highs climb from the mid-50s°F in March to the upper 70s°F by May. Rain and thunderstorms increase as the season goes on.
summer
Summers are hot and humid. July and August average highs of 88-90°F with overnight lows near 70°F, afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and heat index values regularly pass 100°F.
fall
Fall is the most settled season. September stays warm, October brings mild days near 70°F with the year's lowest humidity, and foliage peaks in the surrounding Blue Ridge in mid-to-late October.
winter
Winters are cool rather than severe — January averages a 44°F high and a 29°F low. Snow averages about 13 inches a year, but the city sits close enough to the rain/snow line that many storms arrive as sleet or cold rain instead.
Washington Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44° | 48° | 56° | 68° | 77° | 86° | 90° | 88° | 81° | 70° | 59° | 48° |
| Low °F | 29° | 31° | 37° | 47° | 57° | 67° | 72° | 70° | 63° | 51° | 41° | 33° |
Best Time to Visit Washington
Late September through October, or early April through mid-May. Both windows deliver highs in the 60s-70s°F, low humidity, and minimal storm risk. April adds the cherry blossoms; October adds foliage and the driest stretch of the year.
Severe Weather Risks
- Heat waves
- Severe thunderstorms
- Nor'easters
- Hurricane remnants
- Ice storms
Weather Facts About Washington
- >Washington sits near the average rain/snow line for East Coast winter storms, so one system can bury the northwest suburbs while downtown gets cold rain.
- >July and August both average overnight lows at or above 70°F, which is why the humidity feels relentless well after dark.
- >Tidal Basin cherry blossom peak bloom tracks late-winter temperatures closely and has ranged from mid-March to mid-April.
- >The remnants of tropical systems — Agnes in 1972, Isabel in 2003 — have caused more flooding damage in the District than any direct hurricane landfall.
- >The Potomac valley funnels humid air inland from the Chesapeake, keeping the city muggier than the Piedmont just to the west.
Washington Weather FAQ
What is the climate in Washington, DC?
Washington has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa): hot humid summers, cool winters, and about 40 inches of precipitation a year. July averages a 90°F high and a 72°F low, while January averages a 44°F high and a 29°F low.
What is Washington DC weather like year round?
January is the coldest month at a 44°F high and a 29°F low. Spring warms quickly through the 60s and 70s°F, July and August average highs of 88-90°F with humid nights near 70°F, and October settles near 70°F with the year's most comfortable conditions.
How cold does Washington DC get in winter?
January is the coldest month, averaging a 44°F high and a 29°F low. Nights below freezing are routine from December through February, but sustained subzero cold is rare because the city sits south of the main Arctic air corridor and close to the Chesapeake.
How much snow does Washington DC get?
About 13 inches in an average winter, with extreme year-to-year variability. The city sits near the typical rain/snow line for coastal storms, so some winters barely register while the 2009-10 season buried the area under more than 50 inches.
Is Washington DC humid in summer?
Yes. July and August average overnight lows at or above 70°F, and afternoon dewpoints in the low 70s°F push heat index values past 100°F several times each summer. Thunderstorms are frequent but only briefly break the humidity.
Does Washington DC get hurricanes?
Direct hits are rare because the city is well inland from the Atlantic, but the remnants of tropical systems regularly bring heavy rain, wind, and flooding along the Potomac and Anacostia. Agnes (1972) and Isabel (2003) are the benchmark events.
What is Washington DC weather like by month?
Average highs run 44°F in January, 56°F in March, 77°F in May, 90°F in July, 70°F in October and 48°F in December. Lows follow the same curve, from about 29°F in midwinter to 72°F in midsummer.
When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
Late September through October, or early April through mid-May. Both deliver highs in the 60s-70s°F, low humidity, and minimal storm risk. Cherry blossom peak bloom usually falls in the last week of March or the first week of April.