When to visit Washington, D.C. without the crowds
Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C., United States) is calmest in January, February, September and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in April, May and June. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
Jan–Feb & Oct–Nov
When everyone heads home
The second half of August.
Tip
The Smithsonian museums are free; in May school trips fill them, so go in the afternoon.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 7 °C (44 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 10 °C (50 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 3/5 · moderate | 14 °C (58 °F) | |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 20 °C (68 °F) | National Cherry Blossom Festival (Mar–Apr) |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 24 °C (75 °F) | Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 30 °C (85 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 32 °C (90 °F) | Fourth of July on the National Mall, Independence Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate | 30 °C (87 °F) | |
| September | 2/5 · calm | 27 °C (80 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 21 °C (70 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 14 °C (58 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 9 °C (48 °F) | Christmas Day |
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Lincoln Memorial, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Washington, D.C. without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually January, February, September and December (crowds 2/5). In September the average high is 27 °C (80 °F). All the calm months: January, February, September and December.
When is Washington, D.C. most crowded?
The busiest season is April, May and June. The second half of August.
What is the weather like in Washington, D.C.?
Average highs range from 7 °C (44 °F) in January to 32 °C (90 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What festivals are there in Washington, D.C.?
The main ones: National Cherry Blossom Festival (Mar–Apr) (April); Fourth of July on the National Mall (July).