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Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

Why Visit Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is an American spectacle, a messy cauldron of democracy where history lives alongside the preening obsessions of the political elite. From field-trip stalwarts like the Lincoln Memorial to a surfeit of free museums and a rising food scene, there are plenty of reasons to visit Washington, D.C.

When to Visit Washington, D.C.

Unless you’re trying to hit a special event like the National Cherry Blossom Festival or the Fourth of July, why not visit Washington, D.C. during off-peak seasons? Summer heat and humidity are brutal, but fall is usually quite pleasant. Consider Washington, D.C. travel between Thanksgiving and New Year's, when locals clear out.

Weather in Washington, D.C.

If you visit Washington, D.C. in summer, come prepared: Daytime highs can climb into the mid-90s with humidity above 60 percent. Winters are relatively moderate, but a day on the National Mall could still be disagreeably chilly. Late spring and fall can be downright magical times for Washington, D.C. travel.

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