National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to National Harbor, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to National Harbor
- Important essentials for National Harbor
- Activities for National Harbor
- National Harbor in January: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in February: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in March: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in April: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in May: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in June: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in July: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in August: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in September: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in October: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in November: weather and what to pack
- National Harbor in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in National Harbor, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in National Harbor, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January can be brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting National Harbor, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
February
February here can be very chilly and snowy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to National Harbor, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
March
March in National Harbor is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
April
In April, National Harbor is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (high 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for National Harbor, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in National Harbor is warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
If you vacation in National Harbor during June, you might notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
July
If you go to National Harbor in July, you will notice that it is really hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
August here can be very hot. 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
September
September is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
October
Traveling to National Harbor in October, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in National Harbor is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
December
Traveling to National Harbor in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to National Harbor, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
Activities for National Harbor, District of Columbia, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for National Harbor.
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.