Best time to visit DC?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am from the west coast and have always wanted to visit DC. I majored in history in college (but don't work in that field.) I particularly want to visit the Smithsonian and if there's time then some of the other touristy stuff like the capitol, white house etc.

I HATE hot weather, can tolerate snow (but would hate for a flight to get delayed because of it.) When is the best time to visit DC? I have read the cherry blossoms are beautiful; when are those in full bloom?

What are the not to miss activities? I'd probably make it a fairly short trip...4-5 days so I need to make the most of my time.

[Anonymous]

I think now is probably the best time. Not that many tourists and the weather is still decent.

[Anonymous]

I've lived in DC for years. I love the stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The museums are not as crowded. The cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, late March/early April, and it is high tourist season, the city is bursting with visitors, many school groups. It's fun, but it's packed!

[Anonymous]

Now or anytime after xmas, but before February.

[Anonymous]

Definitely cherry blossom season - when they're in full bloom DC is gorgeous! It depends on the weather any given year, but you can check out the predictions online (CherryBlossomFestival.org I think - just google cherry blossom festival).

[Anonymous]

Columbus Day weekend in early/mid October. That's the weekend my parents typically pick for their annual visit, and the weather is almost always really nice. Cherry Blossoms bloom in the spring - late March/early-mid April - but they don't always bloom right on schedule. (Also, it often snows in late spring.) I'd maybe try to book a flight around the schedule, but then don't be too disappointed if they peak early or later than your visit. Also, the area around the blossoms is PACKED with tourists, quite a few of them Japanese, and walking the area can be frustrating with so many people around. May weather is typically pretty nice, too.

4-5 days is plenty of time to do DC. You can do most of the Mall museums and sights in a day if you're not dragging kids around. Talk to someone in advance about Capitol tours or tours of other government buildings. Maybe spend a day around the Gallery Place/Chinatown area, which has several museums (Crime/Punishment, Spy, Newseum, Portrait Gallery) and some decent restaurants. Get timed tickets for Holocaust in advance if that's of interest- that is near the Tidal Basin where cherry blossoms are. Look at Open Table for restaurant ideas - it has links to menus, etc. and the Washington Post site has reviews for many of them.

Maybe spend a day or two exploring various neighborhoods like Georgetown, Capitol Hill, etc.

[Anonymous]

Capitol Tours ceased operations!
This has great information.
http://washington.org/

[Anonymous]

just never from June to mid September. It's sweltering and every summer i pity the tourists.

[Anonymous]

Spring!

[Anonymous]

Agree with the above -- anytime in the fall or very early spring. Timing a trip to coincide with the cherry blossoms is hit-or-miss, they may bloom or early or late. But DC is gorgeous in the Spring.

Try to stay as close as possible to the Mall or in a hotel next to the Blue or Orange Metro lines. The Smithsonian museums, White House, Capitol, and Archives are all on or very near the Mall. Arlington cemetary is just across the river from the Lincoln Memorial.

4-5 days is a great amount of time. You won't feel rushed and you can explore beyond the major attractions. Welcome!

[Anonymous]

Either early May (late April) or right now. Seriously the last two weekends have been gorgeous, perfect weather, and not crowded at all.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest October or early November. The fall leaves are at their peak and the weather is still mild. The spring is very pretty but the crowds are bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest October or early November. The fall leaves are at their peak and the weather is still mild. The spring is very pretty but the crowds are bad.

The weather is also pretty unpredictable in the early spring (cherry blossom time). It can be very mild one day and freezing cold the next.

[Anonymous]

While the cherry blossoms are beautiful, DC is a zoo that time of year. If you don't mind crowds, it could be okay.

OK, I know you said you hate hot weather, but IMHO the best time of year to visit DC is the end of August when Congress is on recess. The city clears out and you have your run of the place, and you can get some fabulous deals on flights and hotels. Yes, the weather can be horrible at that time, but it also is often really pleasant (mid-80s). My family always visits during that time frame, and maybe they are just lucky but they've never had super hot weather.

[Anonymous]

I agree with others, spring if you don't mind the crowds (cherry blossoms usually peak the first week of April), fall if you'd rather have more elbow room, and never in summer! Aside from the Smithsonian museums and monuments (best at night), some of my favorite places to take visitors are the National Cathedral, Dumbarton Oaks (Byzantine art museum and gardens) and the Newseum. Neighborhoods visitors seem to like to stroll around in are Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Cleveland Park, Old Town Alexandria. Some favorite restaurants: Michel Richard Central, Proof, Bistrot du Coin, Fiola.