April or September?

Question

We’re toying with the idea of a four day city visit to Washington. Travelling from the UK. Two adults. We’d like to go either early April for our anniversary or end of September for DWs birthday.

Would either of these be better than the other price/weather etc wise?

I’ve not really looked any further into the city with regards to where to stay etc so if you e got a recommendation for a couple of first timers who’d like to do the main stuff then feel free to post here.

Many thanks.

Answer

Both early April and late September are excellent times to visit Washington, DC, but each has slightly different advantages depending on what you prioritize for your trip, such as weather, crowds, and events.

Weather considerations:

Early April: Spring weather can be mild and pleasant, with average highs around 16–20°C (60–68°F). You may catch the tail end of the famous cherry blossom season, which usually peaks in early April, offering beautiful scenery around the Tidal Basin. Early April can occasionally still be cool and rainy, so packing a light rain jacket and layers is wise.
Late September: Early fall tends to have warm, comfortable temperatures, averaging 22–26°C (72–79°F). The city is less crowded than spring cherry blossom season, and fall foliage may begin appearing in some areas. September can also be humid, but usually more stable than summer.

Cost considerations:

Hotel rates in early April can be higher due to cherry blossom tourism, especially near the National Mall. You may find that booking well in advance is essential to secure a reasonable price.
Late September generally has lower hotel rates, as the summer travel season has ended and before the busy holiday period begins. Flights from the UK may also be slightly cheaper than peak spring.

Crowds and sightseeing:

Early April can be busy near cherry blossom areas, the Tidal Basin, and the National Mall. Museums and monuments may have higher visitor numbers, but the scenery is spectacular.
Late September is less crowded, making it easier to explore the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and Capitol Hill without long lines. This may be preferable for a relaxed first-time visit.

First-time visitor hotel recommendations:

Near the National Mall: Ideal for walking to monuments, museums, and the Capitol. Options include the Willard InterContinental, Omni Shoreham, or JW Marriott (central and convenient).
Downtown DC / Penn Quarter: Good for restaurants, nightlife, and sightseeing. Hotels like Grand Hyatt Washington or Kimpton Hotel Palomar provide modern amenities and central locations.
Capitol Hill area: Close to the Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court. Consider the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill or Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Summary: If you want the iconic cherry blossoms and don’t mind some crowds, early April is perfect. If you prefer warmer weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists, late September is preferable. Both periods are comfortable for sightseeing and first-time visitors, and either choice allows you to enjoy DC’s main attractions efficiently.

April or September?

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