Best time to visit Washington, D.C.

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Washington, D.C.

Best time of year to visit Washington, D.C.

With its impressive architecture, an abundance of monuments and museums, Capital City has a lot to offer at any time of year. However, the best time to visit Washington, D.C. are spring and autumn, when the nice weather allows to explore and enjoy all of its beautiful nooks. Late March to mid-April is a great time to see abundant cherry blossoms and welcome spring in the U.S. capital. In the autumn, the foliage in D.C. becomes stunning, and the air temperature cools down to a more comfortable feel. Don't miss the Halloween Parades in October or the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in November. During the hot summer, discover the city by bicycle, kayak or canoe, hike Mount Vernon Trail, and see blooming water lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden.

10 THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, D.C. (MARCH 30 - APRIL 08)

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms

mid-March–mid-April  • nature

This grandiose celebration comes to the US capital with the arrival of spring

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

April–September • nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

April–December • food

The most famous seafood of the Northeast

Great Falls

Great Falls

March–May • nature

See the Great Falls when they are especially great—full and roaring with the melted snowfall

The Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street

all year round • activity

Explore the hidden rooms of this secret hotel and museum

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals

April–September • event

Watching a baseball game is a true American experience

Mount Vernon Trail

Mount Vernon Trail

April–October • activity

Combine active outdoor sports with a visit to George Washington's historical estate

Washington Capitals Hockey

Washington Capitals Hockey

October–April • event

A fun winter alternative to baseball and football

Cycling in DC

Cycling in DC

March–December • activity

With hundreds of kilometres of beautiful paved trails, the District Columbia is a paradise for bikers

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing on the Potomac

Kayaking, Paddling, and Canoeing on the Potomac

April–October • activity

The District of Columbia offers great water sport activities

42 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Rolling Thunder Run

Rolling Thunder Run

on hold(waiting for updates) • event

The world's largest single-day motorcycle event

4th of July Concert, Parade & Fireworks

4th of July Concert, Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

There's no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than in Washington D.C.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

out of rangeMarch 20–April 16, 2023 • event

One of the largest spring celebrations in the U.S. capital

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

out of rangeNovember 30, 2022 • event

Welcome the holiday season with the U.S. President

National Memorial Day Parade

National Memorial Day Parade

out of rangeMay 29, 2023 • event

One of the most patriotic holidays is undertaken with great scale in Washington

Chesapeake Crab, Wine & Beer Festival

Chesapeake Crab, Wine & Beer Festival

out of rangeJune 11, 2022 • event

Enjoy world-famous seafood and lots of entertainment

Adams Morgan Day

Adams Morgan Day

out of rangeSeptember 11, 2022 • event

A celebration in the epicenter of Washington's nightlife

National Giant Capital Barbecue Battle

National Giant Capital Barbecue Battle

unconfirmedlate June 2023 • event

One of American's favourite activities gets a spotlight between the White House and U.S. Capitol

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangelate November 2022–late January 2023 • event

The United States capital is especially festive during the holiday season

Washington Auto Show

Washington Auto Show

out of rangeJanuary 20–29, 2023 • event

One of the top auto shows in the US will leave you in awe with cutting-edge exhibits, displays of historic vehicles, and latest model cars

Christmas Lights around Maryland

Christmas Lights around Maryland

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

The best displays in parks, on water, and in residential areas

Fall Foliage in and around Washington, D.C.

Fall Foliage in and around Washington, D.C.

out of rangemid-October–early November • nature

Witness fall colors enveloping everything from the National Mall to cozy neighborhoods of DC in October

Christmas Lights across Virginia

Christmas Lights across Virginia

out of rangeearly November 2022–early January 2023 • event

Shimmering lights on the water, in parks, and in the tunnel

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

Attractions, restaurants and venues offer plenty of options to ring in the upcoming year in the nation's capital

Presidential Inauguration

Presidential Inauguration

out of rangeJanuary 20, 2021 • event

A historical event not to be missed

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

out of rangeJuly 6–9, 2023 • event

A free festival at the Mall showcases culture and arts from all over the world

Сhinese New Year

Сhinese New Year

out of rangeJanuary 22, 2023 • event

One of the most massive CNY parades takes place in the US capital

Washington International Horse Show

Washington International Horse Show

out of rangeOctober 23–29, 2023 • event

The premier metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S.

Christmas Lights in Baltimore

Christmas Lights in Baltimore

out of rangelate November–late December 2022 • event

Explore Inner Harbor and beyond during the festive season

Downtown Holiday Market

Downtown Holiday Market

out of rangeNovember 18–December 23, 2022 • activity

The real Christmas magic starts here

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate October 2022 • event

One of America's favorite holidays is celebrated on a grand scale in Washington

New Year's Eve in Virginia

New Year's Eve in Virginia

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

From Alexandria to the Atlantic coast, there are plenty of celebrations to ring in the New Year

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend

out of rangeSeptember 4, 2023 • event

Commemorate the longstanding weekend with amazing outdoor activities and free events in the nation's capital

Labor Day Concert

Labor Day Concert

out of rangeSeptember 4, 2022 • event

The outdoor music season ends with this wonderful concert near the U.S. Capitol

DC Beer Fest

DC Beer Fest

out of rangeApril 8, 2023 • event

Sample beer from over 80 breweries at the famous baseball stadium

Frederick Oktoberfest

Frederick Oktoberfest

out of rangeSeptember 29–30, 2023 • event

A vibrant celebration inspired by the world-famous German tradition

Snallygaster

Snallygaster

out of rangeMay 20, 2023 • event

One of the greatest beer festivals on the East Coast

Lotus and Water Lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden

Lotus and Water Lilies at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden

out of rangelate June–mid-August • nature

Washington is said to be a former wetland, so no wonder you can find blooming water flowers

Washington D.C. Restaurant Week

Washington D.C. Restaurant Week

out of rangeJanuary 16–22, 2023 • event

Experience the best prices in the best restaurants

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Bull Run Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 11, 2022–January 8, 2023 • event

A massive light display in Centreville, not far from Washington, D.C.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

out of rangemid-November–mid-March • activity

A favorite place for kids and winter sport lovers—ice rinks

JxJ

JxJ

out of rangeMay 11–21, 2023 • event

One of the oldest and largest Jewish cultural events in the world

Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon

out of rangeOctober 29, 2023 • event

Run along the fastest of the U.S. military's servicemen and servicewomen

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

unconfirmedMarch 12, 2023 • event

A perfect occasion for a pub crawl or to see the fountain by the White House turned green

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

out of rangeNovember 11, 2022–January 8, 2023 • event

An enchanting holiday garden not far from Washington D.C.

Manassas Viking Festival

Manassas Viking Festival

out of rangeMay 13, 2023 • event

Travel back in time to the age of brave Vikings

Autumn Pumpkin Patch

Autumn Pumpkin Patch

out of rangeOctober • activity

A beautiful seasonal tradition

Sailing and Cruising on the Potomac

Sailing and Cruising on the Potomac

out of rangeMay–November • activity

Explore one of the greatest American river and see the landmarks of the US capital from the water

Greenbelt Green Man Festival

Greenbelt Green Man Festival

out of rangeMay 13–14, 2023 • event

Celebrate nature with an array of fun activities

Scream City Tours

Scream City Tours

out of rangeSeptember 24–October 31, 2022 (every Friday and Saturday and most Thursdays & Sundays) • event

There is no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to visit a haunted house

DC Jazz Festival

DC Jazz Festival

out of rangeAugust 30–September 3, 2023 • event

More than 100 concerts in over 30 venues citywide

Capital Jazz Fest

Capital Jazz Fest

out of rangeJune 2–4, 2023 • event

One of the best jazz music events in the country

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