Month guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Washington, D.C. in September
What September is really like in Washington, D.C.: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Washington, D.C.. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Warm and less humid, with Congress back in session and conferences pushing up midweek hotel prices.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Washington, D.C.: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 30 days. Compared with August (31°C (88°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:49
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:17
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
Autumn (September–November). Warm September days and crisp, colourful October weather make this the most comfortable season for walking the Mall and Georgetown.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 3 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Library of Congress National Book Festival (usually late summer or early autumn)
- H Street Festival (usually September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Park · National Mall
National Mall
Walking the full length takes longer than it looks; plan one half per day and use the free museums as breaks from the summer heat.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Outdoors
- History
- Kids
Landmark · National Mall
Lincoln Memorial
Daniel Chester French's 5.8-metre seated Lincoln looks out from a Greek Doric temple completed in 1922, with the Gettysburg Address and second inaugural address carved on the walls.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- After dark
- Views
Landmark · National Mall
Washington Monument
Late-afternoon slots give the best light over the Lincoln Memorial and the river.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- History
- Kids
Landmark · West Potomac Park
Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial
A loop of about 3 km around the Tidal Basin links the domed Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial's outdoor rooms and waterfalls, and the Martin Luther King Jr.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 17°C and 8 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
One of the best months to visit Washington, D.C., with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and October. Compare every month.
Washington, D.C. in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Washington, D.C.?
It is one of the best months to visit Washington, D.C.. Warm and less humid, with Congress back in session and conferences pushing up midweek hotel prices.
+How warm is Washington, D.C. in September?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Washington, D.C. in September?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.