Late summer · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in August
Little changes in Washington, DC from July: highs stay near 87°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), and about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 87°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (109 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 31 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What August feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 87°F (30°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 69°F (20°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.3 in (109 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April & May and September & October).
- Comfort improves from 66/100 in July to 70/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 87°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Washington, DC in August
Afternoons run hot (87°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
Ornate Great Hall and the Main Reading Room overlook beside the Capitol.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
Round Robin Bar
Circular bar in the Willard hotel where the mint julep came to Washington.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Lincoln Memorial
Daniel Chester French's seated Lincoln, facing the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.
Union Market
Food hall in a market building with local vendors, oysters and Korean, Indian and Latin stalls.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Why now August scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in August
- Baltimore in August~35 mi · highs 87°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in August~87 mi · highs 85°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Kennett Square in August~96 mi · highs 85°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in August~97 mi · highs 89°F, 4.9 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
These averages also cover Georgetown and National Mall & Downtown.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Washington, DC in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 85 in April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 87°F (30°C) and 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Washington, DC in August?
Average highs are 87°F (30°C) and average lows 69°F (20°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in August?
Some: about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 87°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Washington, DC in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.