Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for October
| Metric | New York | Washington DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F)▲ | Washington DC |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F)▲ | Washington DC |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 9 days | 8 days▲ | Washington DC |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 98 mm | 89 mm▲ | Washington DC |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day | 8h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 6 | 6 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 18 km/h | 15 km/h▲ | Washington DC |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Washington DC edges ahead as the better destination in October. Washington DC offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 8 rain days, while New York sees 8 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.
New York sits in the comfortable travel range at 18°C. Washington DC is also comfortable at 20°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Washington DC is the stronger choice in October.
New York reaches an average high of 18°C (64°F) and drops to 10°C (50°F) at night during October. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Washington DC averages 20°C (68°F) for the high and 11°C (52°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in October.
New York receives approximately 98 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during October. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Washington DC sees 89 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Washington DC the drier option by 1 rain day and 9 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
Highs of 18°C, lows of 10°C, 9 rain days
Highs of 20°C, lows of 11°C, 8 rain days
Pack for both: a packable rain jacket, an umbrella. These items are useful in either destination during October.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. October is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | New York | Washington DC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 4°C | 9d | 6°C | 9d |
| Feb | 5°C | 9d | 8°C | 9d |
| Mar | 9°C | 10d | 13°C | 10d |
| Apr | 15°C | 11d | 19°C | 10d |
| May | 21°C | 11d | 24°C | 12d |
| Jun | 26°C | 11d | 29°C | 12d |
| Jul | 29°C | 12d | 31°C | 13d |
| Aug | 28°C | 11d | 30°C | 11d |
| Sep | 24°C | 9d | 26°C | 10d |
| Oct | 18°C | 9d | 20°C | 8d |
| Nov | 12°C | 8d | 13°C | 8d |
| Dec | 6°C | 10d | 8°C | 9d |
New York Weather in October
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Washington DC Weather in October
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities