What April feels like in Washington DC
Mid-spring arrives in Washington DC with April. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Washington DC in April
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 8.7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Washington DC's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 9.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in April
In mid-April, sunrise is at about 6:33 am and sunset at about 7:44 pm (local time) — 13 h 11 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 18 min more daylight than in mid-March. About 71% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, April comes out as the 6th coolest month in Washington DC. Afternoons run 6°C (10.8°F) warmer than in March, with 7 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into May. May averages a high of 23.9°C (75°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
Tips for visiting Washington DC in April
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Washington DC in April?
It feels mild: typical highs are 19.1°C (66.4°F), with lows near 7.9°C (46.2°F).
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in April?
Quite a lot — 96 mm spread over about 11 days.
What should I wear in Washington DC in April?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is April or May better for visiting Washington DC?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#5 of 12 vs #6), rated Good against Good. May is warmer and has more rainy days.