I will be visiting Washington D.C. in the first few days of April and am wondering what type of weather can I expect. What type of clothes will I require. A warm jacket? a winter coat? I am planning a visit to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Weather here in DC can be unpredictable -- it was 68 degrees here yesterday which is NOT normal for the first week in January -- so best to check the weather forecast before you go on any of the major websites such as cnn.com or one of those. But generally I would say in early April I would plan for maybe 50s & 60s. The best plan is always to bring layers and that way you can peel off what you don't need as it warms up.

Lisa is so right when she says the weather here is unpredictable. The weather today is extraordinary. Chances are you won't need a heavy winter coat, but a warm jacket or sweater. You will want to consider packing for cooler winter weather as well as warmer spring temperatures because who knows what will happen.

I lived in the DC area for 11 years, off and on over a stretch of years. April is at best capricious. It even snows sometimes in April. The other posters are right on target.

I can remember wearing an overcoat one day and short sleeved shirts the next.

All of the above comprise excellent advice. Your best bet is to check one of the 10-day forecasts on the web before finalizing your packing. No matter where we're going, this had been an enormous asset...

I always check out the Weather Channel & their website at weather.com before traveling. Agree with other posters. It may be 32 in evening and 65 at noon.

The most important thing--besides the layers plan-- is to bring is a raincoat or umbrella. DC is great, but I've been stuck out visiting the monuments in the rain more than once!