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Washington, DC Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC gets 41.8 in of precipitation a year over about 118 rainy days, and about 13.7 in of snow a season. July is the warmest month (average high 89°F) and January the coldest (average low 30°F).
Humid subtropical climate
Washington, DC has hot summers and chilly winters. Daytime highs range from about 45°F in January to 89°F in July. July is usually the wettest month, and snow falls in winter. The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 32° | 47° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 48° | 67° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 70° | 87° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 52° | 69° |
How much rain does Washington get?
Washington gets 41.8 in of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 118 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 76% of the US.
July is the wettest month, with 4.3 in. February is the driest, with 2.6 in. May has the most rainy days, about 12.
The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 38 days, to November 9, 2024.
From September 2025 to August 2026 Washington got 31.6 in of rain, against a normal of 41.8 in for those months. May 2026 had the most, with 4.7 in.
See where Washington ranks: rainiest cities in the US, US cities with the most rainy days.
Does it snow in Washington?
Yes. Washington gets about 13.7 in of snow in an average season, measured at the reporting station.
The snowiest winter on record is 2009–10, with 56.1 in.
The most recent measurable snow at the station fell on March 12, 2026.
From September 2025 to August 2026 the station measured 10.6 in of snow, against a normal of 13.7 in for those months. January 2026 had the most, with 7.0 in.
See where Washington ranks: snowiest cities in the US.
Washington weather by month
Washington weather in January
In January, Washington averages a high of 45°F and a low of 30°F. It gets 2.9 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 40% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The January record high is 80°F (2024) and the record low is -5°F (1982).
Washington weather in February
In February, Washington averages a high of 48°F and a low of 32°F. It gets 2.6 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 40% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The February record high is 82°F (2018) and the record low is 5°F (1996).
Washington weather in March
In March, Washington averages a high of 56°F and a low of 38°F. It gets 3.5 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 45% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The March record high is 89°F (1990) and the record low is 14°F (1980).
Washington weather in April
In April, Washington averages a high of 68°F and a low of 48°F. It gets 3.2 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 44% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The April record high is 95°F (2002) and the record low is 24°F (1982). April is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Washington weather in May
In May, Washington averages a high of 76°F and a low of 57°F. It gets 3.9 in of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 37% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The May record high is 99°F (1991) and the record low is 37°F (2020). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Washington weather in June
In June, Washington averages a high of 85°F and a low of 67°F. It gets 4.2 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The June record high is 104°F (2012) and the record low is 47°F (1972).
Washington weather in July
In July, Washington averages a high of 89°F and a low of 72°F. It gets 4.3 in of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 43% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The July record high is 105°F (2012) and the record low is 54°F (1988).
Washington weather in August
In August, Washington averages a high of 87°F and a low of 70°F. It gets 3.3 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 42% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The August record high is 105°F (1997) and the record low is 49°F (1986).
Washington weather in September
In September, Washington averages a high of 80°F and a low of 64°F. It gets 3.9 in of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 46% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The September record high is 101°F (1980) and the record low is 44°F (1992).
Washington weather in October
In October, Washington averages a high of 69°F and a low of 52°F. It gets 3.7 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 52% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The October record high is 98°F (2019) and the record low is 30°F (1974). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Washington weather in November
In November, Washington averages a high of 58°F and a low of 41°F. It gets 2.9 in of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 55% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The November record high is 86°F (1974) and the record low is 18°F (1976).
Washington weather in December
In December, Washington averages a high of 48°F and a low of 34°F. It gets 3.4 in of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 43% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The December record high is 79°F (1998) and the record low is 3°F (1983).
Sunshine, humidity and wind in Washington
November is the sunniest month in Washington, with estimated sunshine of 55% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. May is the cloudiest, at 37%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 44% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. Washington is cloudier than 67% of the US.
Humidity peaks in August at 70% and is lowest in March at 54%.
Wind averages 9 mph over the year, and March is the windiest month at 10 mph.
Washington has about 39 days a year above 90°F. Washington is hotter than 60% of the US.
Thunderstorms occur on about 35 days a year.
See where Washington ranks: sunniest cities in the US, cloudiest cities in the US, hottest cities in the US.
First and last freeze in Washington
The first fall freeze in Washington typically comes around November 18, and the last spring freeze around March 26. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 237 days.
Washington weather records
These records cover WASHINGTON REAGAN NATL AP during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
The hottest temperature on record at the Washington station is 105°F, on August 17, 1997. The coldest is -5°F, on January 17, 1982.
The wettest day in the available station history brought 6.1 in of precipitation, on June 21, 1972.
38 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.
The annual mean temperature has changed by +0.5°F per decade since 1970.
The best time to visit Washington
The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.
Winter (December–February) is chilly, with average highs around 47°F and lows near 32°F. Snow is possible.
Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 67°F and lows near 48°F.
Summer (June–August) is hot, with average highs around 87°F and lows near 70°F.
Autumn (September–November) is warm, with average highs around 69°F and lows near 52°F.
Monthly climate
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Wind | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 45° | 2.9 in | 10 | 10 mph | 64% | 40% | 80° | -5° |
| February | 32° | 48° | 2.6 in | 9 | 10 mph | 60% | 40% | 82° | 5° |
| March | 38° | 56° | 3.5 in | 11 | 10 mph | 54% | 45% | 89° | 14° |
| April | 48° | 68° | 3.2 in | 11 | 10 mph | 56% | 44% | 95° | 24° |
| May | 57° | 76° | 3.9 in | 12 | 9 mph | 62% | 37% | 99° | 37° |
| June | 67° | 85° | 4.2 in | 11 | 8 mph | 60% | 42% | 104° | 47° |
| July | 72° | 89° | 4.3 in | 11 | 8 mph | 66% | 43% | 105° | 54° |
| August | 70° | 87° | 3.3 in | 9 | 8 mph | 70% | 42% | 105° | 49° |
| September | 64° | 80° | 3.9 in | 9 | 8 mph | 69% | 46% | 101° | 44° |
| October | 52° | 69° | 3.7 in | 8 | 8 mph | 69% | 52% | 98° | 30° |
| November | 41° | 58° | 2.9 in | 8 | 9 mph | 62% | 55% | 86° | 18° |
| December | 34° | 48° | 3.4 in | 10 | 9 mph | 65% | 43% | 79° | 3° |
Station: WASHINGTON REAGAN NATL AP, 5 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1970–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.
Washington climate questions
How much rain does Washington get?
Washington gets 41.8 in of precipitation in an average year, over about 118 rainy days.
What is the wettest month in Washington?
July is the wettest month in Washington, with 4.3 in. February is the driest, with 2.6 in.
How many rainy days does Washington have a year?
Washington has about 118 days with measurable rain in an average year. May has the most, about 12.
Does it snow in Washington?
Yes. Washington gets about 13.7 in of snow in an average season. The snowiest winter on record is 2009–10, with 56.1 in.
What is the hottest month in Washington?
July is the warmest month in Washington, with an average high of 89°F.
What is the coldest month in Washington?
January is the coldest month in Washington, with an average low of 30°F.
What is the record high temperature in Washington?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, the record high at the Washington station is 105°F, set on August 17, 1997. The record low is -5°F, on January 17, 1982.
What is the sunniest month in Washington?
November is the sunniest month in Washington, with estimated sunshine of 55% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. May is the cloudiest.
When is the first frost in Washington?
The first fall freeze in Washington typically comes around November 18. The last spring freeze is around March 26.
What is the best time to visit Washington?
The most comfortable time to visit is typically April to May and October, when daytime highs sit near 71°F.