Home
United States

Washington, D.C.

© f11photo / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

4
3
3
16
10
8
8
9
8
7
4
100
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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.

48 things to do in Washington, D.C.

Adams Morgan Day

September 8, 2024 Event

A celebration in the epicenter of Washington's nightlife

Rolling Thunder Run

(waiting for updates) Event

The world's largest single-day motorcycle event

Labor Day Concert

September 1, 2024 Event

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

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing on the Potomac

April–October Activity

The District of Columbia offers great water sport activities

Downtown Holiday Market

November 22-December 23, 2024 Event

The real Christmas magic starts here

Washington Capitals Hockey

October–April Event

A fun winter alternative to baseball and football

Ice Skating in Washington, D.C.

November 22, 2024–March 9, 2025 Activity

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

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 5, 2024 Event

Welcome the holiday season with the U.S. President

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

April–December Food

The most famous seafood of the Northeast

Autumn Pumpkin Patch

October Activity

A beautiful seasonal tradition

Scream City Tours

September 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

Fall Foliage in and around Washington, D.C.

mid-October–early November Nature

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

Marine Corps Marathon

October 27, 2024 Event

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

Washington 4th of July Parade, Fireworks & Events

July 4 Event

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

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

Halloween

September–November, 2024 Event

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

Great Falls

March–May Nature

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

St. Patrick's Day

March 15, 2025 Event

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

National Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2024 Event

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

Cherry Blossoms

mid-March–mid-April Nature

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

Washington D.C. Restaurant Week

mid-January, 2025 | mid-August, 2025 Event

Experience the best prices in the best restaurants

Washington Christmas Lights

late November–December Event

The United States capital is especially festive during the holiday season

Washington Auto Show

January 31–February 9, 2025 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

Washington International Horse Show

October 21–27, 2024 Event

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

National Cherry Blossom Festival

March 20–April 14, 2024 Event

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

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

June 26–July 1, 2024 Event

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

Christmas Lights around Maryland

mid-November–early January Event

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

Christmas Lights across Virginia

early November–early January Event

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

Bull Run Festival of Lights

November 15–January 5 Event

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

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

November 8, 2024-January 5, 2025 Event

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

Labor Day Weekend

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

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

Christmas Lights in Baltimore

late November–late December Event

Explore Inner Harbor and beyond during the festive season

New Year's Eve in Virginia

December 31 Event

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

New Year's Eve in Washington, D.C.

December 31 Event

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

Chinese New Year in Washington, D.C.

January 29–February 2, 2025 Event

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

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

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

DC Beer Fest

April 13, 2024 Event

Sample beer from over 80 breweries at the famous baseball stadium

Frederick Oktoberfest

September 27-28, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration inspired by the world-famous German tradition

Snallygaster

October 12, 2024 Event

One of the greatest beer festivals on the East Coast

Manassas Viking Festival

May 13, 2023 Event

Travel back in time to the age of brave Vikings

Greenbelt Green Man Festival

May 11-12, 2024 Event

Celebrate nature with an array of fun activities

DC Jazz Festival

August 31-September 1, 2024 Event

More than 100 concerts in over 30 venues citywide

Capital Jazz Fest

June 2–4, 2023 Event

One of the best jazz music events in the country

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

April 25-May 4, 2025 Event

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

Rolling to Remember

May 26, 2024 Event

The annual Memorial Day patriotic motorcycle ride into DC

Coast Starlight Train Trip

all year round Activity

The 35-hour Coast Starlight journey passes through astonishing views of the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, and the Pacific Ocean shoreline

DC Black Food & Wine Festival

September 28, 2024 Event

Experience the flavors of African-American food at this celebration of black-owned businesses

All Things Go

September 28–29, 2024 Event

A music festival, showcasing women and queer artists

Last updated:

Nearby destinations

United States
Virginia
United States
Pennsylvania
United States
Maryland
United States
Delaware
United States
New Jersey
United States
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Baltimore, MD
United States
Atlantic City, NJ
United States
Norfolk, VA