In the middle of winter, January traditionally offers the coldest weather conditions of the year in Washington DC.
Average temperatures will usually stay around 4°C and average minimum temperatures will usually fall to around -2°C.
Expected rainfall is at one of the lowest levels of the year, with only 70mm of rain expected to fall over an average of 12 days in January. This usually the month with the highest level of snowfall in Washington DC, transforming the landscape into an eye catching sight.
Traditionally up to 3 days of the month will experience a significant covering of snow and with average temperatures staying low, it is possible for snow to stick around for several days. Every other year, snowfalls of over three inches are likely.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in this part of the US in January was in 1994 when temperatures fell to a very chilly -20°C. However, maximum temperatures of 25°C have also been experienced in the region, with this peak temperature reached in January 2002.
In the coldest month of the year, levels of sunshine are also at one of their lowest levels. The chances of a cloudy day are usually around 80%. However with 5 hours of daily sunshine expected on average, this is still one hour more per day than conditions usually experienced in December.
Daily temperatures usually reach up to an average of 9°C, so it is wise to wear several layers, especially when you are walking around the city. This ensures you can adjust your clothing to suit the climate and enjoy every moment of a January trip to Washington DC
Where to Stay
For convenience, luxury and beautiful tranquillity, book a stay at the Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington DC. Its residential location means that the area is quiet, but still welcoming and is an ideal place to take families too. All the iconic sights are just a short walk away or a few stops on the Orange Line metro. As the entire hotel has been recently renovated, the standard of facilities is outstanding. This smaller, boutique hotel provides a home away from home atmosphere, with very friendly staff to match.
Chester Arthur House is situated right in the heart of Washington DC in Logan's Circle providing instant access to the entire city. From its historical décor to the irresistible breakfast, this is a B&B that really does raise the bar. The White House is less than a mile away and the convenient access to the metro ensures travelling around the city is never a problem. Inside the Victorian building, the rooms are large, well maintained and offer every convenience. With a wealth of bars and restaurants within the local vicinity, Chester Arthur House offers a wonderful choice for accommodation.
For a more independent place to stay in Washington DC, reserve an apartment in Andover House. This well maintained luxury apartment block can offer autonomous accommodation for those that do not want to be regulated by the timings and confinements of a hotel or B&B and it offers exceptional value for money too. The apartments are located within easy walking distance of all the major metro lines and though it may be a little out of the centre, with easy access across the city, it offers a very cost effective location. The rooms are spacious, clean and the concierge are very welcoming. For a short stay or extended visit, you can make yourself feel very at home at Andover House.
Restaurants and Nightlife
For a unique way to enjoy a good cup of coffee, head down to Crumbs & Whiskers. This attractive café is spread over two floors. While your food and drinks are being prepared, you get to enjoy a different kind of entertainment, with a range of cats roaming around the site, all of whom are hoping to be adopted. There is even the chance to take a few souvenirs away with you. So if you are missing your moggy back home and want purrfect companionship, head down to Crumbs & Whiskers and help make another cat's life a little happier too.
Get some great food in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Stoney's Bar and Grill. Located just off Logan's Circle, the front of the building has a bar like ambience. But if you want a more traditional sit down meal, just head to the back where there are plenty of tables. From the crab burger and chicken wings to their infamous range of sausages, everything at Stoney's is mouth-wateringly good. The food sits perfectly with the laid back vibe that echoes the entire place. There are plenty of TV's to watch the local sports and with a great range of beers to choose from, you can come to Stoney's for a quick bite and end up staying all night.
When you want fine dining as only the Italians know how, book a table at Fiola. This high quality Italian restaurant is located between the White House and the Capitol making it very popular with diplomats, politicians and food experts from across the world. The service is exceptional and the atmosphere very intimate. Although the prices may be higher than other restaurants in the area, the bill will always reflect the quality of the dining experience. On a warmer day in January, the decorative patio is the perfect place to enjoy the view. Or if you just want to enjoy a warming cocktail in elegant style, take a stool at the bar and savour Washington DC at its best.
Things to Do
When the Washington National Cathedral is covered in snow in January, it offers a truly exceptional site for any visitor to the city. Filled with history and decorated with the most exceptional stained glass designs, this is one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the region. This is the site of many presidential funerals, outstanding musical performances and one of the stained glass windows even boasts its own piece of rock from the moon. To truly appreciate the significance of the building, take a tour with one of the many local guides. Or if you want to enjoy a more independent form of discovery, simply pick up a brochure and take your time to savour the internal and external delights of the Cathedral.
For an altogether different type of viewing experience, take a trip to the National Zoological Park in Washington DC. Beautifully arranged exhibits, a wide variety of different types of animals and many interactive stands ensure everyone will have fun at Washington's Zoo. To add to the fun, the entire zoo is free to enter. Even in the colder days in January, there are many internal spaces to see the animals at their finest. If you want to keep your costs down, make sure you take your own refreshments with you. The food stalls and shops are very enticing but, like many zoos, the prices can be a little extravagant.
