Washington Weather and Climate

The climate of Washington D.C. represents a humid, subtropical climate zone, according to the Koppen Geiger climate classification. The climate in Washington D.C. is typical of the Mid Atlantic areas in the United States.

The Washington District is located in the plant hardline zone, where the climate is indicated to be temperate. The Summer season is hot and humid with an average humidity in July at about 66 percent. The summer season is easily manageable for people who come from a generally warm climate, however for others it will be a little hard to manage. In the summer season, the capital is accustomed to receive some rainfall with thunderstorms. Occasionally tornadoes are caused by these thunderstorms; however, they weaken as they reach Washington, mainly because of its inland location.  Winter season is accompanied by a cool temperature and moderate to heavy snow.

The seasons fall and spring are warm and the best time to visit the capital. The famous cherry blossoms trees are at their full bloom in March and April. The city celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival during this time and the whole city comes together with blossom themed spa packages, events, theaters, drinks and cuisine.

In summer, the average temperatures are around 79.2 degrees F, and it's generally the hottest around July. The coldest months are the winter months of January and February when the average temperature is around 46.5 degrees F. The months of March, April and May generally average 60 degrees F. The rainiest seasons are the months of September and October with an average rainfall of 3.75 inches or 96 millimeters. The coldest temperature recorded was in 1899 at -15 degrees F, while the hottest was in 1930 and 1918 at 106 degrees F.