Washington DC in April?

[ACvmk]

We're thinking of various spring break destinations for our family. We've been to Washington and we would like to return to further explore everything. Last time we went in the summer. Does anyone have any knowledge of how cold it would be in the beginning of April? Is this a popular time to go such that it would be so packed that we wouldn't be able to enjoy it? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Christine]

Washington weather is funny. It could be 40 degrees in early-April or it could be 75 degrees. There is no way to know. We've even had some light snow in early-April. Although this winter has been extremely mild.

The D.C. area spring breaks are either the week before Easter or the week after Easter. The first week in April is generally Cherry Blossom time, so it does tend to get more crowded. You will probably pay top dollar for hotels and the lines and crowds at the museums will be worse, but it never gets as bad as "Christmas/Easter and Disney" crowds.

 

[WendyZ]

We went last year, the first week of April, during Cherry Blossom Festival. The weather was nice, don't remember the exact temps, but all we need were spring coats. The crowds were not bad either. It was our first time, so I am not sure how busy it gets. But I have been in worse crowds at Disney. The Cherry Blossom were just starting to come out as we left. Figures! However, we found this little court yard, it was behind the Smithsonian Castle. It was beautiful, the trees were out in full bloom and the smell!!!! Wonderful!!!

I would go again at the time in a heart beat. Other than the snow storm we hit coming from Michigan to Maryland.

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[caitycaity]

Washington weather is funny. It could be 40 degrees in early-April or it could be 75 degrees. There is no way to know. We've even had some light snow in early-April. Although this winter has been extremely mild.

The D.C. area spring breaks are either the week before Easter or the week after Easter. The first week in April is generally Cherry Blossom time, so it does tend to get more crowded. You will probably pay top dollar for hotels and the lines and crowds at the museums will be worse, but it never gets as bad as "Christmas/Easter and Disney" crowds.

i agree.

 

[Dreamer04]

Cherry blossoms!! Beautiful!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I love Washington DC in the spring! The cherry blossoms are very hit or miss. Last year we went to see them the very beginning or April (1st, I think) and they weren't quite out yet. We went back down a week later (8th I think) and they were in full bloom. They are worth the crowds for sure. The first time there (when they weren't quite in bloom yet) we stayed in DC for the day, went to see the Mickey statues that were being displayed, went to a museum, and ate lunch at the Old Post Office and it wasn't overly crowded. And that was one of our Spring Break days.

As for the weather, like has been mentioned, it really varies. Last year was chilly, but it can be hot. We were in NYC for part of our spring break last year (very end of March) and we froze--needed winter coats and gloves. I don't know if DC was quite that cold, but it can be. So far this year we've had warm weather so maybe that trend will continue.

 

[shortbun]

Go see the panda cub at the National Zoo!!!! We went over Christmas and the weather was cold/40 degree mornings but sunny. We got a "panda package" for cheap at the Omni Shoreham near the zoo and Rock Creek Park. I think the week after Easter is already heavily booked there because I checked when we came back just in case we wanted to return.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

we're thinking of going to DC in early March. I can't help with any advice or costs, but I sure hope you have a good time

 

[mchames]

Our spring break is also the first week of April. We're planning on driving up from Atlanta and will be spending a couple of days in Williamsburg and then head up to DC. I figure that it will be very crowded with the Cherry Blossom Festival going on. Hotels are very expensive that we week, so we've decided to stay with my sister in Myersville, MD and make day trips. We may also try to spend a day in Baltimore and/or a day in Philadelphia if the mood strikes us.

Both my husband and I went to college in DC and lived there for several years afterwards. We left in 1995, so we're kind of excited to bring our DD8 and DD6 and hopefully checkout some of our favorite old haunts... if they're still there. On that note, is there anyone familiar with Georgetown and know if Thomas Sweet Ice Cream (corner of Wisconsin & P Sts) is still there? I worked there for several years in college and unfortunately have lost contact with the owners and would love to bring my kids by there for a scoop of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough if they're still around. Thanks.

 

[Florida_Mom]

Yes, go!!! That time of year can be beautiful! Yes, there are tourists, but the Cherry Blossoms make up for it.

I lived in DC for a summer interning for a Senator about 17 years ago (OMG...I am getting sooooo old!) and it was hotter than Florida. DC in the springtime was divine when we were there. We took the kids, walked up and down the mall, found a place right on the mall where they were selling things (including coffee and hot chocolate) and had the best time! And yes, it was COLD.

My favorite memory was the night walking tour of the monuments we did. We walked them all...with a 3 year old in tow!! We started at the Capitol, walked past the Washington Monument and did a little detour over to the White House, back to the Lincoln Memorial, and then walked all the way over to the Jefferson Memorial (my fav). It was like 3 hours of walking, but so worth it!! The monuments were all lit up in a golden hue and it was just spectacular.

Have fun!