Weather in Washington DC in May
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youIn May, Washington DC sees average highs of 22.9°C (73.2°F) and lows of 11.8°C. Conditions are pleasantly mild and fairly wet (10 rainy days on average), with roughly 10.0 hours of sunshine a day. It is one of the best months of the year to visit. 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 May
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Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
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- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- T-shirts and light trousers or shorts
- Light waterproof layer
- A warm layer for cool evenings
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 May a good time to visit Washington DC?
May rates 10/10 for visiting Washington DC — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 22.9°C, 98.4mm of rain across the month and about 10.0 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Washington DC in May?
In May, Washington DC has average highs of 22.9°C (73.2°F) and average lows of 11.8°C (53.2°F).
Does it rain in Washington DC in May?
Some rain is likely. Washington DC averages 98.4mm across about 10 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Washington DC in May?
For Washington DC in May (22.9°C highs / 11.8°C lows), pack light layers plus sunscreen, t-shirts and light trousers or shorts, light waterproof layer.
More essentials for Washington DC in May
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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.