What February feels like in Washington DC
For Washington DC, February is late 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. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Washington DC in February
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Each rainy day adds about 8.5 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Washington DC averages about 9.8 mm per rainy day, so February is typical. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in February
In mid-February, sunrise is at about 7:01 am and sunset at about 5:44 pm (local time) — 10 h 43 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h more daylight than in mid-January. The sun is out for roughly 68% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How February compares to the rest of the year
February is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Washington DC. Compared with January, afternoons are 1.9°C (3.4°F) warmer, with 2 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into March. By March, typical highs are 13.1°C (55.6°F).
Who February 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 February
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Washington DC in February?
Afternoons average 8°C (46.4°F) and nights about -1.5°C (29.3°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in February?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 76 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Washington DC in February?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is February or March better for visiting Washington DC?
March, clearly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Washington DC's months, against #11 for the other. March is warmer.