What December feels like in Washington DC
For Washington DC, December is early winter on the calendar. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Washington DC in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10.9 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Washington DC averages about 9.8 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:19 am and sunset at about 4:47 pm (local time) — 9 h 28 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 38 min. About 64% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Washington DC's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 4.7°C (8.5°F) lower, with 20 mm more rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 6.1°C (43°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Washington DC in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Washington DC in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 8.6°C (47.5°F), with lows near 0.4°C (32.7°F).
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in December?
Quite a lot — 98 mm spread over about 9 days.
What should I wear in Washington DC in December?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and warm layers. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Washington DC?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.