Weather in Washington DC in December
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Book now, pay at pickup — compare Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt and 800+ rental companies for December in Washington DC.
Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youWashington DC in December is cold — daytime temperatures average 9.5°C, dropping to 0.8°C at night. The month is fairly wet (8 rainy days on average), with roughly 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Washington DC — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Washington DC packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Washington DC in December
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Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
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- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
Compare all months in Washington DC
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.4°C | 78.2mm | 10/10 |
| February | 9.5°C | 97.1mm | 10/10 |
| March | 14.4°C | 80.8mm | 10/10 |
| April | 18.7°C | 108.8mm | 9/10 |
| May | 22.9°C | 98.4mm | 10/10 |
| June | 28.7°C | 137.4mm | 9/10 |
| July | 31.7°C | 169.2mm | 9/10 |
| August | 29.8°C | 223.4mm | 8/10 |
| September | 25.8°C | 137.7mm | 9/10 |
| October | 20.4°C | 113.1mm | 9/10 |
| November | 14.1°C | 95.5mm | 10/10 |
| December | 9.5°C | 124.5mm | 9/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Washington DC →
For facts about United States — currency, language and dialling code — see our United States country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Washington DC travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in United States before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Washington DC?
December rates 9/10 for visiting Washington DC — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 9.5°C, 124.5mm of rain across the month and about 6.1 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Washington DC in December?
In December, Washington DC has average highs of 9.5°C (49.1°F) and average lows of 0.8°C (33.4°F).
Does it rain in Washington DC in December?
Some rain is likely. Washington DC averages 124.5mm across about 8 rainy days in December, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Washington DC in December?
For Washington DC in December (9.5°C highs / 0.8°C lows), pack warm winter coat plus thermal underlayers, gloves, hat and scarf, waterproof boots.
More essentials for Washington DC in December
Packing cubes
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.