July is a busy month in Washington, DC. There are so many exciting things to do with the Fourth of July, America’s birthday, being at the center of the fun. July is also one of the hottest months in the District and in addition to the hot weather is the high humidity. But with a little bit of planning, you can beat the heat and enjoy your visit to DC.
Weather
- Average High: 88 degrees
- Average Low: 70 degrees
- Record High: 106 degrees
- Record Low: 52 degrees
- Precipitation: 3.66 inches
What to Pack
- Sun screen
- Sun hat or ball cap
- Sunglasses
- Light sweater for the air conditioned museums
- Picnic blanket to sit on when watching fireworks or a movie on the National Mall
- Walking shoes
July Happenings
- Free Summer Concerts in Washington, DC, June through August. DC is filled with free evening concerts to top off your day of sightseeing.
- Screen on the Green 2009,
July 20- August 10, 2009. Monday nights beginning at dusk, watch movies on the US National Mall. Past films screened have included Viva Las Vegas and Citizen Kane. 2009 Schedule to be announced.
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival, June 24-28 and July 1-5, 2009. This is the largest annual cultural event in the nation’s capital. From cooking to crafts, to dances this is a celebration of the rich cultures that make America the melting pot she is.
- Fourth of July Fireworks on the US National Mall, July 4, 2009. This is America’s biggest birthday bash and it lasts all day long culminating in the best and grandest firework show around.
- Independence Day at Mount Vernon, July 4, 2009. This Red, White and Blue Celebration is celebrated at the home of George Washington and features music, a wreath laying ceremony and of course cake.
- Fourth of July at the National Archives, July 4, 2009. The National Archives celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.
- Hip Hop Theatre Festival, July 6-12, 2009. Hip hop meets theater in this performing arts festival that combines the spoken word with music and dance.
- Capital Fringe Festival, July 9-26, 2009. Performing arts festival with fun for the whole family.
- Grand Reopening of Ford's Theatre Museum,
July 15, 2009. Ford's Theatre Museum has been renovated and will reopen using current technology to take visitors back to Lincoln's world and the history he created.
- Slapsticon Film Festival, July 2010. If you are a fan of slapstick then this is a festival you will enjoy, featuring slapstick comedies from 1910-1940’s.
- White House Summer Garden Tour, 2009 DATE TBD, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The White House grounds are so beautiful during the summer months and this tour provides visitors an opportunity to see the gardens and share in their grandeur.
Things to Consider
- July is a very popular month to visit Washington, DC so expect crowds at the major events, especially the Fourth of July Fireworks on the US Mall.
- The humidity in July makes it even hotter and the UV intensity is strong so make certain you put on sun screen before you go out sightseeing and drink plenty of water.
- Plan to get up early to see the sights and avoid the crowds when possible.
