Washington DC experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, marked by hot, muggy summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters.

Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though summer thunderstorms can be intense and unpredictable, making a compact umbrella a year-round essential.

Temperatures range from average winter lows around freezing to summer highs frequently exceeding 32°C (90°F), with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures even higher.

High humidity from June through September makes the heat feel considerably more oppressive than the thermometer suggests, while winter wind chill off the Potomac can bite unexpectedly.

The city's marble monuments and long stretches of open National Mall offer little shade or wind protection, so dress for more exposure than typical urban environments provide.