Which of the above months is DC LEAST crowded? Also, WHEN during the month?

Thanks

Avoid the beginning of April when it is Cherry Blossom time - it's wall to wall. Then, as far as a better other time, I'd say towards the end of May - wait until it starts to get warm, but before the kids get out of school.

Actually, I think the last 2 weeks in April (after cherry blossoms), or maybe the last week in May, first couple of weeks in June would be best. DC gets VERY crowded with school trips in early may. All the social studies & American history classes take their school trips to DC at that time. It does fill up also once schools are out. It is very quiet right now, but in a few days (cherry blossoms) it will be busy, then die off for a week or so, then pick back up again.

Hi Steve,I'm leaving for Washington,DC on April 25th so I'll let you know when I get back.

Steve,

I'd say try to avoid the Memorial Day weekend at least. Husband and I went to D.C. last year during that weekend and I can't imagine it being anymore crowded, except possibly July 4th! I would think late April/early May would be best - weather is decent and school is still going on, so less family vacations. Enjoy D.C.

Steve, the absolute BEST MONTH in DC is October -- it's still very warm (low 80's to high 70's), and the crowds are gone that are here in spring and summer. It's gorgeous. I've been here for 2 years, but my uncle and his friends, who have been here for four decades, always say that you can't beat October in DC.

My guess is the crowds are thinner in late May and early June, because organized school trips will have ended but family tourism hasn't picked up yet.

I'm thinking of taking my daughter on spring break, the middle of march. Is this a bad idea?

Teri, I've gone in mid-March a number of times and I think it's a great time to visit. You'll be out in front of the heavier spring crowds (cherry blossom time, as others have pointed out). You can often pick up good airfares too -- start watching for them in November already. I give your plan a big thumbs up!

Hotels right now all have deals for June 14th weekend so I suspect that anytime before school breaks is fine.