Month-by-month travel weather

Washington, DC December weather

Washington, DC, United States · December

Holiday evenings test your layering plan

December moves into winter with cooler air, and rainy/windy days can feel surprisingly cold.

Holiday plans often run late, so a warm layer helps keep comfort steady across long evenings.

December averages at a glance

Average low

around 1–3°C

Average high

around 8–11°C

Average precipitation

around 60–90 mm

Precip days

about 7–10 days

What to wear in December in Washington, DC

Actual feel will change with wind and rain, but use the suggestions below to build a comfortable layered outfit.

  • Warm jacket/coat + layers.
  • Optional umbrella/light shell.
  • Optional neck/hand warmth.

Travel tips for visiting Washington, DC in December

  • Rain can slow transit—keep buffer time.
  • Indoor anchors smooth out comfort on wet days.

December weather in Washington, DC — FAQ

Q. Is December very cold?

A. It can feel quite cold on rainy/windy days, even if temperatures look moderate.

Q. Does it snow often?

A. It varies widely by year; occasional snow is possible.

Explore Washington, DC

These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.

Washington, DC December weather — averages & travel outfits | CityWeather | CityWeather