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Weather Comparison

New York vs Washington DC

Side-by-side weather comparison for March

New York: 9°CWashington DC: 13°C328 km apart

March Weather: New York vs Washington DC

MetricNew YorkWashington DCBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer9°C (48°F)13°C (55°F)Washington DC
Average LowHigher is milder0°C (32°F)2°C (36°F)Washington DC
Rain DaysFewer is drier10 days10 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier106 mm100 mmWashington DC
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier8h/day8h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better20 km/h18 km/hWashington DC

Which City is Better in March?

New York and Washington DC are closely matched in March. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

New York is on the cooler side at 9°C, requiring warmer clothing. Washington DC is cooler at 13°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in March.

Temperature Comparison in March

New York reaches an average high of 9°C (48°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during March. The daily temperature range is 9°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Washington DC averages 13°C (55°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 11°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in March.

Rainfall Comparison in March

New York receives approximately 106 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during March. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Washington DC sees 100 mm over 10 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: New York vs Washington DC

Packing for New York in March

Highs of 9°C, lows of 0°C, 10 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Washington DC in March

Highs of 13°C, lows of 2°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during March.

Year-Round Comparison: New York vs Washington DC

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.March is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthNew YorkWashington DC
HighRainHighRain
Jan4°C9d6°C9d
Feb5°C9d8°C9d
Mar9°C10d13°C10d
Apr15°C11d19°C10d
May21°C11d24°C12d
Jun26°C11d29°C12d
Jul29°C12d31°C13d
Aug28°C11d30°C11d
Sep24°C9d26°C10d
Oct18°C9d20°C8d
Nov12°C8d13°C8d
Dec6°C10d8°C9d
9°

New York Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

13°

Washington DC Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York warmer than Washington DC in March?
No. In March, Washington DC is warmer with an average high of 13°C (55°F) compared to New York at 9°C (48°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in March, New York or Washington DC?
Both cities average 10 rain days in March with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit New York or Washington DC in March?
It depends on your preferences. New York averages 9°C and 8 hours of daily sunshine with 10 rain days. Washington DC averages 13°C with 8 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Washington DC. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are New York and Washington DC?
New York and Washington DC are approximately 328 km (204 miles) apart. New York is located in United States (North America) while Washington DC is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit New York and Washington DC?
For New York, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 26°C. For Washington DC, August is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 30°C highs.

Compare New York and Washington DC in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

New York coordinates: 40.71°N, -74.01°E | Washington DC coordinates: 38.91°N, -77.04°E