Weather in Washington DC in October
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youIn October, Washington DC sees average highs of 20.4°C (68.7°F) and lows of 10.8°C. Conditions are pleasantly mild and fairly wet (9 rainy days on average), with roughly 7.8 hours of sunshine a day. This is peak season for good reason — conditions are close to ideal. 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 October
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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
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
- 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 October a good time to visit Washington DC?
October rates 9/10 for visiting Washington DC — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 20.4°C, 113.1mm of rain across the month and about 7.8 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Washington DC in October?
In October, Washington DC has average highs of 20.4°C (68.7°F) and average lows of 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Does it rain in Washington DC in October?
Some rain is likely. Washington DC averages 113.1mm across about 9 rainy days in October, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Washington DC in October?
For Washington DC in October (20.4°C highs / 10.8°C lows), pack light layers plus sunscreen, t-shirts and light trousers or shorts, compact travel umbrella.
More essentials for Washington DC in October
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
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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.