October Weather

A comment by MrsMaryland got me thinking about what kind of weather to expect October 14-21. I guess when I originally thought about visiting DC, I must%26#39;ve been thinking of earlier in October, when according to the weather information, the days are usually around 65, and the nights are around 55.

Looks like mid-month, it%26#39;s more like 60/50.

Can any longtime residents of DC give me a clear picture of what to expect? And what about precipitation? Humidity? Snow?

Personally, 60/50 sounds like perfect ';walking around'; weather. I also chose this time of year because there will be a lot of indoor activities.

October Weather

October is probably my favorite month in DC. I like the chill in the air and the rain (sounds crazy but the cold rain is good for my breathing and skin believe it or not)

The weather can vary. 2 years ago I had my daughter on October 21 and it was a little chill (long sleeve or light jacket) outside and dreary looking and the night before was raining a lot.

But typically I would say around low-mid 60%26#39;s would be the average temperature. Humidity isn%26#39;t an issue. During the day, I would love to sit out on the mall area and eat lunch there should be some nice breezes.

NO SNOW. I have lived here my entire life and I can not recall ever (quote me if I%26#39;m wrong) having snowed in DC in October. Rain is probably your only concern. This is typically the rainy time of year. But just depends on the atmosphere during your visit. Year-to-year is so different in DC for weather NO ONE can ever be exact and NO ONE will ever know what to expect. You should be ok for what you want to do, I would say.

October Weather

Well, this trip appears to be getting better and better!

I live in the desert, so the idea of cool weather after a sizzling summer sounds wonderful. If it rains, I%26#39;ll simply spend more time inside the Federal Buildings and museums. When it%26#39;s not raining, I%26#39;ll spend time outside. And if the sky is cloudy, well, I love to take pictures, and a few clouds can cast some wonderful shadows, so that%26#39;s good too!

I always had the impression that the rains were a consequence of the hurricane season, and by mid-October, that%26#39;s pretty much over. Although, you did recall the rain when you gave birth to your daughter.

I%26#39;ll definitely remember to bring my umbrella!

Thanks--and please say ';Happy Birthday'; to your daughter for me!

In general it will indeed be perfect walking around weather. Any last gasp of Indian summer should be over so you should be able to show off your favorite sweater. According to historical averages, October tends to have the most clear days of the year and the fewest rainy days of the year. The amount of rain per month has a small range from 2.63';-3.79'; with October falling at 3.22'; for the month.

Highly unlikely that there will be snow. Humidity should also not be a proflem, but there will probably be days where it feels humid compared to Las Vegas (assuming that LV is one of those ';dry heat'; places).

Unless you hit a patch of bad weather you picked a perfect time to be in DC. And, as you say, there is a lot to do inside if the weather does go bad.

I lived in DC for nine years and October was always my favorite month. It was cooler than September, but the real chill of November hadn%26#39;t set in yet. If the weather cooperates between now and then, you should get to see some great colors on the trees as well.

www.weather.com will provide you with a DC forecast for the next ten days!

Wow, this is fantastic to hear from others who think October is the best time of year!

And yes, OMP, it will definitely be an opportunity to show off my sweater collection. I love wearing jeans and sweaters, and might even be able to get away with slacks, a collared shirt, and a sweater for some of the more %26#39;formal%26#39; functions I hope to attend.

MrTed--thanks for mentioning the possibility of fall colors. A couple stops I hope to make, will be the National Arboretum and Mount Vernon. Hopefully, there will be a cold snap in early October that will set the leaves a-turning!

And speaking of %26#39;cold snaps%26#39;, thanks drwong for the link to weather.com--I checked the ten day forecast for zip code 20005, and unfortunately, it%26#39;s all %26#39;hurricane season%26#39; 70-plus degree weather from now until October 1st.

We%26#39;ll see what October brings--I%26#39;ll keep my fingers crossed!

A lot can change in a week! I was in Salt Lake City last week, where the sun was out and temps were in the 70%26#39;s. Today? Rainy and in the 50%26#39;s outside!!! I heard Chicago is also experiencing a cool snap right now.

October was indeed my favorite month when I lived there. Autumn in Maryland was wonderful. Some days it even clombs to the low 70%26#39;s. I don%26#39;t remember rain being a huge issue--certainly nothing like the huge elecrtric thunder and lightening storms during summer.

The poster above who mentioned how quickly things can change is correct. Don%26#39;t forget that most charts only indicate average temperatures. One day may be 70 and sunny--the next 60 and drizzling. But all in all, it%26#39;s one of the few times of year (November is pretty nice too) that there are few dramatic fluctuations. Great time to walk and explore!

Have fun!