Early spring · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in March
Washington, DC warms up: highs climb to 52°F (11°C), from 43°F in February, with lows of 34°F (1°C) and about 3.3 in (84 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 65/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 34°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 3.3 in (84 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 52°F (11°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 34°F (1°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.3 in (84 mm).
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 50/100 in February to 65/100.
- March sits inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Washington, DC in March
March is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Why now March scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
National Gallery of Art
Free galleries including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to today.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Free guided tours of the Capitol Rotunda and crypt.
Nearby in March
- Baltimore in March~35 mi · highs 51°F, 3.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in March~87 mi · highs 49°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in March~96 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in March~97 mi · highs 57°F, 3.5 in rain · 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's middling, scoring 65/100. The best months are April & May and September & October, at up to 85. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 3.3 in (84 mm) of rain. March is inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
How cold is Washington, DC in March?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 34°F (1°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in March?
Some: about 3.3 in (84 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Washington, DC
Routes in season in March
- Capital Cities Corridor Mar – Jun
Planning Washington, DC in March?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.