Washington DC in November
Great time to visit
Lovely fall weather with diminishing crowds make November ideal for unhurried exploration. You'll have space to actually appreciate the monuments without fighting selfie sticks.
Weather
November brings consistent cool weather with crisp air that makes walking the Mall a pleasure again. Fall colors reach their peak in Rock Creek Park and along the Potomac. Rain becomes more frequent as winter approaches, but temperatures stay comfortable for most activities.
14°C high5°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$195/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Veterans Day ceremonies
- •Thanksgiving weekend
- •Holiday lighting ceremonies begin
November Tips
- •Veterans Day brings special ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery
- •Thanksgiving weekend offers great hotel deals
- •Start layering as temperatures drop throughout the month
All Months
Cherry blossom season from late March to early April draws massive crowds but delivers Instagram gold around the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom lasts just 4-7 days and depends on winter temperatures. Hotel prices double and Metro trains pack like sardine cans.
Fall offers the sweet spot from September through November. Temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s, perfect for walking the National Mall. The Kennedy Center's fall season brings world-class performances, and you can actually get dinner reservations.
Winter keeps crowds thin at museums, but outdoor monument viewing becomes miserable. The National Christmas Tree ceremony in December draws visitors, while January and February offer the lowest hotel rates of the year.
Summer means free outdoor concerts and extended museum hours, but also swamp-like humidity. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival in late June celebrates different cultures with food, music, and crafts on the National Mall. Just prepare to sweat through your shirt by noon.
Washington DC Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
6/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
3/10
Budget
9/10
Luxury
7/10
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