Late spring · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in May
Washington, DC warms up: highs climb to 74°F (23°C), from 65°F in April, with lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain.
At 81/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (109 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 74°F (23°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 55°F (13°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.3 in (109 mm).
Plan around May
May is one of Washington, DC's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 74°F, up from 65°F in April.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (May – July), which brings about 13.5 in (343 mm) in total.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 75/100.
- Comfort slips from 84/100 in April to 81/100.
- May sits inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes74°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Washington, DC in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
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.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to today.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Why now May scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in May
- Baltimore in May~35 mi · highs 74°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in May~87 mi · highs 72°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Kennett Square in May~96 mi · highs 72°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in May~97 mi · highs 78°F, 4.4 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Washington, DC?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – Jun window our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends.
How hot is Washington, DC in May?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in May?
Some: about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (74°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Washington, DC
Routes in season in May
- Capital Cities Corridor Mar – Jun
Planning Washington, DC in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.