Summer Weather in D.C.
Jan 29th, 2001, 11:44 AM
#1
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Summer Weather in D.C.
Hello,
My family is planning a week's visit to Washington, D.C. this Summer. We do realize that it tends to be humid there in the
Summertime? So is there a better time to go during July or August - considering that I am
looking for less humidity, please?
My personal thanks and appreciation to all who respond!!
My family is planning a week's visit to Washington, D.C. this Summer. We do realize that it tends to be humid there in the
Summertime? So is there a better time to go during July or August - considering that I am
looking for less humidity, please?
My personal thanks and appreciation to all who respond!!
Jan 29th, 2001, 11:52 AM
#2
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I went in August the one year and had incredible weather, but was told never to expect it again. Apparently it's normally quite hot and humid. Why not check a few of the weather sites and see what the typical weather pattern is for those two months. Fortunately the musuems are climate controlled, so you could atleast get a reprieve during the hottest hours of the day and save the outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon/evening.
Jan 29th, 2001, 11:58 AM
#3
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Bruce, Good luck in July/Aug in DC!
We've been there for 3-4, 4th of July celebrations, once when it was 99 degrees and about 99% humidity. There were health warnings all over the eastern seaboard that week.
Then there were times when it was "only" mid 80s and "only" about 70% humidity.
Went in August once and it was "in between", but nice.
When it was 99 degrees we would walk from air-conditioned building to a-c building. Got pretty good at it, too!
Bottom line is plan for the high heat/humidity and be thankful if it isn't!
Drink plenty of water!
Good luck.
We've been there for 3-4, 4th of July celebrations, once when it was 99 degrees and about 99% humidity. There were health warnings all over the eastern seaboard that week.
Then there were times when it was "only" mid 80s and "only" about 70% humidity.
Went in August once and it was "in between", but nice.
When it was 99 degrees we would walk from air-conditioned building to a-c building. Got pretty good at it, too!
Bottom line is plan for the high heat/humidity and be thankful if it isn't!
Drink plenty of water!
Good luck.
Jan 29th, 2001, 01:37 PM
#4
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Yup, it is smokin' hot in D.C. in the summer, whether it is August or July. We get good weeks now and then, but they are unpredictable.
I'd vote for August for a different reason. Lots of residents vacation away from the area in August, so traffic and crowds might be better.
Here's another hint: skip the zoo. It is a great zoo, but quite hilly, and the heat is miserable there in the summer. You might be happier in the Baltimore Aquarium, which is air conditioned and feels cool because of all that water. If you do go to the DC zoo, go first thing in the morning, and get out before mid-day.
Have fun!
I'd vote for August for a different reason. Lots of residents vacation away from the area in August, so traffic and crowds might be better.
Here's another hint: skip the zoo. It is a great zoo, but quite hilly, and the heat is miserable there in the summer. You might be happier in the Baltimore Aquarium, which is air conditioned and feels cool because of all that water. If you do go to the DC zoo, go first thing in the morning, and get out before mid-day.
Have fun!
Jan 30th, 2001, 10:58 AM
#6
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I agree with Cindy in that I'd definitely pick August due to less crowds. I don't think there is any statistical diff. in the heat and humidity between July and Aug (well actually, I believe historically Aug is a couple degrees lower than July despite popular myths to the opposite)--so, it's just luck, you can't plan ahead which will be better. But, August is more laid back as lots of residents are gone as many govt employees have to or tend to vacation then (Congress is out of session which contributes to that), so there is a noticeable diff. in traffic and crowds. I think if you wait towards last two weeks in Aug, even the tourist crowds die down a little as most of the people with kids plan to come earlier. One caveat--in most cities of the world the performing arts are about dead in Aug, and Washington is no exception, so if you want to see much theater or espec classical music concerts, there will be very slim pickings. And, as I said, you can't see Congress. I usu go to Europe in July to avoid the heat here, and I like working in
Jan 30th, 2001, 02:07 PM
#7
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You have a better chance of a protracted hot spell in July, a better chance of some breaks in August -- all things being equal. Sun sets earlier, for one thing.
Re: the zoo -- don't skip the zoo, just decide whether to start at the bottom (Rock Creek entrance) and work your way slowly to the top so the trip "home" (back to your car?) is all down hill -- or you can start at the top (Connecticut Ave. entrance -- near Metro) and work your way down to the bottom, then see if you can get a tram to take you back up to the top. Find out about the tram BEFORE you make the trip.
The zoo is lovely, esp. in the morning, unless you are in the depths of a heatspell -- there is some shade, some indoor exhibits, etc. Say hi to the pandas for me!
Re: the zoo -- don't skip the zoo, just decide whether to start at the bottom (Rock Creek entrance) and work your way slowly to the top so the trip "home" (back to your car?) is all down hill -- or you can start at the top (Connecticut Ave. entrance -- near Metro) and work your way down to the bottom, then see if you can get a tram to take you back up to the top. Find out about the tram BEFORE you make the trip.
The zoo is lovely, esp. in the morning, unless you are in the depths of a heatspell -- there is some shade, some indoor exhibits, etc. Say hi to the pandas for me!
