Washington, D.C.

Best time to visit Washington, D.C.

Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Washington, D.C., especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C, and the city is filled with blooming cherry blossoms, making it a picturesque time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August)
Summer in Washington, D.C., is warm and bustling with tourists. With temperatures often in the high 20s to low 30s°C, it’s perfect for enjoying outdoor festivals, concerts, and visiting the National Mall. However, be prepared for humidity and larger crowds at popular attractions.

Autumn (September to November)
Fall is another ideal time to visit, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C and fewer tourists. The autumn foliage adds a beautiful backdrop to the city’s monuments and parks. It’s a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's historical sites.

Winter (December to February)
Winter in Washington, D.C., is quieter, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures ranging from -1°C to 10°C. While it can be chilly, this season offers the opportunity to enjoy holiday events, museum exhibits, and indoor attractions without the crowds.

Discover Washington, D.C.

Whether you’ve been to Washington, DC or not, chances are you know all about this historical city. With iconic monuments and memorials serving as the backdrop for many movies and home to hundreds of years of American history, you will feel that you are already very well acquainted with DC.

As the U.S. capital, it boasts iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Lincoln Memorial, offering visitors a deep dive into American history and governance. The city is also home to world-class museums, many of which are part of the Smithsonian Institution and offer free admission, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Beyond its historical and political allure, D.C. is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, such as the National Mall and Rock Creek Park, perfect for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. The city’s diverse neighborhoods each offer unique experiences, from the historic charm of Georgetown to the vibrant arts scene in Shaw. Additionally, Washington, D.C. is renowned for its eclectic culinary scene, with a wide range of dining options that reflect its multicultural population.

Things to do in Washington, D.C.

The White House
Every U.S. president since John Adams has occupied the White House. Since its completion in 1800, the White House has undergone many transformations. From the President’s famous Oval Office to the State Floor rooms, where countless leaders and dignitaries have been entertained, the White House is both the home of the President of the United States and a museum of American history. Booking on a guided tour of the White House can be challenging, so the next best thing is to visit the White House Visitor Centre where you can get some great insights into the history of America’s politics.

The National Mall
From the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is a two-mile expanse of green, open-air public parkland. Several of the nation’s most popular monuments and memorials are contained within the mall including the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Nearby, surrounding the Tidal Basin are the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Lining either side of the National Mall are also many of the major Smithsonian Museums.

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Things to do in Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Museums, Art Galleries and National Zoo
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. The Smithsonian’s collection contains more than 137 million objects, artworks and specimens throughout its buildings. Some of the most popular museums include the Air & Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day of the year except December 25th.

Arlington National Cemetery
As the nation’s most treasured burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 300,000 honoured soldiers and public servants. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy and his eternal flame, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers with its hourly changing of the guard ceremony.

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Every spring, the nation’s capital “thinks pink” as it commemorates the annual blooming of the world-famous cherry trees with a citywide celebration that features impressive arts and culture exhibitions, family-friendly activities and outdoor events. It’s the official kick-off to DC’s warmer weather and welcomes a season full of festivals and outdoor activities.

Top tips for Washington, D.C. holidays

•  Avoid driving
  With an excellent public transport system there is no need for a car, especially as the roads as in any city can get congested with traffic and parking is expensive. The Washington Metro prides itself on being one of the cleanest and most orderly in the country. With fares as low as approximately $13 for a one day unlimited pass, it’s a quick, convenient and great value way of exploring the city.
  
• Consider fall
  Visitors flock to Washington between April and August. The city can be debilitatingly hot and humid in the summer, which makes trekking around to all those outside monuments a sweltering affair. Remember, D.C. is lovely all year round – especially in the fall.
  
• One-of-a-kind attractions
  Outside of the Smithsonian Museums, DC offers a whole host of interesting and unique attractions that offer lots of fun for all the family. Museums include the International Spy Museum, the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage, where children can learn how to become an undercover spy. Explore the technology and science behind fighting and solving crimes and venture into the dark side of the criminal mind through this intensely interactive experience at the Crime Museum. Watch millions of US dollar notes printed as you walk through the production floor at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and see some of the most important documents in the world including the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives Museum.
  
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Top tips for Washington, D.C. holidays

• Shopping
  Washington, DC’s retail scene offers an array of reasons to pack an extra suitcase! From the charming shops in Georgetown to funky finds on U Street or the home-grown vendors at Eastern Market, visitors will find plenty of great gifts. Called the ‘Rodeo Drive of the East Coast’ Tyson’s Corner has more than 300 high-end shops and a delicious line up of restaurants and be easily reached by the metro.
  
• Pack your running shoes or hire a bike
  With over 200 miles of trails in Washington, jogging and biking are popular activities. Runners interested in taking in the monuments and looping around the Mall should aim for an early morning jog as the area gets crowded later in the day. Alternatively, head to Rock Creek Park, an 1,800-acre maze of beautiful, well-marked trails, stretching 11 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to beyond the Maryland border. A paved path runs from the Kennedy Centre through the park.