2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Washington DC — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Washington DC. Warm weather with highs of 24°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

6.4
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

24°C

Avg Low

14°C

Rainy days

12days

Daylight

14.3h

Rainfall

100mm

Sunshine

9.8h/day

Humidity

66%

Humid
Sun Strength

8

Very High
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 35)

Is May a good time to visit Washington DC?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:57

Sunset

20:13

14.3h daylight

Visiting Washington DC in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎊
Memorial Day Concert
Late May Holiday

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Washington DC Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 7°C -1°C 9d (86mm) 6.3h
65% Humid
3.2 Moderate
Good
Feb 10°C 0°C 10d (86mm) 6.8h
62% Moderate
4.3 Moderate
Good
Mar 15°C 5°C 10d (88mm) 8.1h
58% Moderate
6.1 High
Good
Apr 20°C 9°C 10d (91mm) 9.2h
59% Moderate
7.4 Very High
Excellent
May Current 24°C 14°C 12d (100mm) 9.8h
66% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 30°C 19°C 10d (107mm) 11.4h
65% Muggy
9 Very High
Good
Jul 32°C 23°C 13d (136mm) 11.9h
70% Muggy
8.9 Very High
Wet
Aug 30°C 21°C 10d (115mm) 10.4h
72% Muggy
7.7 Very High
Good
Sep 26°C 17°C 10d (93mm) 8.7h
73% Humid
6.2 High
Excellent
Oct 21°C 10°C 7d (70mm) 7.9h
71% Humid
4.9 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 15°C 5°C 7d (66mm) 7.4h
64% Moderate
3.8 Moderate
Good
Dec 9°C 0°C 9d (111mm) 6h
67% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Good

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4.3

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Washington DC – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Washington DC

National monuments with National Mall & Smithsonian museums, cherry blossoms, memorials, and political power center.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Washington DC?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Washington DC?
May is typically excellent for visiting Washington DC, with average highs of 24°C and around 12 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Washington DC in May?
Evenings in Washington DC during May are mild at 14°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Washington DC in May?
With highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in May?
Washington DC typically sees around 12 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Washington DC in May?
In May, Washington DC gets approximately 14.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Washington DC?
Yes, May is peak season in Washington DC. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/New_York)

Last Updated: February 2026

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