Early winter · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in December
Washington, DC cools off: highs slip to 45°F (7°C), from 55°F in November, with lows of 30°F (-1°C) and about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 30°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (95 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 45°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 30°F (-1°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (95 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Only about 9 h 17 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 30°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 17 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 73/100 in November to 50/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 45°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 30°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- 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 December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Lincoln Memorial
Daniel Chester French's seated Lincoln, facing the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.
National Gallery of Art
Free galleries including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Free guided tours of the Capitol Rotunda and crypt.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Union Market
Food hall in a market building with local vendors, oysters and Korean, Indian and Latin stalls.
Nearby in December
- Baltimore in December~35 mi · highs 43°F, 3.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in December~87 mi · highs 41°F, 3.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in December~96 mi · highs 42°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in December~97 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 45°F (7°C) and 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Washington, DC in December?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 30°F (-1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in December?
Some: about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 30°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), 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 December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.