Last updated: January 18, 2025
Washington, D.C. enjoys a humid subtropical climate (Köppen-Geiger classification Cfa), characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature. Winters can be notably cold, with minimum temperatures plunging to -16°C (4°F) in February, while summers are typically hot and humid, featuring maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (101°F) in July. The city's average annual temperature hovers around 15°C (59°F), reflecting a climate that supports diverse ecosystems and influences the lifestyle of its residents throughout the year.
Washington, D.C. experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect the transition from winter to summer. January and February are characterized by chilly weather, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -16°C (4°F), while average monthly temperatures remain below 5°C (41°F), gradually rising in March to signal the onset of spring. As the seasons progress into April and May, temperatures rise significantly, peaking at 34°C (94°F) by late spring. The summer months of June, July, and August are marked by high temperatures, often exceeding 36°C (98°F), with July being the warmest month averaging around 27°C (81°F). With the arrival of fall in September, temperatures begin to decline, with averages around 22°C (72°F), leading into cooler October and November months. By December, the cycle completes itself as temperatures return to winter lows with averages around 5°C (41°F), setting the stage for another cold season ahead.
In Washington, D.C., neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Bloomingdale, and Shaw experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year. In February, temperatures can drop to as low as -16°C (4°F), while in July, they can rise to a scorching 38°C (101°F). For more detailed climate information, you can explore the monthly temperature in Adams Morgan, or learn about the monthly temperature in Bloomingdale, and discover the monthly temperature in Shaw.
Washington, D.C. experiences a fairly consistent pattern of precipitation throughout the year, with a notable increase during the summer and early fall months. The wettest month typically occurs in July, averaging 157 mm (6.2 in) of rainfall, as well as 12 days of measurable rain, followed closely by August with 140 mm (5.5 in). Spring also sees significant precipitation, with May receiving 127 mm (5.0 in), making it one of the rainier months. Conversely, winter months like January and February exhibit lower rainfall totals, approximately 61 mm (2.4 in) and 98 mm (3.9 in) respectively, although January tends to have 8 days of rain, which helps mitigate the colder, drier winter atmosphere.
As the seasons transition, the frequency of rainy days fluctuates, showcasing D.C.'s dynamic climate. While spring enters with moderate rain totals of 87 mm (3.4 in) in March and 100 mm (4.0 in) in April, the start of summer is punctuated by increased precipitation and storm activity, particularly in July. Fall brings a decrease in both rainfall and rainy days, with October averaging 104 mm (4.1 in) but only 9 rainy days. Overall, Washington, D.C.'s precipitation patterns contribute to its lush greenery and seasonal beauty, highlighting the city's varied climate throughout the year.
In Washington, D.C., the sunshine duration follows a clear seasonal trend, witnessing a substantial increase from winter to summer. Starting with a modest 150 hours of sunshine in January, the city gradually welcomes more sunlight as the days grow longer. By March, residents can enjoy 259 hours of sunshine, with equal totals in April, reflecting the invigorating arrival of spring. May marks the beginning of a sunny surge, reaching 281 hours, which sets the stage for the peak summer months. The sunniest period occurs in July, when sunshine hours climb to a remarkable 356 hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the vibrant cityscape.
As summer transitions into fall, Washington, D.C. experiences a gradual decline in sunshine. Although August still boasts an impressive 321 hours, the onset of shorter days in September brings a drop to 277 hours. This downward trend continues into the fall months, with October and November realizing 246 hours and 226 hours respectively, as the city prepares for the winter season. December concludes the year with 191 hours of sunlight, reinforcing the seasonal cycle that highlights the noteworthy contrast between the bright, lively summers and the dimmer, cooler winters, thus shaping the outdoor lifestyle of its inhabitants throughout the year.
In Washington, D.C., the Ultraviolet (UV) Index serves as a critical measure of sun exposure throughout the year, revealing a clear seasonal pattern. During the winter months, the UV Index remains relatively low, with January and December peaking at 3 and February rising slightly to 5. As spring approaches, there’s a noticeable increase in UV radiation; March sees a jump to 7, while April climbs to 9, signaling that individuals should begin taking precautions against sun exposure as outdoor activities increase.
Summer months in D.C. witness the highest UV Index readings, with June, July, and August all registering at 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the season gradually shifts to fall, the UV Index starts to decline: it drops to 9 in August, and later settles at 8 in September. The decrease continues through October and November, where the UV Index reaches 7 and 5 respectively, before tapering off again to 3 in December. These fluctuations emphasize the importance of being mindful of UV radiation, especially during the sunnier months when sun protection is essential.
UV Risk Categories
The daylight duration in Washington, D.C. exhibits a pronounced seasonal cycle. Starting with only 9 hours of daylight in January, the days begin to lengthen as the city transitions into spring. By February, daylight increases to 10 hours, followed by a more substantial jump to 11 hours in March as daylight saving time approaches. This trend continues into April, with 13 hours of daylight, before peaking in the summer months of May and June, each boasting 14 hours. This abundance of daylight provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities and engagement with the vibrant city landscape.
As summer fades into fall, daylight hours gradually diminish, starting with 13 hours in August and decreasing to 12 hours in September. October brings further reductions, settling at 11 hours, while November clocks in at 10 hours as the days grow shorter leading into winter. The cycle completes itself in December, returning to 9 hours of daylight. This rhythmic shift highlights the changes in light exposure throughout the year, which not only influences individual routines but also reflects the natural patterns of life in Washington, D.C.
Adams Morgan experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January commences with minimum temperatures plunging to -15°C (5°F) and modest precipitation of 61 mm (2.4 in), while July sees temperatures soaring to a maximum of 38°C (101°F) complemented by the year's highest precipitation of 157 mm (6.2 in). Sunshine duration peaks in summer with July enjoying 356 hours, contrasting the shorter days in winter with only 150 hours in January. Average monthly temperatures gradually climb from 3°C (37°F) in January to a warm 27°C (81°F) in July and August. For more information, explore the Adams Morgan climate.
The climate in Bloomingdale, United States, presents a mix of cold winters and hot summers. Winter months see temperatures ranging from as low as -16°C in February to an average of 3°C in January, with corresponding low sunshine hours around 150 to 180. Summers can be hot, with July highs reaching 38°C, abundant sunshine totaling 356 hours, and increased precipitation peaking at 157 mm. The transition months of spring and fall offer milder conditions with average temperatures between 8°C and 25°C, moderate rainfall, and sufficient sunshine. Overall, Bloomingdale experiences varied seasonal changes, making it important to plan activities according to Bloomingdale climate.
The climate in Chevy Chase, United States, features cold winters and hot summers, characterized by average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July. During the summer months, temperatures can reach highs of up to 38°C (101°F), while winter lows can drop to -16°C (4°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with peak levels in the summer, as July experiences the most rainfall at 157 mm (6.2 in). Sunny days are abundant, especially in the summer months, peaking at 356 sunshine hours in July. For more information about the local climate, visit Chevy Chase climate.
Shaw, in the United States, experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from frigid winter lows of around -16°C (4°F) in February to sweltering summer highs of 38°C (101°F) in July. Precipitation is fairly distributed across months, peaking in July with 157 mm (6.2 in) and remaining above 60 mm (2.4 in) even in January. The area benefits from considerable sunshine, especially during summer months, reaching its zenith in July with 356 hours of sunlight, maintaining ample daylight throughout the year with a low of 150 hours in January. For more details about the local climate, visit Shaw climate.
The climate in Washington, United States, varies significantly throughout the year, with winter months such as January experiencing average low temperatures around -15°C (5°F), and July reaching highs of up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is relatively abundant, peaking during the summer with July recording 157 mm (6.2 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in summer months, with July receiving 356 hours of sunlight. Despite the varying weather conditions, Washington remains a dynamic city with distinct seasonal changes. For more detailed information, visit the Washington climate.
In conclusion, the climatic patterns of Washington, D.C. are characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight length. The city experiences frigid winters with limited sunlight and lower UV exposure, progressively transitioning to warm, sun-soaked summers that provide longer daylight and heightened UV risks. These fluctuations impact the lifestyle of residents and visitors alike, influencing outdoor activities and seasonal preparations. Understanding these climatic elements not only enriches our appreciation for the city's natural environment but also underscores the importance of adapting our behaviors to maintain health and safety throughout the year.