Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Washington, DC in October
Washington, DC cools off: highs slip to 68°F (20°C), from 80°F in September, with lows of 49°F (10°C) and about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain.
At 85/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (105 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs near 68°F (20°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (105 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around October
October is one of Washington, DC's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 73/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 7°C (13°F) from September.
- Comfort holds steady from September (83 → 85/100).
- Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Washington, DC in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Lincoln Memorial
Daniel Chester French's seated Lincoln, facing the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.
National Air and Space Museum
Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module and the Spirit of St. Louis.
Round Robin Bar
Circular bar in the Willard hotel where the mint julep came to Washington.
Ben's Chili Bowl
U Street landmark since 1958, known for the chili half-smoke.
Why now October scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Union Market
Food hall in a market building with local vendors, oysters and Korean, Indian and Latin stalls.
Nearby in October
- Baltimore in October~35 mi · highs 67°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lancaster in October~87 mi · highs 65°F, 4.4 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Kennett Square in October~96 mi · highs 65°F, 4.4 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Richmond in October~97 mi · highs 71°F, 3.9 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Washington, DC?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain. Our Capital Cities Corridor route recommends Mar – Jun, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Washington, DC in October?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Washington, DC in October?
Some: about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 45.4 in (1152 mm).
What should I pack for Washington, DC in October?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Washington, DC in October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.