National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to National Harbor, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in National Harbor, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America by month

January

In January, National Harbor is brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect several inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for National Harbor, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

If you go to National Harbor in February, you will notice that it can be brisk and snowy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

March in National Harbor is cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you vacation in National Harbor during April, you may see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you visit National Harbor during May, you will probably notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in National Harbor is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

July

July here can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in National Harbor is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

If you vacation in National Harbor during September, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in National Harbor is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you visit National Harbor during November, you may find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December for National Harbor is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in National Harbor. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America

National Harbor in the District of Columbia is undoubtedly one of the country’s best tourist destinations. This beautiful waterfront district is packed with world-class attractions that will leave visitors feeling happy, excited, and fulfilled. For anyone planning to visit the National Harbor, here's a list of the top tourist attractions you don't want to miss:

1. Capital Wheel:

The 180-foot tall Capital Wheel provides the most spectacular and panoramic view of the harbor. With 42 gondolas, this giant Ferris wheel offers you a stunning bird's eye view of the harbor, the surrounding areas, and the Washington Monument.

2. MGM National Harbor:

MGM National Harbor is an iconic entertainment resort that boasts thousands of slot machines, table games, and a wide range of entertainment options. The resort's sleek and impressive design extends over 23 acres, making it a perfect destination to relax and have fun.

3. The Awakening:

"The Awakening" is a six-piece sculpture that depicts a giant emerging from the earth. The sculpture, which has powerful human overtones, stands at 70 feet, and its posture and size are fascinating to visitors.

4. The National Children's Museum:

The National Children's Museum in National Harbor is a must-visit. It's a stunning museum designed exclusively for kids and features a variety of interactive exhibits, children's theater, and events that cater to kids' interests.

5. Tanger Outlets:

Shopaholics can indulge themselves in the Tanger Outlets, which has over 85 stores selling brand-name and designer items at discounted prices. If shopping is your thing, you can spend hours here looking for the best bargains.

6. Peeps and Company:

Peeps and Company is a unique shopping experience for candy lovers. It's a colorful retail store filled with Peeps-themed merchandise from hats, clothes, and toys to, of course, the beloved marshmallow treats.

7. Kayaking and Stand-up paddleboarding:

Water lovers can take advantage of National Harbor's waterfront by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to explore the area from the Potomac River. The stunning shoreline and the panoramic view of the harbor are a treat to the eyes.

In conclusion, National Harbor is a perfect place to unwind and have fun while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the capital's waterfront. With an endless array of attractions for both kids and adults, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're looking for shopping, entertainment, or outdoor adventures, National Harbor in the District of Columbia is an ideal destination for tourists visiting the USA.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Divrigi, Turkey, Annaba, Algeria, West of Bangkok, Thailand, Joseph, Oregon, United States of America, Lockerbie, Scotland, United Kingdom, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Wales, United Kingdom, Alor Gajah, Malaysia, Gulu, Uganda, Jezreel Valley, Israel, and Moab, Utah, United States of America.