United States, North America

Washington, DC in April

Peak bloom most often lands late March to early April, varies year to year. The Tidal Basin is glorious and mobbed; the rest of the month is simply lovely.

BestClassic spring, highs near 67F (19C), some rain

Washington Monument over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — Washington, DCPhoto: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Washington, DC. Peak bloom most often lands late March to early April, varies year to year. The Tidal Basin is glorious and mobbed; the rest of the month is simply lovely.

Weather: Classic spring, highs near 67F (19C), some rain
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What April is like in Washington, DC

April is classic spring in DC. Highs reach about 67F (19C), with some rain. Peak bloom most often lands in late March to early April, varying year to year, and the Tidal Basin is glorious and mobbed. The Cherry Blossom Festival brings a parade and events, and hotels price up citywide. After the blossoms, the rest of the month is simply lovely.

It suits nearly everyone, from families to first-timers, if you book early. It is less ideal for crowd haters during bloom week. For similar weather without the rush, try September or October.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Washington, DC this month.

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin

Peak bloom lasts about a week. Go at sunrise to see the trees before it gets shoulder to shoulder.

The Cherry Blossom Festival parade

The festival's parade and Mall events run through mid April. It is a fun, busy day out with kids.

Spring walks in Georgetown

The C&O Canal towpath is green and pleasant, a nice break from the crowds on the Mall.

What to pack for April

A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes for miles on the Mall
Layers for cool mornings
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Walk the Tidal Basin at sunrise during bloom week, then move indoors to the museums by 10am.

Book Washington, DC for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Washington, DC
Opens a hotel search for Washington, DC in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
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Vacation rentals in Washington, DC
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Washington, DC
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Washington, DC for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in April

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Late March into mid April, peak bloom typically late March to early April, varies year to year

Weeks of events around the bloom, including a parade and a kite festival on the Mall. Hotels price up citywide.

Things to do in Washington, DC

Full guide

The National Mall monuments

Do Lincoln, the Vietnam Wall, and the Korean Memorial at sunrise or after dark. Distances are longer than they look; the loop is several miles on foot.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Smithsonian Air and Space and Natural History

The two biggest kid magnets. Free timed passes are required at some Smithsonian museums in busy season; check before you go.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tidal Basin and the cherry trees

In bloom week, go at sunrise. By 10am it is shoulder to shoulder. Off season it is a lovely, quiet waterside walk.

Tickets and tours →

National Gallery of Art

A world-class collection, free, and usually calmer than the Smithsonian giants. The sculpture garden fountain becomes an ice rink in winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Capitol and Library of Congress

Book Capitol tours ahead through your representative or the visitor center. The Library's Great Hall is the most beautiful room in the city.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Arlington National Cemetery

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier runs year-round. Give it a half day and wear walking shoes; the grounds are hilly.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

For blossoms without the crush, hit the Tidal Basin at sunrise, or see the same trees with a fraction of the people at the National Arboretum and around East Potomac Park.
School groups dominate weekday mornings from March through early June. Flip your day: monuments and neighborhoods in the morning, museums after 2pm when the buses leave.
September and October give you April's weather with a third of April's people. If bloom is not the point, this is the trade to make.
Do the monuments after dark. They are lit, open 24 hours, cooler in summer, and the tour-bus waves are gone by 9pm.

Know before you go

DC is a genuine year-round city. The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery are open nearly every day of the year, typically closing only December 25.
The outdoor monuments and memorials never close: they are open 24 hours a day, every day, with rangers on duty at the major sites during the day and evening.
Peak bloom is not schedulable. The trees peak for roughly a week, sometime between late March and mid April depending on the year, and a warm or cold snap can move it. Book refundable rooms if bloom is the whole mission.
A federal government shutdown, when one happens, can shutter the Smithsonian museums, the Archives, and National Park Service sites. It is rare but worth a news check before a big trip.