WebHow's the Weather in Washington, DC in December? Day to Night Dress - you're going to want to go from an afternoon visiting museums to a nice dinner without a full outfit change so something that is versatile will help maximize your time. Pick up an Anker PowerCore 20100 and make sure you keep it charged. Free tickets to attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting in person are awarded through an online ticket lottery, however, it is also broadcasted on national television. If youre looking for a completely immersive holiday experience, be sure to visit Washington DCs Enchant Christmas. If you are looking to grab a candy bar at a gift shop as a quick snack in between visits, you will be disappointed and frustrated. How Mark Zuckerberg broke Metas workforce Go skating at their seasonal ice rink, watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, or view the districts annual Holiday Boat Parade. We offer tours all year round and at all times of the day. Weather in Washington DC: What to Expect Or if you want to be indoors and have the mall experience, Tysons Corner Center is a huge mall about 15 miles outside of Washington, DC. (Agnes Lee/Washington Post illustration; Matt McClain/The Washington Post) 11 min. (202) 507-8964. It has zip compression, to shrink the bag down, AND it has a water and smell resistant another side to put dirty clothes in right away." While designed for sitting and contemplating the art work in front of you, they are also a nice way to get off of your feet for a few minutes and sit on plush, upholstered chairs. In six days we walked 40 miles, and that was with a lot of time in our hotel (see our Hilton National Mall The Wharf Hotel Review) because of bad weather! Namely, Am I going to freeze to death?, Are all of the popular Washington DC tourist attractions open in the winter, and, Are there any holiday activities in Washington DC that I should check out?. WebThe average temperature in Washington DC in . Dont be a hater: Compact and powerful, these can be used for navigating your way to the bathroom in an unfamiliar hotel room or getting some reading done without disturbing a sleeping partner. 45+ Things To Pack for Washington DC (Casual & Dressy). Another important consideration is the cable situation. All rights reserved. but we do love, If you need help on that front, we have a whole guide to the, You can pick from 45 different colors for an, Some of our favorite places for a nice night out do have dress codes so bring something other than sneakers and jeans if you plan to dine at 1789 in. Getting to Washington DC is a piece of cake. If you are concerned about the quality of water at the free water refilling stations, you can invest in a reusable water bottle with a filter. Whether it is raining or snowing, or the sun is beating down on your shoulders, you want a way to protect yourself from the weather. Youll enjoy fresh-baked bread, spiced cider, holiday carols, and more along this very special tour. Washington, DC Spring Weather. Since many people here work in the government or in nonprofits, the bars start to fill up on weekday evenings at 5 pm on the dot. When youre trying to figure out what to pack for Washington, D.C., remember this: There aint no shame in a fanny pack. For men, what clothes to wear in Washington DC in winters: For women, what clothes to wear in Washington DC in winters: For kids, what clothes to wear in Washington DC in winters: What other essential things to bring to Washington DC. Things to Do in Napa Besides Wine Tasting! If you use a phone that has a replaceable battery, its a great idea to carry at least one extra battery around with you during the day. Enjoy 10 scenes from this Christmas classic created from over 2 million pounds of ice! Additional planning tip: Check out the Washington DC Snowball Fight Association on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for their organized events as they do not have a website. WebWashington, DC 20002. Overall, about two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) say that, Travelon makes a line of anti-theft purses. Happy hour is one of DCs greatest traditions, with discounts on food and drinks almost anywhere you go. Park rangers are on duty at monument and memorial sites from approximately 9 AM to 11 PM daily, except on December 25th. Embrace Asian Heritage Month and Passport DC with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. One of the classic things to do in DC, if you arrive early enough on a Friday night, is to hit up a local bar for happy hour. Now youll have the excuse you need to hoof it to just one more museum. Water bottle Youll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. Here, guests will enjoy a candlelit tour of the residence while learning about holiday traditions of the past in 18th-century Virginia. There are a ton of beautiful historic sites to explore. What to Pack for a Trip to Washington DC during November to This event, where you can explore an amazing, story-themed light maze with lighted tunnels and Christmas trees, is held at Nationals Park (Washington DCs major league baseball stadium). We like theCamelBak Chute 1L Water Bottle its simple yet solid and 1 liter is a reasonable amount of water to keep with you without getting weighed down. Comment 743. Best Time to Visit Washington, DC Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Along with my sister, we share the best insider tips for theme parks, visiting U.S. National Parks, and traveling the world. August 19, 2018 National Book Festival Tips Read More. Posted on Published: March 6, 2023- Last updated: March 14, 2023. From late November to January 2nd, visit their Seasons Greenings holiday exhibit for gorgeous poinsettia displays, circling model trains, and spectacular holiday decor. For fewer crowds and a more tranquil experience, try visiting on a weekday. If you enjoyed this packing list for your Washington D.C. trip, be sure to check out our review of the International Spy Museum if you are thinking of visiting. What to Pack for Washington DC There is also ice skating through the lights (skates provided!) Feeling Home Away from Home During warm weather months, bring a wide brim hat to keep you cool and prevent sunburn. If youre hitting all the museums, be prepared for airport-like security procedures at each of them. If youre an iPhone user or your smartphone doesnt let you swap the battery, a power bank is something you absolutely want to have in your backpack so you dont waste time during the day looking for power outlets and waiting for your phone to charge. Washington DC transforms into a winter wonderland each year with lights, festivals, and family-friendly activities. Every visitor we talked to in Washington D.C. had the same complaint. but we do love convertible fingerless gloves with foldover mittens for when it's really cold. On December 31st, the museum celebrates the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation with educational activities. National Park Service sites are not supplying bags with gift shop purchases to prevent plastic waste, so you will need to buy a reusable bag to carry souvenirs if you dont bring your own bag. If you already own a solid pair of athletic shoes, insoles might make them even better. There are versions for men and for women. In this post, well guide you to the best winter activities in Washington DC as well as fill you in on tips for surviving Washington DCs winter weather. The 2020 voting surge followed unusually high turnout in the 2018 midterm elections, when about 47.5% of the voting-age population and 51.8% of voting-age citizens went to the polls. Amsterdam However, if you want to maximize mild weather and fewer crowds, I recommend coming to the city in the fall (September-early November). Trip Hacks DC offers more than just a standard tour, it offers a stress free experience including tips and different trip hacks. We visited during March and the wind was crazy, making walking miserable. WebFrom packing just the right clothing to choosing your courses, there are lots of decisions that need to be made. Travel Smarter! If you want to opt for a purse instead of a backpack, you want one thats big enough to carry your things so that you can keep your hands free. Use this step-by-step weekend Washington D.C. itinerary, thats been written by a local. Tips for Visiting Washington DC in November - YouTube As a popular time of year to travel to DC, we do a lot of tours in summer and the Halife Women's summer dress is comfortable, flattering, and easy to dress up from day to night (and of course, has pockets). You'll find that it's acceptable and more common to wear dark, fitted jeans in even the nicest hotel restaurants. Cash In some of the places/locations well recommend, cash is preferred. The event encourages locals and tourists alike to sample the best food that DC has to offer so you know that participating restaurants are going to pull out all the stops to create amazing dining experiences. Bring a bottle of. Layering a t-shirt with a hoodie and an outer jacket is a smart way of being prepared for all weather changes during the day. If youre looking for warm, indoor activities when visiting Washington DC in winter, be sure to explore one or more of Washington DCs (always free!) I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Reusable water bottle - you're going to be doing a fair bit of exploring and drinks at refreshment stands and museum cafes will add. Additional planning tip: Brunch with Santa is a reservation-only event, so make sure to plan ahead! Fiesta Asia. There are several public ice skating rinks that can be found in various neighborhoods throughout Washington DC, all of which provide rentals if you dont have your own ice skates. Packing for a trip to Washington D.C. is all about bringing comfort for long days of walking and exploring monuments and museums. (Just remember you cannot bring food into the. History lover? School Group Tours Here are some great ideas of what to bring. In my opinion, one of the best ways to see some of the citys most beautiful monuments and buildings is by night, when the city streets empty out but the structures still stand beautifully lit. April 30, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. In terms of snowfall, Washington DC averages 14 inches of snow per year(the US average is 28 inches of snow per year), with 75% of the citys snow falling in January. All rights reserved. And, of course, theres always a taxi or two cruising the streets should you need to hail one. what to pack for september and october in washington DC? We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Gross! New Orleans TheirAnti-Theft Tote includes both a handle to carry it on a shoulder and a strap to wear it across your body. The Downtown Holiday Market also kicks off on Black Friday. For fresh produce and local food items, check out the Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Comfortable Shoes that are still office appropriate. Fiesta Asia Street Fair May 20. Pack The UPS Store document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Jen - founder of the award-winning travel blog, Travel With A Plan! The National Mall (home of Washington DCs monuments and memorials) is open to the public every day of the year, 24 hours a day. This is one quirky DC tradition you cant miss if youre in the area! This is a winter holiday wonderland and a very popular place to visit at this time of year. The more juice a power bank has, the bigger and heavier it will be. The hotter it is outside, the more the air conditioning is blasting inside and this will help keep you comfortable for those museum visits and lunch spots. US voter turnout recently soared but lags behind many peer If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Schedule Appointment. Here is a list of places to go ice skating in Washington DC: Washington DCs outdoor ice skating rinks are open from late November until early March. This in conjunction with half-sleeve T-shirts usually works for me. Alternatively, if youre looking for international snacks and food stalls, try Union Market in NoMa. The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. The most important thing to look for in an umbrella is compactability. Then put a sweatshirt over that. Visit the Kennedy Center for their annual Brunch with Santa event! The weather in Washington DC can be pretty unpredictable, so in addition to your typical travel wardrobe, I recommend bringing the following: Umbrella, raincoat, A travel-size umbrella is not only great for protecting from rain (or sleet), it also can shield you from the hot sun. Its the practical things that count, so keep that in mind when deciding what to pack for Washington, D.C. visit family, not to go on vacation. If you want to do Black Friday shopping, you can head over to Georgetown, which has a great mix of boutiques and chain retail stores. Consider a water bottle that is good for your body and the environment, and collapses for easy packing. This December, celebrate Freedoms Eve with the African American History Museum. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This is a winter holiday wonderland and a Guests get to enjoy a brief, kid-friendly tour of Tour Place before building their own house, cottage or mansion at the gingerbread workshop. After you explore some of the citys weird and wacky art installations, head to Shaw, one of my favorite up-and-coming neighborhoods in Washington DC. Headlamps are one of those uncool inventions that are easy to write off until you really need them. Heres what we suggest: You will work up a thirst walking around D.C. Buying bottled water from the food trucks on the mall isnt the cheapest way to stay hydrated. Consider packing a compact travel blanket to lay down on the Washington Mall or in any of the grassy park areas. But if you can swing a November trip, this is a great time for a visit. Cocktail Week DC Cocktail Week With over 500 different hotel options in the city, and even more opportunities to rent an Airbnb, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to stay in Washington DC. During the holidays, we partner with Georgetown BID to offer a special tour of the famous GLOW installations. There are not a lot of benches or chairs in most places. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. The 10 Best Spots for Brunch in Washington, D.C. With 3 days in Washington DC (or more! Weve got those nearby, too. From farmers markets to indoor food halls, flea markets, and more, there is a lot to see on weekend mornings before the partiers wake up for their Sunday brunch. Another annual event, this one celebrating its 100th year, is the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Depending on which These tips and travel hacks are for you to make the most of your trip to Washington DC and to catch the best things to do in the city. However, it does get a bit crowded due to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. DC has several boat tours and cruises available, like the Winter Lights Dinner Cruise. If you need help on that front, we have a whole guide to the best things to do in DC! DC in November: How to Plan for Your Visit Washington DC in November: 59 / 37 Washington DC in December: 48 / 30 Washington DC in January: 43 / 25 Washington DC in February: 47 / 27 Washington DC in March: 56 / 35 There is usually the occasional snowstorm coupled with fluctuating temperatures above freezing during the winter months. (This park is nicknamed Presidents Park.). Power banks like theJackery Bolt 6000 mAh Portable Charger have iPhone and micro-USB cables built in, so you dont have to worry about carrying around cables in addition to the power bank itself. everything you need to know about weather in DC, The Ultimate Washington DC Travel Guide (2023), Airbnb Washington DC Tips & Questions to Ask, Washington DC Trip Planning: Trip Hacks DC E-book, Packing for Washington DC: What To Bring for Your Trip, DC Airports: a Guide to Navigating DCA, IAD and BWI, Podcast Ep.47 Tips for Visiting Washington DC in the Summer, Podcast Ep.46 Visiting Washington DC with Kids of All Ages, Podcast Ep.45 Staying Safe When You Visit Washington DC, Podcast Ep.44 Explore Washington DC with a New Activity Book, Podcast Ep.43 How Washington DC Tourism has Changed & Looking Ahead to 2023, Podcast Ep.42 Explore These Washington DC Neighborhoods, Podcast Ep.41 Visiting Every Museum in Washington DC, Podcast Ep.40 Womens History Sites in Washington DC, Guide to Washington DC Metro for Beginners, School Trips in DC: What Visitors Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know about Tipping in Washington, DC. And I saw a shocking warning that some water bottles sold are actually just reused bottles. When I had a meal at a restaurant or cafe, I would get a glass of water and refill my water bottle there. Throughout the month of November, you'll find various arts and crafts shows across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington including the Downtown D.C. Holiday Market, Montgomery Village Holiday Craft Bazaar, and the Northern Virginia Christmas Market. The Wharf is filled with holiday cheer each December with plenty of events to keep the whole family busy. And we'll talk about this a lot but it's our favorite tip - bring a Scarf/Pashmina (, Trying to fit in all your various layers can be difficult, so we highly, It is hot and humid here in summer, so a lightweight fabric is a must. Want the ultimate earbud so you can fully appreciate your favorite beats on the Metro or your flight? The most important thing to consider is the size. Feeling Home Away from Home Smithsonian Museums. 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