Washington weather in December
December in Washington averages 49°F by day and 35°F at night, with 3.4 inches of precipitation and 1.7 inches of snow. It is the 10th-warmest and 7th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 49°F-9° vs November
- Average low
- 35°F13 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in6 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 1.7 in0 days at 90°F+
Is December a good time to visit Washington?
December is cool, with highs around 49°F. The most comfortable months overall are April to June and September to October.
What to do in Washington in December
Mix it up: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Museum of Natural History, Jefferson Memorial. All things to do in Washington.
On December 15 the sun rises at 7:19 am and sets at 4:46 pm, giving 9h 27m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Washington in December
- Long sleeves, a warm jacket and closed shoes
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
December nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 49°F | 35°F | 3.4 in | |
| Arlington, VA | 5 mi | 49°F | 35°F | 3.4 in |
| Silver Spring, MD | 7 mi | 49°F | 35°F | 3.4 in |
| Alexandria, VA | 7 mi | 49°F | 35°F | 3.4 in |
| Bethesda, MD | 9 mi | 49°F | 35°F | 3.4 in |
| Reston, VA | 15 mi | 47°F | 29°F | 3.3 in |
| Columbia, MD | 23 mi | 48°F | 30°F | 3.7 in |
Warmer places in December
Big cities with comfortable December highs between 68°F and 86°F:
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Washington in December?
In December, Washington averages a high of 49°F and a low of 35°F, with 3.4 inches of precipitation and 1.7 inches of snow (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is December a good time to visit Washington?
December is cool to cold in Washington, with average highs of 49°F. Pack warm layers.
Does it snow in Washington in December?
Yes. December averages 1.7 inches of snow.
Before and after: Washington in November and Washington in January. All twelve months: Washington weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Washington Reagan Airport, VA, 3.3 miles from the city center.