Memorial Day Week or June?

Question

We have the option of coming the week of Memorial Day or the 3rd week of June. Should we give any preference to either week for any particular reason? Will the crowds or cost be significantly greater during the week of Memorial Day. Thank you.

Answer

Both the week of Memorial Day and the 3rd week of June are popular times to visit Washington DC, but there are some differences that may affect your choice depending on your priorities for crowds, cost, and events.

Memorial Day Week:

This week includes the Memorial Day holiday (last Monday in May), which is a major federal holiday. Expect higher crowds at the National Mall, monuments, and popular tourist attractions due to domestic travel.
Hotels and flights may be more expensive, especially Friday through Monday around the holiday.
There are special Memorial Day events, including parades, ceremonies, and military displays, which can be a meaningful addition if you want to experience patriotic events.
Some sites, like the Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall, may be more crowded, and security lines may be slightly longer for major attractions.

Third Week of June:

Generally fewer crowds than Memorial Day week, as most domestic travelers have returned home after the long holiday weekend.
Weather is warmer and usually more stable than late May, making walking tours and outdoor activities more comfortable.
Hotel and flight rates are typically lower than during the Memorial Day holiday, though still higher than off-season spring months.
Summer events may start to appear, like outdoor concerts, street fairs, and farmer’s markets, which can be enjoyable without the congestion of a holiday weekend.

Other considerations:

Traffic around major roads and the Mall will be busier on Memorial Day itself and the preceding weekend.
Tourist attractions like the Smithsonian museums are free and open, but popular spots such as the Washington Monument or Capitol tours may require timed tickets—these may book faster during holiday weeks.
National Cherry Blossom season will be over by both options, so you won’t have the extreme spring crowds, but flowers and green spaces will be fully in bloom in June.

Summary: If you prefer to avoid large holiday crowds and slightly higher costs, the 3rd week of June is likely the better option. If experiencing Memorial Day events and patriotic ceremonies is important, then the Memorial Day week is unique, but plan for heavier crowds and book accommodations early.

Memorial Day Week or June?

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