Washington, D.C. features a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterized by four remarkably distinct seasons. Its location between the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east creates a dynamic weather environment where air masses frequently clash, leading to varied conditions year-round.
Seasonal Climate Breakdown
Spring (March - May): The Awakening
Spring is arguably the city's most famous season. It is a period of rapid transition, where temperatures can swing from freezing morning frosts in early March to humid, summer-like afternoons by mid-May.
- Phenomena: The Cherry Blossom bloom (typically late March to early April) is the season's centerpiece. However, spring is also the rainiest time of year, with frequent frontal systems bringing steady rain.
- What it feels like: Crisp and refreshing in the mornings, warming up to comfortable, sun-drenched afternoons.
Summer (June - August): The Hot and Humid Swamp
Historically built on marshland, D.C.'s summers are notorious for their "thick" air. High temperatures often hover in the high 80s or low 90s°F (31-34°C), but the high humidity makes the heat index feel significantly higher.
- Patterns: Humidity builds throughout the day, often culminating in intense late-afternoon thunderstorms. These storms are frequently brief but can cause sudden temperature drops and flash flooding.
- The Experience: Locals describe the air as "oppressive" or "soupy." Life slows down; residents move between air-conditioned spaces and use the vast canopy of "The City of Trees" for shade.
Fall (September - November): The Golden Secondary Peak
Autumn is many locals' favorite season as the humidity breaks and the foliage turns. Early September can remain hot, but by October, the air becomes dry and crisp.
- Patterns: This is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season; while direct hits are rare, D.C. often receives heavy rain and wind from tropical remnants moving up the coast.
- What it feels like: Bracing morning air followed by mild, golden afternoons that are ideal for walking the National Mall.
Winter (December - February): Brisk and Variable
Winters in the capital are cool but can vary wildly from year to year. While the average high is in the 40s°F (7-9°C), the region is susceptible to Nor'easters moving up the coast and "Alberta Clippers" bringing dry cold from the north.
- Snowfall: D.C. averages about 14 inches of snow annually, though it is famously inconsistent. A single storm can drop a foot of snow, followed by years with only a dusting.
- What it feels like: Biting winds can whip across the open spaces of the National Mall, making the air feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.
Microclimates and Variations
Washington, D.C. experiences a significant Urban Heat Island effect. The dense concrete of the Federal Triangle and downtown core can be 5–10°F warmer than the shaded, residential neighborhoods of Upper Northwest or the forested stretches of Rock Creek Park.
- Riverside Cool: Areas immediately adjacent to the Potomac and Anacostia rivers often experience higher humidity and morning fog.
- Elevation: The higher elevation of the Tenleytown neighborhood sometimes sees snow or freezing rain when the lower-lying areas of the National Mall only experience cold rain.
How Locals Adapt
Washingtonians have a unique relationship with their weather. In the summer, the city adopts a "subterranean" lifestyle, utilizing the deep, cool Metro tunnels and vast underground portions of the Smithsonian museums to escape the heat. In winter, the city is famously reactive to even minor snow forecasts;