Best time to visit Washington, D.C.

+124
Washington, D.C.

Best time of year to visit Washington, D.C.

With its impressive architecture, an abundance of monuments and museums, Capital City has a lot to offer at any time of year. However, the best time to visit Washington, D.C. are spring and autumn, when the nice weather allows to explore and enjoy all of its beautiful nooks. Late March to mid-April is a great time to see abundant cherry blossoms and welcome spring in the U.S. capital. In the autumn, the foliage in D.C. becomes stunning, and the air temperature cools down to a more comfortable feel. Don't miss the Halloween Parades in October or the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in November. During the hot summer, discover the city by bicycle, kayak or canoe, hike Mount Vernon Trail, and see blooming water lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden.

11 THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, D.C. (NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 07)

Christmas Lights around Maryland

Christmas Lights around Maryland

mid-November–early January • event

The best displays in parks, on water, and in residential areas

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

late November–December • event

The United States capital is especially festive during the holiday season

Christmas Lights across Virginia

Christmas Lights across Virginia

early November–early January • event

Shimmering lights on the water, in parks, and in the tunnel

Christmas Lights in Baltimore

Christmas Lights in Baltimore

late November–late December  • event

Explore Inner Harbor and beyond during the festive season

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

April–December • food

The most famous seafood of the Northeast

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Bull Run Festival of Lights

November 10–January 7 • event

A massive light display in Centreville, not far from Washington, D.C.

The Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street

all year round • activity

Explore the hidden rooms of this secret hotel and museum

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

mid-November–mid-March • activity

A favorite place for kids and winter sport lovers—ice rinks

Washington Capitals Hockey

Washington Capitals Hockey

October–April • event

A fun winter alternative to baseball and football

Cycling in DC

Cycling in DC

March–December • activity

With hundreds of kilometres of beautiful paved trails, the District Columbia is a paradise for bikers

Sailing and Cruising on the Potomac

Sailing and Cruising on the Potomac

May–November • activity

Explore one of the greatest American river and see the landmarks of the US capital from the water

43 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Rolling Thunder Run

Rolling Thunder Run

on hold(waiting for updates) • event

The world's largest single-day motorcycle event

4th of July Concert, Parade & Fireworks

4th of July Concert, Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

There's no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than Washington, D.C.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

out of rangeMarch 20–April 16, 2023 • event

One of the largest spring celebrations in the U.S. capital

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

out of rangeNovember 30, 2023 • event

Welcome the holiday season with the U.S. President

National Memorial Day Parade

National Memorial Day Parade

out of rangeMay 27, 2024 • event

One of the most patriotic holidays is undertaken with great scale in Washington

Adams Morgan Day

Adams Morgan Day

out of rangeSeptember 10, 2023 • event

A celebration in the epicenter of Washington's nightlife

Chesapeake Crab, Wine & Beer Festival

Chesapeake Crab, Wine & Beer Festival

out of rangeJune 11, 2022 • event

Enjoy world-famous seafood and lots of entertainment

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

out of rangeJune 26-July 7, 2024 • event

A free festival at the Mall showcases culture and arts from all over the world

National Giant Capital Barbecue Battle

National Giant Capital Barbecue Battle

unconfirmedJune 22-23, 2024 • event

One of American's favourite activities gets a spotlight between the White House and U.S. Capitol

Washington Auto Show

Washington Auto Show

out of rangeJanuary 19–28, 2024 • event

One of the top auto shows in the US will leave you in awe with cutting-edge exhibits, displays of historic vehicles, and latest model cars

Fall Foliage in and around Washington, D.C.

Fall Foliage in and around Washington, D.C.

out of rangemid-October–early November • nature

Witness fall colors enveloping everything from the National Mall to cozy neighborhoods of DC in October

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

Attractions, restaurants and venues offer plenty of options to ring in the upcoming year in the nation's capital

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms

out of rangemid-March–mid-April  • nature

This grandiose celebration comes to the US capital with the arrival of spring

New Year's Eve in Virginia

New Year's Eve in Virginia

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

The historical state offers plenty of scenic spots and glamorous parties for the holidays

Washington International Horse Show

Washington International Horse Show

out of rangeOctober 23–29, 2023 • event

The premier metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S.

Presidential Inauguration

Presidential Inauguration

out of rangeJanuary 20 • event

A historical event not to be missed

Сhinese New Year

Сhinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 11, 2024 • event

One of the most massive CNY parades takes place in the US capital

DC Jazz Festival

DC Jazz Festival

out of rangeAugust 30–September 3, 2023 • event

More than 100 concerts in over 30 venues citywide

Downtown Holiday Market

Downtown Holiday Market

out of rangeNovember 17–December 23, 2023 • activity

The real Christmas magic starts here

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

out of rangeApril–September • nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Labor Day Concert

Labor Day Concert

out of rangeSeptember 3, 2023 • event

The outdoor music season ends with this wonderful concert near the U.S. Capitol

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend

out of rangeSeptember 4, 2023 • event

Commemorate the longstanding weekend with amazing outdoor activities and free events in the nation's capital

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate October 2023 • event

One of America's favorite holidays is celebrated on a grand scale in Washington

Frederick Oktoberfest

Frederick Oktoberfest

out of rangeSeptember 27-28, 2024 • event

A vibrant celebration inspired by the world-famous German tradition

Snallygaster

Snallygaster

out of rangeMay 20, 2023 • event

One of the greatest beer festivals on the East Coast

DC Beer Fest

DC Beer Fest

out of rangeApril 8, 2023 • event

Sample beer from over 80 breweries at the famous baseball stadium

Lotus and Water Lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden

Lotus and Water Lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden

out of rangelate June–mid-August • nature

Washington is said to be a former wetland, so no wonder you can find blooming water flowers

Washington D.C. Restaurant Week

Washington D.C. Restaurant Week

out of rangeJanuary 15-21, 2024 • event

Experience the best prices in the best restaurants

Great Falls

Great Falls

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

See the Great Falls when they are especially great—full and roaring with the melted snowfall

JxJ

JxJ

out of rangeMay 9-19, 2024 • event

One of the oldest and largest Jewish cultural events in the world

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

out of rangeApril 26–May 5, 2024 • event

More than 50 events over ten days in a beautiful town with the rural atmosphere

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals

out of rangeApril–September • event

Watching a baseball game is a true American experience

Mount Vernon Trail

Mount Vernon Trail

out of rangeApril–October • activity

Combine active outdoor sports with a visit to George Washington's historical estate

Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon

out of rangeOctober 27, 2024 • event

Run along the fastest of the U.S. military's servicemen and servicewomen

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

out of rangeNovember 10, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

An enchanting holiday garden not far from Washington D.C.

Manassas Viking Festival

Manassas Viking Festival

overMay 13, 2023 • event

Travel back in time to the age of brave Vikings

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

out of rangeMarch 2–17, 2024 • event

A perfect occasion for a pub crawl or to see the fountain by the White House turned green

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing on the Potomac

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing on the Potomac

out of rangeApril–October • activity

The District of Columbia offers great water sport activities

Autumn Pumpkin Patch

Autumn Pumpkin Patch

out of rangeOctober • activity

A beautiful seasonal tradition

Capital Jazz Fest

Capital Jazz Fest

out of rangeJune 2–4, 2023 • event

One of the best jazz music events in the country

Greenbelt Green Man Festival

Greenbelt Green Man Festival

out of rangeMay 11-12, 2024 • event

Celebrate nature with an array of fun activities

Scream City Tours

Scream City Tours

out of rangeSeptember 24–October 31, 2022 (every Friday and Saturday and most Thursdays & Sundays) • event

There is no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to visit a haunted house

Rolling to Remember

Rolling to Remember

out of rangeMay 26, 2024 • event

The annual Memorial Day patriotic motorcycle ride into DC

Last updated: