The best time to visit Washington D.C. is typically in the fall (September to November). The weather is comfortable, crowds are smaller and there’s still plenty to do around the city. Whenever you decide to go, use this guide to help plan your trip to the Nation’s Capital.
What is the best month to visit Washington, DC?
The best times to visit Washington, D.C., are from September to November and March to May. In the autumn, the sweltering summer is gone, taking with it most of the high season tourists. All that’s left are crisp breezes and changing leaves, which, by the way, look great against all those marble monuments.
What is the cheapest time to go to Washington, DC?
winter
Cheapest Time to Visit Washington, D.C.
The best way to score a good deal is to avoid traveling during high season. So, instead of touching down during the busy spring, the cheapest time to visit Washington, D.C. is during winter.
When should you avoid Washington, DC?
Traffic for DC Avoidance
Rush hour in DC lasts from approximately 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. During rush hour, it’s best to avoid I-95 and I-70 completely. Highways such as the 295, 395, 495, and 270 are popular alternatives.
How many days do you need in DC?
Depending on your interests, you should spend at least 3 days in Washington, DC. This gives you enough time to see the monuments, memorials, museums, parks, and enjoy what the district has to offer.
What is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC?
The average peak bloom date, which is when 70% of the flowers of the cherry blossom trees are open, is around April 4. In the past, peak bloom has occurred as early as March 15 and as late as April 18. The entire blooming period can last up to 14 days, which includes the days leading up to peak bloom.
Can I enter the White House?
Public tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. If your tour is confirmed, please note that you will be assigned a specific time. All White House tours are free of charge.
How much money do you need to visit Washington, DC?
How much money will you need for your trip to Washington? You should plan to spend around $155 per day on your vacation in Washington, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $30 on meals for one day and $37 on local transportation.
How much does it cost to tour the White House?
free of charge
Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. The White House tour is free of charge.
Is DC expensive to visit?
Like any international capital, D.C. is an expensive place to visit. The good news is, you can save a lot by spending your time doing all the free things. All the Smithsonian museums are free—including the National Zoo. Ditto all the monuments and memorials.
Where should you not stay in Washington, DC?
Top 10 Unsafe Areas in Washington DC! Is Washington DC Safe?
- Brentwood. A total of 28,660 people live here.
- Stadium Armory. This is generally regarded as the most improved neighborhood.
- Anacostia.
- Deanwood.
- U street corridor.
- Columbia Heights.
- Petworth.
- Shaw.
Is downtown Washington DC Safe?
Is downtown Washington, D.C. Safe? Answer: There are plenty of safe pockets in downtown dc for tourist who want a reliable neighborhood within walking distance to the National Mall. Foggy-Bottom is one of the best places for hotels in a safe DC neighborhood near tourist attractions.
What areas of Washington, DC should be avoided?
Dangerous neighborhoods in Washington DC
- Deanwood which is part of Ward 7;
- Brentwood in Ward 5;
- Anacostia which is part of Ward 8;
- U Street Corridor in Ward 1;
- Area Stadium Armory (metro station in southeast Washington, DC)
- Shaw in Wards 1 and 2;
- South West quartier Bellevue in Ward 8;
- LeDroit Park in Ward 1.
Is it worth renting a car in DC?
Renting a car isn’t advised; D.C. is regularly ranked as one of America’s worst cities for driving. If you must have your own wheels, you should primarily keep them parked at your hotel. You can also traverse the capital city by taxi, but it’ll cost you.
How long does it take to tour the National Mall?
It takes approximately one hour and 5 minutes to complete a full loop along The National Mall route in ideal traffic conditions.
What is the best way to tour Washington DC?
Cruise around the nation’s capital in style on Washington, DC Urban Adventures’ unique electric vehicles, where you can see the monuments and memorials on the National Mall by day or night. For a truly unique way to see the city, City Segway Tours offers guided experiences of the National Mall and surrounding sites.
Are the cherry blossoms in DC worth it?
The cherry blossoms are absolutely gorgeous. The trees around the tidal basin are one of the best sights to see in the spring. It’s always packed during the weekends with people taking engagement and wedding photos during the first weekend in particular. Walking through on a week day should be much better.
What is the weather like in Washington DC in early April?
Daily high temperatures increase by 10°F, from 61°F to 71°F, rarely falling below 48°F or exceeding 83°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 9°F, from 43°F to 52°F, rarely falling below 34°F or exceeding 62°F.
How busy is DC during cherry blossom?
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times of the year in Washington, D.C., especially around the National Mall and the Tidal Basin. Take the D.C. Metro and walk as much as possible to avoid parking difficulties.
Is there a dress code to visit the White House?
There is no dress code to tour the White House, but due to the importance of the building, you should want to dress neatly.
How long does a White House tour take?
30-45 minutes
Since White House tours are unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything. However, the average person takes 30-45 minutes. There are no tour guides.