Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Sept weather Wash. DC and VA?

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Sept weather Wash. DC and VA?

I know there are no guarantees - but in general what kind of weather can I expect in southeast VA and Wash DC in the middle of September. I am used to HOT but where I live we never get above 25% humidity in the summer. Is Sept still really hot and humid in DC? thanks

September is definitely better than June-August in terms of humidity, although it will still be a heck of a lot higher than 25%. It's tough to predict the weather at that time of year--you never know when an excpetionally hot spell might hit. In general though, I think springs and falls here are the nicest seasons here, plus the crowds should be light with school back in session. Have a nice trip!

I lived in NOVA for almost 20 years--in September, expect hot and sticky. Temps in the high 80's, humidity ditto. It won't be crisper and cooler until October.

I live in the area of VA you're asking about and September brings a bit of relief from our extremely hot and humid summer weather. On average, daytime temperatures will be in the 70's and 80's, with more humidity than you're used to, on average 75% or so.

thanks - I was hoping the humidity would be lower by Sept. But I can cope. Really looking forward to the trip - first time to Williamsburg area (week) and DC (4 days). (We get regular temps in the 90's and 100's but with the low humidity it seems MUCH cooler than 85 w/ 85%)

Hi Janis, You've received good info on the September weather in VA. It's still swamp living until later in the month. Curious enough to ask...why a week in Wmburg and 4 days in DC? Personally, I'd switch em. Lived in Wmburg for the last 5 years and DC for 10 years prior to that. Love both places but for vacationing purposes I'd spend more time in DC than SE Va. Happy to help you navigate either place if you're a newcomer with questions. Have a great trip.

DMR: I'm staying a week in a condo in Williamsburg - free accomodations is not to be sneezed at :-) But I'll have a car and plan to really hit the road on day trips all over. Williamsburg, Richmond, various battlefields, etc, etc. Other than the obvious tourist sites - Any special places you recommend?

Janis, Agreed. A week of free lodging is a very good thing. It's getting late here but in the morning I'll pull out my notes. Any special interests? cheers!

Thanks - I am open to just about anything. But some specific interests are the pre-revolutionary era, gardens, Civil War sites, theatre, living history-type museums, shopping, and college/pro sports. Then with just 3+ days in DC (I'm staying in Arlington) it will have to be a whirlwind overview - the major monuments/bldgs, city tour, Mount Vernon, Smithsonian, Air & Space Museum, and just general wandering around.

Hi Janis, Here are a couple of ideas for what to do after a couple of days touring Wmburg and Jamestown. Richmond: You've probably already targeted the battlefields, Museum of the Confederacy and the Confederate White House. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is often worth a look (Grove and Boulevard) and afterwards it's just a couple of blocks over to Cary Street where you'll find lots of funky and fun shops and restaurants, including a place devoted entirely to chocolate (not surprisingly called For the Love of Chocolate). There's a municipal parking lot across the street from this shop. Agecroft hall is a 15th C. manor house (which was actually disassembled in England and reconstructed here) and gardens which is well worth a visit. There's a wonderful knot garden and if memory serves me, this place has a connection to London's Museum of Garden History. Maymont house and Elizabethan gardens is also worth seeing. Consider taking Route 5 from Wmburg to Richmond -- two lane scenic highway winding through the woods past all the James River Plantations. Bald eagles sightings are not uncommon. Petersburg: Again, you've probably got all the info on the battlefields and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. I can't add anything more except to say that there's a more scenic route starting from the Jamestown ferry, through Surry and up Route 40. The ferry ride isn't long and provides a good breeze and a view of the riiver. Runs every 15 minutes or so. Surry is your protypical sleepy little town with a one stop light, an old court house and a restaurant which I can't really recommend except for the atmosphere and a slice of peanut pie. Speaking of which, the cuisine around here isn't very sophisticated. A trip to one of the colonial taverns is a good idea if you haven't been before. I think the Trellis is a bit overrated & overpriced but might be a hoot for dessert. Pierces BBQ is first rate. Everyone eats the Cheese Shop sandwiches (use your cell phone and call in the order). Do all your interesting dining in DC. Otherwise: Charlottesville (Monticello and wineries), Va Eastern Short, Outer Banks. Have a great trip. Let me know if I can help.

WOW! - Thanks for the info. You've been a huge help.