WeatherArchive / Climate averages / Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. weather by month: climate averages
Washington, D.C. averages 57°F (14°C) over the year. July is warmest, with highs around 88°F (31°C); January is coldest, with lows near 28°F (-2°C). About 46 inches (1157 mm) of precipitation falls on roughly 120 days a year, from 30 years of ERA5 data (1996–2025).
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip. | Days ≥1 mm | Sunshine / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.9°C | -2.4°C | 79.9 mm | 8.7 | 6.6 h |
| February | 8.1°C | -1.5°C | 75.6 mm | 8.9 | 7.4 h |
| March | 12.8°C | 2.2°C | 91.7 mm | 9.7 | 8.3 h |
| April | 18.8°C | 7.7°C | 91.2 mm | 10.6 | 9.4 h |
| May | 23.5°C | 13.2°C | 110.4 mm | 11.7 | 10.2 h |
| June | 28.6°C | 18.3°C | 101.9 mm | 12.0 | 11.5 h |
| July | 30.9°C | 21.1°C | 121.2 mm | 12.3 | 11.8 h |
| August | 29.6°C | 20.4°C | 109.4 mm | 11.2 | 10.8 h |
| September | 25.9°C | 16.8°C | 119.6 mm | 9.6 | 9.1 h |
| October | 19.7°C | 10.4°C | 88.4 mm | 8.2 | 8.0 h |
| November | 13.4°C | 4.4°C | 75.4 mm | 7.7 | 7.3 h |
| December | 8.2°C | 0.1°C | 91.9 mm | 8.9 | 6.3 h |
Record high 1996–2025: 41.1°C on 2012-07-07. Record low: -23.3°C on 1996-02-05.
Source: Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (CC BY 4.0). Values are ERA5 reanalysis model data on a ~9–25 km grid, not readings from a weather station, so a single town’s thermometer can differ by a few degrees and local showers can be missed. Grid cell 38.91, -77.07 at 25 m. For snowfall, humidity and a best-time-to-visit score, open Washington, D.C. in the climate tool.
Washington, D.C. weather month by month
The wettest month in Washington, D.C. is July, averaging 4.8 in (121 mm); the driest is November at 3.0 in (75 mm). July has the most days with at least 1 mm of rain (about 12). July is the sunniest month, with about 11.8 hours of sunshine a day, against 6.3 hours in December. If you like average highs between 64 °F and 82 °F (18–28 °C) with few rainy days, aim for April, September and October.
Planning a particular day? See how often that date was wet or hot over 30 years with the event weather odds, or look up what the weather actually was on any past date in the historical weather archive.
Questions people ask
What is the warmest month in Washington, D.C.?
July, with an average daily high of 88°F (31°C) over 1996–2025.
What is the coldest month in Washington, D.C.?
January, when nights average about 28°F (-2°C).
What is the rainiest month in Washington, D.C.?
July has the most precipitation (about 4.8 in (121 mm)), and July has the most rainy days (about 12 days with 1 mm or more). The driest month is November.
How much sunshine does Washington, D.C. get?
About 8.9 hours of bright sunshine a day averaged over the year, from 6.3 h in December to 11.8 h in July. Sunshine here is the model’s estimate of hours with direct sun, not hours of daylight.
What is the best month to visit Washington, D.C. for mild weather?
By average high between 64 °F and 82 °F (18–28 °C) and the fewest rainy days: April, September, October. Prices, crowds and events are not included.