What comes as a surprise to many people is that DC actually has a ton of markets. The most important thing to look for in an umbrella is compactability. The Smithsonian museums are open every day, except for December 25th, as well as the U.S. Capitol Building which is open every day except for Christmas and New Years Day. 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. Those are all reasonable inquiries, so heres what I can tell you. History lover? We love ZeroUV glasses. Im so glad that you found this to be a helpful list! 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. Every visitor we talked to in Washington D.C. had the same complaint. - Tour Guide Becca. WebFind the best Washington DC events in November 2023. You will be doing a lot of walking, and if your feet are in pain, you are not going to have a good time. If youre not all shopped out, head over to the Dupont Circle Chriskindlmarkt to browse their unique, artisan-made goods. 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. A good pair of walking shoes is critical for packing for Washington, DC. And I saw a shocking warning that some water bottles sold are actually just reused bottles. Historic Georgetown Overall, about two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) say that, Even though you can bring bottled water most places, some museums or attractions want you to have the bottle out of your hands and concealed. The exception is in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. We needed to be able to take off a coat or a sweater when inside. Park rangers are on duty at monument and memorial sites from approximately 9 AM to 11 PM daily, except on December 25th. We'll show you how hassle-free family travel is possible - when you travel with a plan! There is a LOT of walking. Berlin All Rights Reserved. This is a winter holiday wonderland and a Look no further for a complete guide on the best things to do in Washington DC in winter! SPF 60 and water-resistant but you do need to rub it in! While almost every building has a warning that no food or drink is permitted, almost every place DOES allow water bottles. Most of your options that are close by will be the food trucks that line the streets of the Washington Mall and the cafes available in some of the Smithsonian restaurants, including the Smithsonian Castle, Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. WebFALL IN WASHINGTON, DC September and October temperatures average in the seventies and eighties and drop to the forties and fifties come November. Copyright 2017-2023 Trip Hacks Travel LLC. If youre going out early in the morning or later at night, you could even add a light jacket on top of that. Its also worth noting that its usually the first weekend in November when daylight savings ends, so it starts getting dark really early. Bring a few basic first-aid supplies in case all of the walking and time outdoors takes a toll. Cash In some of the places/locations well recommend, cash is preferred. 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. While walking around, you wont have a lot of cover from the elements. You dont need a car in Washington DC, and having one here may actually cause you more frustration and irritation. Alternatively, you can head to the Newseum (my favorite museum in DC) to learn about current events and how the media has shaped our history. This in conjunction with half-sleeve T-shirts usually works for me. Something about Christmas is so nostalgic and celebrating it in this little time capsule seems appropriate. Enjoy Beautiful, Riverside Scenery. Dr. Scholls Shoe Inserts. With the uncertainty of weather and levels of air conditioning, layers are a must. The Shacke Paks are some of the highest-rated and come with a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate. And what you do find will likely be hard, solid benches that arent cozy or comfortable. We invest in good rain boots that are good for walking and not just puddle jumping, like MuckBoots - which offer shoes meant for long-distance walking and are 100% waterproof. Kids will love meeting Santa, playing at the Little Elves Play Place, and listening to live music. Sunglasses. TheirAnti-Theft Tote includes both a handle to carry it on a shoulder and a strap to wear it across your body. For something a little nicer, theSwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Backpack is a good upgrade. You can also take a guided night tour of DC, which will bring you around to all of the best sights by night in the city. This year, some political analysts are predicting another heavy turnout in this months midterms. WebHow's the Weather in Washington, DC in December? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Gross! During the holidays, we partner with Georgetown BID to offer a special tour of the famous GLOW installations. 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. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Visit the Kennedy Center for their annual Brunch with Santa event! Miami Washington DCs winter temperatures range from highs of 48Fand sometimes drop to below 30F. Visiting patrons can enjoy multi-course set menus, wine pairings, take-out options, and more at some of the districts most beloved restaurants. On November 4th, sunset in Washington, DC is at 5:05 pmand it only gets earlier throughout the month. Pick up an Anker PowerCore 20100 and make sure you keep it charged. If youre planning a winter visit to Washington DC, theres no limit on fun, winter activities available for the whole family to enjoy! But in addition to this, there are a few ideas of special things to bring to make sure everyone enjoys their trip. Sit down and join in the rhythm-making, hula-hooping fun, or simply spectate and people-watch from the sidelines. They are also lightweight and thus good for packing. Its hands-down the best way to keep the things you need close. November for a typical day ranges from a high of 56F (13C) to a low of 38F (3C).Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.For comparison, the hottest month in . It includes festive experiences such as Blue Tooth will really drain your battery very quickly while churning in the background. The DC Metro System is much easier to use during your short stay in the city. Washington DC transforms into a winter wonderland each year with lights, festivals, and family-friendly activities. 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. Additional planning tip: Participation is free though registration is required. WebPacking for Washington DC: What To Bring for Your Trip. Philadelphia You also want to see the Metro routes and stops if you are interested in public transportation. Happy hour is one of DCs greatest traditions, with discounts on food and drinks almost anywhere you go. The best times to visit Washington, D.C., are from September to November and March to May. Purple Patch is a local favorite for Filipino fusion foods (the ube chicken and waffles is to die for! Not too cold? Particularly if youre spending a day (or more) out on the National Mall, visiting D.C. can be a bit like going on a long hike. 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. ), The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Packing List, The National Christmas Tree Lighting website, Residence Inn by Marriott at Washington, DC National Mall, Hotels in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia, 29 Exciting Things To Do in Scottsdale, AZ With Kids, The Ultimate Naples, Florida Vacation Itinerary, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, Mid layers (i.e. There are versions for men and for women. The weather in Washington DC can be pretty unpredictable, so in addition to your typical travel wardrobe, I recommend bringing the following: Umbrella, raincoat, and/or waterproof boots It rains a lot in the city and you dont want to be caught unprepared! At the same time, it can be downright frigid inside, As a popular time of year to travel to DC, we do a lot of, Another key item to have is sunglasses! WebSep 29, 2016 - Wondering what to pack for Washington DC in winter? In the autumn, the sweltering summer is Consider a water bottle that is good for your body and the environment, and collapses for easy packing. Bring a bottle of. 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. WebEven unlined, it retains enough body heat to keep me comfortable with temperatures in the high 40s (8-10C). 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. *Before leaving, be sure to check ourTravel Resources Pageto find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*. Weather in December A hat is a good idea as well and provides all the versatility, If you're coming with a young one, let's get off the clothing train for a moment - I cannot rave about the. Along with my sister, we share the best insider tips for theme parks, visiting U.S. National Parks, and traveling the world. Main Contact: [email protected] We have a special Wednesday evening National Mall tour just for the conference go-ers! How to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. 2023, Disney World to Universal Studios: All The Transportation Options in 2023. You can find a few water refill stations is some National Park Service sites and some attractions and museums to replenish your water. 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. Additional planning tip: Brunch with Santa is a reservation-only event, so make sure to plan ahead! This is one quirky DC tradition you cant miss if youre in the area! Part of what makes Washington DC so interesting is all of the historic monuments that honor American history. Heres our expert guide on the best things to do in Washington DC in winter! Do not wear flip flops or ballet flats while exploring D.C. You will be miserable. There are also several other ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year happening around the city. Insider travel tips and guides. As such, there are many opportunities for you to observe the day. The American Museum of Natural History is attractive as well. If it falls on a Sunday it will be observed on Monday. Theres really no shortage of markets in DC the trouble is deciding which one to actually visit! After your base layer, youll need to add on at least 1 additional layer before your outerwear, like a pair of pants and a pullover or sweater. If youre We love, These works of art can only be viewed at night, so, We spend a lot of time on our phones (like most people) and have yet to find a smartphone-friendly pair of gloves that we love (let us know on @freetoursbyfoot if you have a recommendation!) When you are planning your next trip, the nations Capitol should be on your list. There is usually the occasional snowstorm coupled with fluctuating temperatures above freezing during the winter months. Youre going to be out and about for long periods of time and its not going to be fun if youre trying to fight off the urge to sleep. Estimate Shipping Cost. This doesn't affect the price for you and in some cases, you get a discount. A travel-size umbrella is not only great for protecting from rain (or sleet), it also can shield you from the hot sun. Families can celebrate the Christmas season with brunch at The Roof Terrace Restaurant. Filter your search by Category : Tag : Date, Best Things to Do in Scottsdale With Kids, Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park, Best California Amusement Parks for Toddlers. There are two federal government holidays in November. A good pair of walking shoes is critical for packing for Washington, DC. Gift shops at museums and attractions dont really sell any snack foods or drinks AT ALL. and worked onboard Disney Cruise Line. Want the ultimate earbud so you can fully appreciate your favorite beats on the Metro or your flight? if youre looking to avoid the crowds. San Francisco In the chaos of preparing and packing, sometimes, special items can be left behind and chosen not to be packed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dont get hung up on the fact that its marketed toward laptop users its actually the perfect size for this purpose. Average high temperature during the month of December is typically forty eight degrees and twenty degrees for average lows. This winter, enjoy City Center events, including live music and sugary pop-ups! Wear it loose and just be stylish. GLOW is a free, outdoor light art experience that is held annually from the end of November through the end of February. Lunar New Year, a celebration known in China asthe Spring Festival, begins on February 1st. Cupids Undies Run is an annual 1-mile run/dancing party that raises money for people affected by NF, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve endings. Packed with local bars and clubs, U Street is where all of the locals go to party. When you think of Washington DC, you might think of light gray buildings, iconic monuments, and family-friendly museums. Use this step-by-step weekend Washington D.C. itinerary, thats been written by a local. Another key item to have is sunglasses! If it falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on Friday. It is also essential to keep snacks or food, as well as all of the other stuff that you need throughout the day. If your athletic shoes arent in top shape, swapping the insoles that came in them with Dr. Scholls could dramatically improve your footwear. A great quality water filtering bottle will give you better water than bottle water, and it will end up saving you money pretty quickly. (Agnes Lee/Washington Post illustration; Matt McClain/The Washington Post) 11 min. Since 2016, families have been allowed to go sledding down Capitol Hill during daylight hours. We've got information about Washington, DC fall weather, things to do and what to pack. Most of the year, this area stays quiet. There are plenty of restaurants that have dress codes but they discourage athletic wear and ripped jeans. Americans tend to view racism by individuals as a bigger problem for Black people in the United States than racism in the nations laws. 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!) WebWashington, DC 20002. (202) 507-8983. store7421@theupsstore.com. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565. We got a printed map from the National Park Service that showed all of the major attractions in D.C. and it really helped put things in perspective for walking. Some of my favorite happy hours in Washington DC are at Church Key, Commissary, and Boqueria. These popular neighborhoods have plenty of green spaces, restaurants, shops, and nightlife to explore. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Between 15th & L St. NW W,D.C / Block From White House / Mcpherson Square And Farragut North Metro. Unless you're going to a gala, you won't find a lot of reasons for diamonds and high heels in Washington DC. Along with its dazzling lights, the tree is decorated with thousands of handmade ornaments from people of the state in which the tree came from. DC Airports: a Guide to Navigating DCA, IAD and BWI. ZooLights is a free, ticketed event held at Washington DCs Smithsonian Zoo from late November through the end of December. Get directions, store hours & UPS pickup times. Mark Zuckerberg sounded nervous. One of my favorite things to do in Washington DC in winter is to visit a local ice skating rink for some nostalgic outdoor fun! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you prefer to wander around the city, some great neighborhoods to find brunch places are Capitol Hill, 14th Street, and Dupont Circle. There is also ice skating through the lights (skates provided!) That means you can stay at a really nice hotel for a bargain price. The end of November marks the beginning of Seasons Greetings at the U.S. botanic gardens. There is a lot to see in Washington D.C. and everything has different hours of operation, rules, requirements for tickets, etc. The National Mall (home of Washington DCs monuments and memorials) is open to the public every day of the year, 24 hours a day. For fresh produce and local food items, check out the Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Chicago you and in some cases, you get a discount. Here, you can stop into Blagden Alley and pick up a coffee from La Colombe, or grab a delicious dinner at Tiger Fork. Give yourself credit for all those miles youre going to walk around the Mall: Pack a Fitbit. Afterward, make your way to Chinatown. So you will be more limited than normal until staffing shortages are resolved. Winter is such a wonderful time to experience a new city because you get to enjoy festive celebrations that are only available during the chilly months. 1. 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. The perfect backpack for your visit is one thats large enough to hold your things, but not so big that its weighing your down orcausing damage to people or property whenever you turn around. Dupont Underground is a converted urban industrial space that features rotating local art exhibits, talks, and musical performances. The parade includes a spectacular collection of performances, colors, and booming drums for an experience you wont forget. Featuring national and international artists, GLOW features innovative light art installations that remain on display (for 8 weeks) throughout the Georgetown commercial district. (see: pashmina). Bring a Water Bottle. Fiesta Asia. Weve got those nearby, too. Click here to check out the many available options for tours and to book your tour here today! Please read theTrip Hacks DC disclosurefor more information. The coldest month of the year in Washington DC isJanuary, with an average low of25Fand a high of43F. On January 22nd, you can watch the DC Chinese New Year Parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Weather in Washington DC in September How is the Weather in DC in August? Below is a list of several options: Arlington National Cemetery Vietnam Veterans Memorial World War II Memorial U.S. Navy Memorial Country Current: Bluegrass Music with the U.S. Navy November 11 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Washington, DC Overall, about two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) say that, Spring time is also a nice time of year to explore, since the DC cherry blossoms begin to bloom around many areas of the city. Kids will get to meet Santa and pose for a sweet photo memento. Nashville Web1030 15th St NW. April 30, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. Even with comfortable shoes, your feet will probably be achy, swollen and hot at the end of the day. DC has so many great museums that you can spend a whole visit exploring them and only go outside to get between them. What to wear based on Season: We use the OFF! Exploring Washington DC in winter is an incredible winter holiday that you and your family will talk about for years to come! Washington, DC 20052 Phone: 202-994-1649 Fax: 202-994-9133 . Our longest walking tour is only 2 miles (3.2km) over 4 hours so you can do this in any type of shoe, but a comfortable walking shoe is going to keep your feet dry and cozy. Get directions, store hours & UPS pickup times. Home to some of the best photo spots in DC as well as many local businesses, the neighborhoods are a great place to see a different side of the city. (202) 507-8983. store7421@theupsstore.com. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Main Contact: [email protected] A lot of museums are located next to each other, so the best and fastest way to get from one to the other is walking but they are so big, that could still be a 5-minute walk in the rain. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. There is also a Santas workshop open at various times during the holiday season, as well as featured musical performances. One nice thing about D.C. is that nobody gets too hung up on style. a killer deal on a nice hotel. 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. Americans tend to view racism by individuals as a bigger problem for Black people in the United States than racism in the nations laws. Best Things To Do in Estes Park With Kids, The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids, 15 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Itinerary: 6 Days in Naples/Marco Island, Itinerary: 3 Days in Glacier National Park, How to Plan the Best Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Vacation, What to Pack for Mexico {Our Epic Mexico Packing List for 2023! Farms and flowers more your thing? Washington, DC 20005. A warm hat or an ear warmer headband could have really helped a lot. How is the weather in Washington, DC in November? The newest Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a fantastic one, but you need to make a reservation in advance in order to get a ticket. Washington DC, July, has days with highs of 89F (32C) and lows of 70F (21C).The coldest month, January has days with highs of The United States Botanic Garden has beautiful exhibits year-round, though their holiday offerings are extra spectacular, in my opinion. London 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. 45+ Things To Pack for Washington DC (Casual & Dressy) How is the weather in Washington DC in October? There is very little business or conference travel in DC leading up to Thanksgiving, so it is one of the single cheapest weeks of the year for hotel accommodations. However, it does get a bit crowded due to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. DC Metro fares typically range from $2-4 per ride depending on your entry and exit points, what time of day or day of the week youre riding, and how many different lines you use. The Downtown Holiday Market also kicks off on Black Friday. Here, visitors can enjoy free live music, food history demonstrations, book signings, and holiday treats. They key to packing for November is layers. Its the practical things that count, so keep that in mind when deciding what to pack for Washington, D.C. 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. For older adults, consider bringing a walking cane that turns into a chair if you must sit down a lot. A discreetly sized butt pack is a great place to stash your phone, a backup battery, or rain poncho. If you already own a solid pair of athletic shoes, insoles might make them even better. This section covers our top ten list of things to do in DC for November. Also, dont forget the following items when visiting Washington DC in winter: If you want to stay within the city and potentially avoid having to rent a car, I recommend staying in a hotel that is within walking distance of the National Mall. Some of the citys most beautiful green spaces include: If you head to Meridian Hill Park around 3 PM on a Sunday, youll likely run into a huge drum circle. Fall is a great time to visit DC but with the weather so gorgeous you may not realize how much you're walking and exploring, so make sure those stylish fall boots have good insoles! Helpful Tip: The art museums have some of the most comfortable seats among all of the attractions. (Just remember you cannot bring food into the US Capitol!) Beginning on varying dates in November, the trees journey can be tracked in real-time online atcapitoltreetracker.com as it makes its way to the Capitol Building. 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?. Schedule Appointment. DC has several boat tours and cruises available, like the Winter Lights Dinner Cruise. Take a look at the various seasonal festivals that are taking The high temperatures for Washington, DC in the spring can range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s depending on which month you visit. Additional planning tip: The gardens get extremely busy on weekends throughout the holidays. 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." Sunglasses and sunscreen In some parts of the city, there isnt great tree cover.