Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Washington, D.C. area, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Washington, D.C. area
  2. Important essentials for Washington, D.C. area
  3. Activities for Washington, D.C. area
  4. Washington, D.C. area in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Washington, D.C. area in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Washington, D.C. area in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Washington, D.C. area in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Washington, D.C. area in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Washington, D.C. area in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Washington, D.C. area in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Washington, D.C. area in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Washington, D.C. area in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Washington, D.C. area in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Washington, D.C. area in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Washington, D.C. area in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Washington, D.C. area, 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 Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Washington, D.C. area, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. area in January, you will notice that it is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Washington, D.C. area. 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Washington, D.C. area is pretty cool and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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 Washington, D.C. area. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow 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

March

In March, Washington, D.C. area is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a couple of inches of snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Washington, D.C. area, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

April

April in Washington, D.C. area is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you vacation in Washington, D.C. area during May, you might find that it is a perfect temperature 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 regularly.

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

June

In June, Washington, D.C. area is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Washington, D.C. area, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

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 things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July for Washington, D.C. area is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, 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 airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

August

If you visit Washington, D.C. area during August, you might notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s 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

  • 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 Washington, D.C. area. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

September

If you visit Washington, D.C. area during September, you might 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 a bit less than half 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

October

October in Washington, D.C. area is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) to 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

November in Washington, D.C. area is 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 about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 Washington, D.C. area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

December

December in Washington, D.C. area is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C. area. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Washington, D.C. area, District of Columbia, United States of America

Washington, D.C. is known as the capital city of the United States of America and is a prominent location filled with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Visitors from all around the world come to the D.C. area for its important government buildings, museums, and national monuments.

Here are the top tourist attractions in the Washington, D.C. area that will leave visitors awe-inspired:

1. The White House:

The White House is the most significant landmark in Washington, D.C. and is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the public areas of the White House and, with prior arrangements, participate in a guided tour of the interior of the White House.

2. Lincoln Memorial:

The Lincoln Memorial is located at the west-end of the National Mall and is a tribute to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial is an open-air structure surrounded by 36 Doric columns and houses a massive 19-foot statue of the President. The memorial is a popular location for political rallies, but it also attracts visitors to its peaceful reflecting pools and tree-lined walkways.

3. Smithsonian Museums:

The Smithsonian Institution has nineteen museums, galleries, and research centers, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive museum systems in the world. The most famous museums are the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air, and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History and the National Portrait Gallery.

4. The National Mall:

The National Mall is home to many of Washington, D.C.'s most recognizable national landmarks, including the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. It’s also surrounded by some of the most prestigious museums in the world.

5. National Gallery of Art:

The National Gallery of Art is one of the most comprehensive art collections in the United States; it houses more than 150,000 works of art. The collection ranges from Renaissance works to modern art, with highlights like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Leonardo da Vinci.

6. United States Capitol:

The United States Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress and has been a symbol of American democracy for over two centuries. Visitors can explore the exclusive visitor's center or take a guided tour of the building to see the grand Rotunda, the Senate Chamber and the National Statuary Hall.

7. Arlington National Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery is the most famous military cemetery in the United States and is the final resting place for over 400,000 service members. Visitors can pay their respects to fallen military personnel and see famous landmarks such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite or The Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.

Washington, D.C. is a top tourist destination for its impact on American history, political power and museums that cover an array of topics. Visitors get the chance to experience the nation's capital city and see many of the USA's most significant landmarks, artifacts and artifacts.

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.

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