Washington DC - crowds, weather - When to visit?
 

My husband and I will be visiting Washington DC next year. What's the weather like in February, and what are the crowds like in late May, early June? Thanks.

February weather is unpredictable, while rarely very cold D.C. area has a lot of freezing rain in the winter. I'll take snow any day. The mall in springtime is very nice. I would recommend going then. The worst time for crowds is during the Cherry Blossom Festival and 4th of July, although the 4th of July fireworks are worth dealing with the crowds. Other than that, I never thought it was too crowded to deter me from doing anything.

We are Brits living in DC and have lots of visitors across from the UK. I think the very best time is late April/early May when the azaleas are in bloom - go to the Arboretum and see them - and not too busy as cherry blossom festival has finished. <BR> <BR>Late May/early June is good too, starting to get hot but not the July heat and humidity. <BR> <BR>I'd say February is a bit risky for weather.

If I were you, I would go in May or June. The city is really pretty in the spring, and the weather is generally nice that time of year. Crowds are worst during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. The city gets crowded around holidays too (like Memorial Day). Your best bet to sight-see and go to museums is on weekdays before the kids get out of school.

Here's yet another vote for beautiful spring time in DC! April will either be a bit chilly or just perfect. May and June (before schools get out) will be ideal. If you decide to come in fall, better make it either September or October as November/December can be rainy/very cold. Have fun!

Got pregnant at the end of June in D.C. several years ago. Went back 5 years later in July. DO NOT GO IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER! It's too damn hot to enjoy being outside anywhere! Go in the Spring or early Summer (no later than early June). Or wait til the fall - mid September at the earliest. <BR> <BR>If you try to attempt the zoo in the summer, all you'll see are animals flaked out trying to find a cool spot in the heat!

Thanks for your responses to my posting. May seems to be the recommended time to visit, so May it is. Thanks again.

What is the weather like the beginning of Oct? Thanks.

The weather is beautiful in October, warm in the daytime a little crisper in the evening, perfect in my opinion. Obviously the beginning of October is likely to be warmer than the end of October. I prefer the end of the month.

I'm a DC-area resident and recommend October as the best month, followed by April/May when the flowers are blooming but not during cherry blossom thingie. October is wonderful, beautiful trees and often clear blue skies that are sometimes rare here and lower humidity than spring. Spring is pretty, though, but I like the energy you feel in the Fall. May and June would be okay, though if you avoid that cherry blossom thing (yeah, I know, some people come just for that, okay, it's pretty but too crowded).

Hi, We just got back from DC last Sunday, and it was perfect! We had a great time, the crowds weren't bad, and I guess we lucked out with the heat. We had to go in August, and I would not be afraid to do it again. The metro was great, cheap, and safe. Have fun. This chat line helped with a lot of my questions. Don't forget there are many battlefields there. We did Gettysburg, but there are others.

Although May is a beautiful time to visit, do remember that it is also very popular for school trips at that time. So as long as you don't mind running into LOTS of children (elementary - high school age)... I would recommend the fall. The weather is still warm - usually through October and the crowds are minimal. Yes, spring in DC is pretty - but very unpredictable (one year flowers are in peak beginning of March, next year it could be mid-April). I live 10 miles from the city and avoid it like the plague during the summer - way too many tourists!

I, for one, think spring in DC is breathtaking enough to make battling the crowds totally worthwhile, but it depends what your priorities are, I guess. All through the spring, from cherry blossoms and tulip time, to azaleas to dogwood, something beautiful is always in bloom. It's really incredible. <BR> <BR>October is also very nice (although it has definitely snowed here then, or it could be in the 70's - you never know in DC). But the leaves are gorgeous and the air is usually clear and crisp. If you have a chance to take a drive into the Blue Ridge Mountains (Skyline Drive) for a few hours, I would highly recommend it.

Deb-you were extremely lucky with the weather. Usually in August, it's like it is this week--90-100, with a lot of humidity. <BR> <BR>The spring is absolutely beautiful here, but as many posters have said, it's also packed with tourists--mainly kids on field trips. I think the best time to visit is the end of September/early October. You'll likely have great weather, and not quite as many people. <BR> <BR>But even November and December are usually pretty nice here. Our winter only lasts about 2 months (usually Jan. and Feb.). But I'm originally from the snowbelt, so I may have a different perspective.

I am coming to DC from England in October. I was pleased to read that this is a good time. Any recommendations for day trips on public transport. Does anyone know about the 'Fall Garden and White House Tour' on 21st October. Also any information about tickets to the FBI building. Thanks