Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Washington, D.C., this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Washington, D.C.
- Important essentials for Washington, D.C.
- Activities for Washington, D.C.
- Washington, D.C. in January: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in February: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in March: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in April: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in May: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in June: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in July: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in August: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in September: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in October: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. in November: weather and what to pack
- Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Washington, D.C., the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Washington, D.C., as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
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
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Washington, D.C.. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Washington, D.C. in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Washington, D.C., a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Washington, D.C. has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you go to Washington, D.C. in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Washington, D.C., we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Washington, D.C. has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you visit Washington, D.C. during March, you may find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Washington, D.C., we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Washington, D.C. has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Washington, D.C. is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you go to Washington, D.C. in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. in June, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
July
If you visit Washington, D.C. during July, you might see 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 high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
August
If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. in August, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
September
September in Washington, D.C. is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
If you visit Washington, D.C. during October, you might see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
November
If you vacation in Washington, D.C. during November, you will probably notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
December
December in Washington, D.C. is cold. 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:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Washington, D.C., a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Washington, D.C. has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Washington, D.C..
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