Weather Comparison
New York vs Washington DC
Side-by-side weather comparison for October
October Weather: New York vs Washington DC
| 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 | 7h/day | 8h/day▲ | Washington DC |
| 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 |
Which City is Better in October?
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 7 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. Washington DC receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison 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.
Rainfall Comparison 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%.
What to Pack: New York vs Washington DC
Packing for New York in October
Highs of 18°C, lows of 10°C, 9 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
Packing for Washington DC in October
Highs of 20°C, lows of 11°C, 8 rain days
- ✓light layers
- ✓a light jacket for evenings
- ✓sunscreen
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
Pack for both: a packable rain jacket, an umbrella. These items are useful in either destination during October.
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.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