August is generally DC’s hottest month. But there is still plenty of summer fun and sun to be had with free concerts and outdoor movies. And of course you can always escape the heat by strolling through one of Washington, DC’s many free museums.
Weather
- Average High: 86 degrees
- Average Low: 69 degrees
- Record High: 105 degrees
- Record Low: 49 degrees
- Average Precipitation: 3.44 inches
What to Pack
Summer in Washington, DC is both beautiful and hot. You will want to pack light, breathable, comfortable clothing.
- Short Sleeve Shirts
- Bermudas, Shorts
- Sun Dresses
- Comfortable Shoes
- Ball cap or sun hat
- Sun Screen
August Happenings
- Free Summer Concerts. Throughout August on Wednesdays and Friday evenings at the Air Force Memorial.
- Screen On the Green. July 20 - August 10, 2009. Watch classic films on the National Mall.
- Legg Mason Tennis Classic. The games begin on August 1, 2009 and will run until August 9, 2009. The matches are played at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, 16th and Kennedy Streets NW. 202-721-9500.
- "A Lady Found A Culture In its Cloth: Barrack Obama's MOther And Indonesian Batiks". August 9-August 23, 2009. Textile Museum (2320 S St. NW, 202-667-0441). If you like batik prints, you will enjoy looking at items that belonged to President Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, when she lived in Jakarta. This event is free and open to the public.
- County Fairs in the DC Metro Area. Throughout the month of August there are plenty of local fairs going on that both you and old will enjoy.
- Brew At the Zoo. August 23, 2009. National Zoo, Washington, DC. Sample beer and listen to live music.
- Comcast Outdoor Film Festival in Bethesda. August 14-21, 2009. Mansion at Strathmore (10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100). Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, The Dark Knight and Twilight are just some of the movies cinema lovers can enjoy. Starts at 8:10 p.m.
Things to Consider
- With the high humidity it might be beneficial to book a bus or trolley tour to see the city.
- Drink plenty of water while you are walking and taking in the city’s sights.
- Congress is off for the month of August and many locals leave the city for their own vacations.
- Unexpected summer thunder showers can cause delays at the airport.
