What Is the Best Time to Travel to Washington D.C.?

Spring is the most popular time to visit Washinton D.C., but if you’ll save money and avoid the crowds in the fall and winter.
Written by Patrick Price
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Washington D.C. is one of the most iconic locations in the United States. The nation's capital is dripping with culture and history all year-round. The best time to visit will depend on your budget, your tolerance for harsh weather, and how you feel about large crowds. Spring is peak season and it has the most pleasant weather conditions, but fall and winter will offer better deals.
Taking a trip to the nation’s capital is something every citizen should do at least once. The vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic architecture are not to be missed. But it’s important to plan ahead. Picking the right time of year to schedule your visit is absolutely crucial—it could be the difference between an unforgettable vacation and a miserable weekend.
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The best times of year to travel to Washington D.C.

The best time to travel to Washington D.C. will depend on your priorities. If you want to enjoy the nicest weather and the largest variety of activities, the peak season of spring will be your best bet.
If you don’t mind a little heat and humidity, you can come a couple of months later when the crowds thin out in the summer. If the summer is still too busy and expensive for you, you can save a lot of money and enjoy a quieter version of DC in the winter months. 

Peak season: March to May

Washington DC on a clear day
The good: Beautiful weather, lots of events and activities 
The bad: Very crowded, inflated prices 
The weather: Mid-30s to high 60s
Spring is by far the most popular time of year to visit the District of Columbia, and it’s not hard to see why. Starting in early March, the winter chill gives way to a breezy and pleasant spring thaw. The cherry blossom trees for which the city is famous burst into bloom and the city plays host to the
National Cherry Blossom Festival
.
Spring is the perfect time to go
sightseeing
. Just keep in mind that you won’t be the only one with that idea. Crowds and prices will be sky high during the spring months
Cap off a spring trip to the capitol with the
Passport DC Festival
which runs through the entire month of May. This collection of events and activities delves into the rich history and culture of DC. 
Pro Tip Securing hotel and
rental car
reservations in the spring can be difficult. Make sure you make arrangements well in advance of your trip. 

Off-season: December to February

Washington DC covered in snow
The good: Smallest crowds, discounted rates
The bad: Cold and wet, heavy snow
The weather: Low 20s to high 40s
Winter is the least popular time to visit DC. Most tourists shy away from the idea of trudging through deep snowdrifts as they take in the sights. 
If you don’t mind the cold and the wet, though, DC can be a veritable winter wonderland. A reverent quiet takes hold of the city as the winter snows set in. Streets that thronged with crowds a few short months ago become still and peaceful as locals drape the capital in holiday lights. 
Slip in out of the cold and enjoy one of the nation’s national monuments or museums in the comfort of artificial heating. Don’t worry, in the winter, the museums don’t have dense crowds and long lines like they do in the spring and summer. 
Head downtown for a visit to the
National Portrait Gallery
for some stunning art exhibits. From there, it’s just a one-minute walk to the world-famous
Downtown Holiday Market
where vendors from all over the city come to sell their unique wares.  

Shoulder season: June to November

Library of Congress framed in budding leaves
The good: Less crowded than the spring
The bad: Sweltering heat in the summer
The weather: Low 40s to high 90s, depending on the month
Summer and Fall are the shoulder seasons in the District of Columbia. They can be a great alternative to the crowded spring and the frigid winter. 
In the summer, the oppressive heat and sticky humidity discourage locals and tourists alike from roaming the city. You’ll notice thinner crowds than in the spring, but hotel rates will remain fairly high. 
If you don’t mind breaking a sweat, the summer months have some of the most exciting activities of the entire year. Enjoy a citywide party by attending
Summer Fest DC
, or celebrate freedom like never before with the city’s unparalleled
4th of July festivities
. If you prefer a quieter event, check out the Smithsonian’s
Folklife Festival
The fall is a great alternative to peak season because the temperatures are usually quite comfortable, but the spring crowds are long gone and prices begin dropping dramatically in September. 
Bookworms and foodies alike will find fun ways to stay busy during the autumn months. The
Taste of DC
weekend is the premier way to sample the diverse cuisine available in the city. If your appetites are for words rather than food, you can enjoy the Library of Congres’s
National Book Festival
Pro Tip Even in the summer (which is the driest season) DC is an extremely wet place. Rain is very common and very heavy. Make sure you always have rain gear and a change of clothes with you when you venture out into the city. 

The cheapest time to travel to Washington D.C.

For those frugal travelers looking for the cheapest time to visit the capital city, winter is going to be the best time to schedule a trip. Hotel prices in December are especially cheap. Just make sure you bring your snow boots and an extra dry pair of socks!

Find the best month for your visit to Washington D.C.

Now that you have a general sense of what each season is like in Washington D.C., it’s time to narrow down which month is the ideal time for your visit. Take a look at the best months for these common DC activities.
Activity
Best month to visit
Why?
Sightseeing
May
The gorgeous weather makes spring the ideal time for walking and touring the city.
Events and Festivals
March through August
In DC, the warm weather months herald the arrival of a vibrant festival season.
Museums
Winter
Indoor museums are best enjoyed in the winter when the lines will be more manageable.
Pro Tip There are always numerous cultural and historical attractions to enjoy in DC. No matter what time of year you visit, there will be plenty to do. Schedule your visit based on your weather preferences and how well you tolerate large crowds. 

How to find savings on car and rental insurance

Whether you’re road-tripping to Washington D.C. or
renting a car
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FAQ

Every season has something wonderful to offer in DC, The worst time for a visit depends on what matters most to you. If you’re looking for comfortable weather, it’s best to avoid summer and winter. If affordability is key, steer clear of peak season in the spring.
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