World Guide

Washington, D.C.

Capital of United States

Washington, D.C.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is home to approximately 690,000 residents. Visitors travel here to see federal landmarks, including the White House, the United States Capitol, and the National Mall.

What to see

The city contains many federal buildings and memorials. The White House, the United States Capitol, and the Library of Congress represent the center of government. The National Mall serves as a central park area featuring the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Cultural institutions include the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. The Washington National Cathedral is also located within the city.

When to go

Washington, D.C. experiences cold winters and hot, humid summers. January and February see daily highs between 6 °C and 8 °C, with frequent freezing temperatures at night. July and August are the warmest months, with daily highs reaching 31 °C and consistent rainfall occurring on about 15 to 16 days each month. Spring and autumn provide more moderate weather. April and May bring temperatures between 19 °C and 24 °C, while October and November offer cooler conditions with highs ranging from 14 °C to 20 °C.

Getting there

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport serves the city and is located 5 kilometers away.

Top sights in Washington, D.C.

  1. White House
  2. United States CapitolUnited States Capitol
  3. Washington MonumentWashington Monument
  4. Library of CongressLibrary of Congress
  5. Lincoln MemorialLincoln Memorial
  6. Washington National Cathedral
  7. National MallNational Mall
  8. Vietnam Veterans MemorialVietnam Veterans Memorial
  9. National Air and Space MuseumNational Air and Space Museum
  10. National Gallery of ArtNational Gallery of Art

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 31 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C681319242931302620148
Average low, °C-2-13813192121171050
Rainfall, mm747187911101031099288907182
Rainy days8109101313161510679

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Washington, D.C. (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

  • International Monetary Fund
  • Jefferson Memorial
  • National Museum of Natural History
  • National Museum of the American Indian
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Other cities in United States