This post takes a look at the August weather in Washington, D.C, with tips on what you should wear as well as ideas for things to do.
HOW HOT IS IT IN AUGUST IN DC?
August tends to be very warm and muggy in Washington, DC, however, somewhat more comfortable weather usually makes its way into the city near the end of this month.
Early in August, the morning and evening low temperatures will likely be in the lower 70s F (21-22 C) while the afternoons tend to be very warm, mostly in the upper 80s F (31-32 C) with a couple of afternoons reaching 95 F (35 C) or more.
On average, you should expect about 8-10 days this month to reach or exceed 90 F (about 32 C) in DC.
Towards the end of August you may encounter a bit more comfortable temperatures when morning and evening lows are mostly in the mid to upper 60s F (18-20 C) and with afternoon highs mostly in the mid-80s F (29-30 C).
A couple of the cooler mornings could even dip down into the lower 60s F (16-17 C) or less.
Past Augusts have seen extremes as high as 105 F (40.6 C) and as low as 49 F (9.4 C)!
August is a great time to take an evening tour of the monuments and memorials of DC, or may even our Lincoln Assassination Tour.
HOW MUCH DOES IT RAIN IN AUGUST IN DC?
About 19 days this month will see sunny or at least partly sunny conditions while some rainfall should be expected on about 8 days.
Significant rainfalls of 1/2 inch (13mm) or more normally occur only on about 2 days this month. Thundershowers are fairly frequent and tend to occur on about 1 out of 5 days in August.
The majority of DC rain comes in waves, meaning that it's more likely to have a storm appear with heavy rain for thirty minutes than a full day of rain.
You can often wait out a passing rainstorm under shelter and then continue on with your day!
The wind tends to be light averaging about 8 mph (13 kph) and rarely exceeds 18mph (29 kph), mainly in thunderstorms.
WHAT TO WEAR IN DC IN AUGUST
Be sure to read out post on What to Wear and Pack in DC for advice all year round on DC weather and how to prepare for it.
August is very warm and can be muggy in DC so dress light for summer, bring an umbrella for the occasional showers and don't forget a couple of pairs of good walking shoes.
A couple of the cooler evenings late in the month may, however, require a light sweater.
Something to keep in mind is how much we love our air conditioning.
Many international guests are surprised at how cold our buildings can be inside, so layers are a good idea if you're spending the day inside the museums!
WHAT TO DO IN DC IN AUGUST?
Below are 10 top things to do in DC in August.
Be sure to read our full post on what to do in DC in August which includes free things to do, night and family-friendly activities and attractions
Also, take a look at our definitive post on the best things to do in DC, which is full of ideas for things to do any time of year.
And if you are planning on visiting many of DC’s top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass as you could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.
- Check out a Concert
- Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial
- DC Beer Week
- See a Musical
- Outdoor Movie
- Cool off at an Art Museum
- Explore the Wharf
- Take a Tour
- Restaurant Week
- Enjoy a Baseball Game at Nat's Park
Be sure to check out all the top things to do in August in our main post.
Seasonal Outlook
July to September 2022 Washington, DC
There is an 85% chance for normal to above normal temperatures and a 77% chance for normal to above normal rainfall
