Nine hours of daily sunshine forecasted everyday ensures May enjoys some of the brightest weather all year in Washington DC.
While June, July, August and September have average temperatures that are far higher than this last month of spring, they equal this time of the year when it comes to the actual number of daily sunshine hours.
And while May may not be as hot as the summer months in Washington DC, it is also a lot fresher, in terms of humidity levels and avoids the scorching climate of the peak holiday months.
This ensures May is always a popular time to visit the capital.
Though there is a lot of sunshine, May is also the wettest month of the year in this part of the USA. 100mm of rain are likely to fall over the month, with one in two days usually experiencing at least some precipitation. However, even when the rain falls, there is still plenty of time to enjoy in the region.
As the month progresses nearer to the start of summer in June, the temperature in Washington does start to rise. Expect average temperatures across May to reach 19°C, which is jump of 5°C on the previous month of April.
Peak high temperatures during the month are likely to reach a warm 24°C. While record high temperatures have climbed to 37°C at this time of the year.
Even at night the temperature usually remains nice and mild. Average low temperatures of 14°C make this the perfect time of the year to start enjoying a little al fresco dining in the capital. Or taking advantage of the open air swimming pools that are available in many of the hotels.
Where to Stay
One of the nicest places to stay in the capital has to be the Avenue Suites in Georgetown. Often rated as one of the best places to stay in Washington DC, the Avenue Suites offer wonderfully private rooms, exceptional cleanliness and the ideal location, all with a quality of personal service that you would travel the world to enjoy. But while everything about the Avenue Suites is top drawer, the prices charged are still very reasonable, especially when the size and quality of the facilities are considered. In May there are still many low season offers to be had for their self-contained units. There is also an elegant onsite restaurant.
The Woodley Park Guest House offers a very comfortable form of accommodation in Washington DC. As part of the DC Inns chain, this elegant B&B provides a range of price options within their 15 rooms. Each type of accommodation is clean and cosy, with all guests coming together every morning to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. The nearby Rock Creek Park is a wonderful location for an early morning walk. While the metro station is only a short walk away, offering instant access to the entire city. This beautiful boutique setting is just perfect to enjoy the company of the wide range of guests that stay at Woodley Park and offers the perfect base for any trip to the capital.
While the High Road Hostel does provide one of the most economical ways to visit Washington DC, that doesn't mean they compromise when it comes to delivery. In fact, when comparing hostels all over the world, the High Road must be one of the best. Excellent location, outstanding service and incredible value for money epitomise everything that the High Road brand stands for. The communal areas are the perfect place to meet the other guests, with cheese nights and social events always taking place. As the fashionable Adams Morgan district is just around the corner, there's plenty of reasons to take the High Road.
Restaurants and Nightlife
For the perfect place for pre-dinner cocktails or a great night out, head down to Off the Record. Set in the basement of the Hay-Adams Hotel, this is popular night spot with visitors and locals alike. Their well-dressed clientele and luxurious cocktail menu ensure nothing is too good for this fashionable bar. Caricatures of presidents past decorate the walls, while the lively atmosphere ensures this place is always on the money. It's not the cheapest place in town, but with well blended cocktails, excellent snacks and a fabulous atmosphere, you will want to stay all night.
While &Pizza only has a small site in Washington DC, this place is making a big name for itself. With a variety of different base and flavour options to suite all tastes and dietary requirements. You'd be hard pushed to find a pizza you don't adore at &Pizza. From gluten free, and whole grain to vegetarian, the options here are incredible. Choose the toppings, the sauce the base and the sides. It's a tailor made menu with only the freshest ingredients. Wash it all down with their house made lemonade that comes directly from the soda fountain. Even if you've never appreciated a good pizza before, all that is about to change
Let your hair down and get into the rhythm at Habana Village. This Spanish dance club has a truly exotic vibe to allow everyone to have a good time. Start with an early dinner, and then treat yourself to a salsa lesson before everyone hits the floor. As soon as the dancefloor opens the crowd starts to poor in until that Spanish beat takes over. Even if you don't go with a partner, there are plenty of people willing to dance.
Things to Do
Nobody should be able to say they've been to Washington DC and not been to visit the Library of Congress. From the inside or the out, this is one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most significant. The Flame of Knowledge that decorates the roof of the building can be seen for miles around. While the portraits that adorn the interior can only be truly appreciated with a good pair of binoculars. This is a wonderful place for visitors of all ages to learn about American History .
When you get the shopping bug, the best place to go in Washington DC has to be Union Station. As a monument of architecture this building is impressive. But what really draws millions of visitors to its doors every year has to be the shopping experience that it offers within. After a $160 million renovation, this fully functioning train station now houses over 100 shops and restaurants to offer perfect retail therapy for everyone. From clothes and cosmetics to souvenirs and discount stores. When you want to spend a day pounding the credit card, the facilities within Union Station will not let you down.
