I'm planning to visit Washington DC this summer. Which is a better time to go- end of July or middle of August? Are there more tourists at a certain time? What is the weather like at these times? Are there any significant rate changes of hotels, airfare, etc.?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

We traveled to D.C. the 2nd week of Aug. in '97. We got a great deal at the Hay Adams Hotel -$129/nt - normally in the $200-$300 and over/nt. range. The key was that we are AAA members (for a mere approx. $65/year.) They gave great rates during that month (and maybe all summer) for AAA members. That is also the month that congress is not in session - could be reason for reduced rates.

The Hay Adams hotel is directly across Lafayette park from the White House and is a AAA 4 star hotel - beautiful rooms and great service, though the prices at their restaurant where we only ate breakfast are very high.

It was hot then, but not any worse than Kansas City in the summer which is were I'm from. I do not remember thinking that it was overly crowded with other tourists (that is, it didn't bother me if it WAS overly crowded.) What an incredible city - enjoy.

We traveled to D.C. the 2nd week of Aug. in '97. We got a great deal at the Hay Adams Hotel -$129/nt - normally in the $200-$300 and over/nt. range. The key was that we are AAA members (for a mere approx. $65/year.) They gave great rates during that month (and maybe all summer) for AAA members. That is also the month that congress is not in session - could be reason for reduced rates.

The Hay Adams hotel is directly across Lafayette park from the White House and is a AAA 4 star hotel - beautiful rooms and great service, though the prices at their restaurant where we only ate breakfast are very high.

It was hot then, but not any worse than Kansas City in the summer which is were I'm from. I do not remember thinking that it was overly crowded with other tourists (that is, it didn't bother me if it WAS overly crowded.) What an incredible city - enjoy.

We traveled to D.C. the 2nd week of Aug. in '97. We got a great deal at the Hay Adams Hotel -$129/nt - normally in the $200-$300 and over/nt. range. The key was that we are AAA members (for a mere approx. $65/year.) They gave great rates during that month (and maybe all summer) for AAA members. That is also the month that congress is not in session - could be reason for reduced rates.

The Hay Adams hotel is directly across Lafayette park from the White House and is a AAA 4 star hotel - beautiful rooms and great service, though the prices at their restaurant where we only ate breakfast are very high.

It was hot then, but not any worse than Kansas City in the summer which is where I'm from. I do not remember thinking that it was overly crowded with other tourists (that is, it didn't bother me if it WAS overly crowded.) What an incredible city - enjoy.

As a resident, I can tell you there are just about always tourists. And that indeed, it will be hot. However, the museums and other sights are air conditioned (and most all are free). We natives take that for granted, and it is a REAL plus. Someone elsewhere recommended a website called www.visitDC (or something similar). There are usually good hotel deals to be had especially over weekends (business travellers fill up the place during the week). But you should do fine. I lived north of Dupont Circle for several years, and it is a great location to use as a base. Public transportation isn't bad, either.

Amy,

I visited DC a few years ago during August to attend a wedding. Hot! But definately worth it; sorry I can't offer any advice on hotels. We stayed at a dinky little place (but nice, family owned) about an hour outside of DC so it was kind of a drive but was definately affordable. Smithsonian Museums are great. E-mail me if you're interested in the name of that hotel and I'll see if I can dig it up!
Michelle

Amy, there is no fundamental difference between July 30 and August 15 in Washington; both are smack in the middle of that incredibly uncomfortable heat and humidity that pervades Washington during the summer. Tourism levels are about the same (high) throughout the summer months.

You have been offered some good advice above regarding web sites to visit for possible savings on hotels. I would also check United and US Airways web deals page; both have hubs in Washington and offer excellent price breaks into and out of the city.

As Diane points out, air conditioning takes some of the rigor out of seeing Washington, but eventually you have to emerge from the museums and monuments. I'd suggest planning outdoor activties (monument viewing, for example) during the evening and early morning hours.

Thanks stephanie, Diane, Michelle, and Neal for your advice! I really appreciate your help!

Best time is Tuesday's at 7 am