Late winter · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in February
Washington, DC edges warmer than January, with highs of 43°F (6°C), lows of 27°F (-3°C) and about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What February feels like
Cool days top out near 43°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Average lows of 27°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.8 in (70 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by March, lows rise to 34°F.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in January to 50/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so February falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for February
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Washington, DC in February
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Lincoln Memorial
Daniel Chester French's seated Lincoln, facing the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Free guided tours of the Capitol Rotunda and crypt.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
Ornate Great Hall and the Main Reading Room overlook beside the Capitol.
Round Robin Bar
Circular bar in the Willard hotel where the mint julep came to Washington.
Nearby in February
- Baltimore in February~35 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in February~87 mi · highs 39°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in February~96 mi · highs 40°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in February~97 mi · highs 49°F, 2.8 in rain · 3°C (6°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 February: quick answers
Is February 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 43°F (6°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Washington, DC in February?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Washington, DC in February?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls across February on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in February?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Washington, DC in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.