Dreamweaver89

We are planning a family trip (kids 12 and 15) to D.C. for the first time. Have settled on Embassy Suites Alexander Old Town but now aren't sure when to go. We are using Hilton Honors points, the same amount regardless of date. We will be driving from Illinois and using the metro. Our choices are spring break 3/18-3/24, or right after the kids get out of school 5/6-5/12, or over the 4th 7/1-7/7. Can someone tell me if the crowds on any of those dates would impact our trip? And if we go on the 4th, where should we head to get the most impact out of the fireworks or other activities? Thanks for any input you can give.

Dreamweaver89

Wrong date - I meant 6/6-6/12 not May.

Anonymous

I personally would avoid July, it will be crowded and hot. The weather can be steamy even in mid-June.

Weather is nicely spring-like in March, especially if it comes later where you live, so that gets my vote. Your spring break will overlap with some others', but since Easter is in April, as is the spring break for many kids in the Northeast, that's your best bet for avoiding crowds, too. And if you're really lucky, you'll see some early cherry blossoms.

MikeT

It's going to be busy during all of those periods. The best would probably be March, before the Cherry Blossoms. Still, you should expect lots of school groups and Spring Breakers.

schlegal1

June and July will likely be hot, humid and crowded. Although your June dates could have nice weather.

March may be pretty chilly (or it could be really pleasant and warm--that's a toss up) but it should be less crowded. Most schools in the area take spring break over Easter.

sprin2

Although all of your dates will be busy times, you will have "fewer" crowds in March, April is when the tourist season really starts. Your June dates are at the end of the school tour season, although there are still big crowds until about June 20th. The weather could be hot. July 4th is busy, and extremely HUMID and hot. If you can stand the humidity and plan to be outside this can be an ok time to visit as most tourists run from AC to AC. March is your overall best bet.

The ES Old Town is in a great location and very convenient for getting into DC.

wyatt92

I would avoid July and August at all costs, it can get unbearably humid. March or June is your best bet.

MileKing

I've lived in the DC area the past 10 years. July is absolutely the worst time to visit. As others have pointed out, it will be hot and humid. It is also the height of the tourist season here, particularly around the July 4th weekend, so expect crowds. August is hot and humid as well, but crowds are slightly less, particularly towards the end of the month. March will see less crowds, but weather in mid-March is iffy; could be very nice, but could also see cold/snow. Early June is actually a good time to visit. Weather will be more pleasant and although there will be some crowds, nothing like July and August.

bardo1

My first choice would also be March. Second choice would be June. I leave town whenever possible during July and August - it's generally brutally hot/humid in DC (although you may get lucky)!

kakalena

Washington is glorious in Spring when the bulbs, azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom. Mid-April to Mid-May is the best time in my opinion. The deciduous trees are leafed out by Mid-May.

DC is sublime on cool, crisp, sunny days in Fall. Winter may be gloomy but it isn't as cold as some cities.

Summers however can be absolutely brutal for tourists. The glare and blinding heat from all the monumental white marble buildings is like something out of a Sartre novel. I'd avoid July. You may luck out and get some lovely days in June if the steam heat hasn't kicked in by then. March is apt to be cool but again you may luck out.

The scale of the city is so big that you shouldn't experience "crowding" to any extent except for certain events. I think your Spring Break will be before Cherry Blossom festival and not so crowded. The fireworks on the 4th of July would be the only crowding you should experience from the dates you've given. That's just a pain to get out of the city afterwards but not impossible to do. It just takes know-how or patience.

Stephanie

March, March, March

Lived in D.C. 2 or 3 summers worth so I know what the weather is.

Any other summer month for walking and sightseeing will be absoulute misery and torture. Temps in summer can be up to 110 w/100% humidity.