What August feels like in Washington DC
For Washington DC, August is late summer on the calendar. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Washington DC in August
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 10 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Washington DC's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 9.8 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 6:21 am and sets around 8:05 pm local time, giving 13 h 44 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 55 min less daylight than mid-July. The sun is out for roughly 78% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
August is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Washington DC. Compared with July, afternoons are 1.7°C (3.1°F) cooler, with 13 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into September. By September, typical highs are 26.1°C (79°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Washington DC in August
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Washington DC in August?
Afternoons average 29.7°C (85.5°F) and nights about 20.4°C (68.7°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 2nd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in August?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 121 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Washington DC in August?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Washington DC?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #7), rated Great against Good. September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.