District of Columbia weather in January
January is one of the least pleasant months in District of Columbia: highs of 4°C (39°F) and about 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain on average. Nights average -4°C (25°F) and cloud cover 61% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the driest month of the year and the coolest. Compared with December, it is cooler and drier; February brings highs of 6°C (42°F) and 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Washington, the largest city in District of Columbia. See below for other places.
Is January a good time to visit District of Columbia?
least pleasant month Weather score 37/100.
January is one of the least pleasant months for weather in District of Columbia. For better conditions, consider Apr–Oct.
Does it rain a lot in District of Columbia in January?
Some rain is normal: about 67 mm (2.6 in) falls in an average January. It is the driest month of the year.
How warm is District of Columbia in January?
Days average 4°C (39°F) and nights -4°C (25°F).
District of Columbia weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | 61% | least pleasant |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | -3°C (26°F) | 70 mm | 61% | least pleasant |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 1°C (33°F) | 84 mm | 60% | fair |
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 92 mm | 59% | best |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 109 mm | 61% | best |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm | 56% | best |
| July | 31°C (87°F) | 21°C (69°F) | 116 mm | 56% | best |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 109 mm | 54% | best |
| September | 27°C (80°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 107 mm | 52% | best |
| October | 20°C (67°F) | 9°C (49°F) | 105 mm | 52% | best |
| November | 13°C (55°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 80 mm | 53% | fair |
| December | 7°C (44°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 95 mm | 61% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across District of Columbia in January
Weather can differ a lot within District of Columbia: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Downtown DC | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Columbia Heights | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Mount Pleasant | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Central 14th Street / Spring Road | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Northwest One | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Dupont Circle | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Foggy Bottom | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Mount Vernon Triangle | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| H Street NE | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| Pleasant Plains | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |
| NoMa | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 67 mm | least pleasant |