Washington DC in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Washington DC (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 8.8°C and lows of -0.1°C, with around 299.8mm of rain across the season (27 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Washington DC covers December, January, February.
Winter in Washington DC month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 9.5°C | 0.8°C | 124.5mm | 8 | 9/10 |
| January | 7.4°C | -1.0°C | 78.2mm | 8 | 10/10 |
| February | 9.5°C | -0.1°C | 97.1mm | 11 | 10/10 |
What to pack for Washington DC in winter
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
- Light waterproof layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Washington DC?
Winter in Washington DC rates around 10/10 — excellent time to visit. Average highs are 8.8°C with 299.8mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Washington DC in winter?
Daytime highs average 8.8°C (47.8°F) across December, January, February, with nights around -0.1°C.
What months are winter in Washington DC?
Washington DC is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Washington DC · Washington DC annual climate · Washington DC in spring · Washington DC in summer · Washington DC in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Washington DC looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Washington DC at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the United States guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Washington DC — what to pack
Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in United States at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
Last updated:
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.