Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in November
Washington, DC cools off: highs slip to 55°F (13°C), from 68°F in October, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain.
It scores 73/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 55°F (13°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 3.1 in (80 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 53%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What November feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 55°F (13°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 38°F (3°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.1 in (80 mm).
Plan around November
November is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April & May and September & October).
- Comfort slips from 85/100 in October to 73/100.
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so November falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for November
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 38°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.1 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Washington, DC in November
November 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.
National Gallery of Art
Free galleries including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Why now November scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.
Nearby in November
- Baltimore in November~35 mi · highs 55°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in November~87 mi · highs 53°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in November~96 mi · highs 53°F, 3.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in November~97 mi · highs 58°F, 3.5 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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Washington, DC?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 73/100 against a best of 85 in April & May and September & October. Expect highs of 55°F (13°C) and 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so November is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Washington, DC in November?
Average highs are 55°F (13°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in November?
Some: about 3.1 in (80 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in November?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 38°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.1 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Washington, DC in November?
Share this November plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.