Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in January
This is the coldest month in Washington, DC: highs average 40°F (4°C) and lows 26°F (-4°C), with about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.6 in (67 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 34 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 40°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort slips from 50/100 in December to 46/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Washington, DC in January
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Round Robin Bar
Circular bar in the Willard hotel where the mint julep came to Washington.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to today.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
National Air and Space Museum
Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module and the Spirit of St. Louis.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Union Market
Food hall in a market building with local vendors, oysters and Korean, Indian and Latin stalls.
Why now A cozy break on a 40°F day.
Nearby in January
- Baltimore in January~35 mi · highs 39°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in January~87 mi · highs 37°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in January~96 mi · highs 37°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in January~97 mi · highs 44°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Washington, DC in January?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 26°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Washington, DC in January?
Some: about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Washington, DC in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.