Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in July
Washington, DC's warmest month brings highs averaging 88°F (31°C), lows of 70°F (21°C) and about 4.6 in (116 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 66/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 70°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 4.6 in (116 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What July feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 88°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights cool to an average low of 70°F (21°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.6 in (116 mm).
Plan around July
July sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, May – July.
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in June to 66/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so July falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clothes88°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Washington, DC in July
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
National Air and Space Museum
Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module and the Spirit of St. Louis.
Why now A break from 88°F afternoons.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to today.
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.
Why now July scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in July
- Baltimore in July~35 mi · highs 88°F, 4.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in July~87 mi · highs 86°F, 4.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Kennett Square in July~96 mi · highs 87°F, 4.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in July~97 mi · highs 91°F, 4.4 in rain · 2°C (3°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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's middling, scoring 66/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 85. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and 4.6 in (116 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so July is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Washington, DC in July?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 70°F (21°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in July?
Some: about 4.6 in (116 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (88°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Washington, DC in July?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.