What to Wear in Washington DC

Washington is a city of suits on weekdays, but visitors can ignore that. Jeans and comfortable clothes are fine at every sight, and most restaurants are relaxed. The things that matter are your shoes and the weather.

Start with the shoes. A day on the Mall easily covers eight or ten miles, much of it on gravel paths that get dusty in dry weather and muddy after rain, and the Metro has some of the longest escalators in the Western Hemisphere. Bring comfortable shoes that are already broken in, and a second pair if you're staying more than a few days.

In summer, the humidity is the problem. Wear light, loose, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen, and carry a refillable water bottle. Then pack one warm layer, because museums, the Metro and restaurants run their air conditioning hard, and going from 33°C outside to a chilly gallery several times a day is tiring. Summer storms arrive fast, so a small umbrella or packable rain jacket helps.

Spring and autumn swing between warm afternoons and cool evenings. Layers solve it: a T-shirt, a light jumper and a jacket you can tie round your waist. In winter, bring a proper coat, a hat and gloves. The wind across the open Mall makes a cold day feel colder.

A few places ask for more. Arlington National Cemetery expects respectful dress and behaviour, and the Capitol tour and the Supreme Court have airport-style security, so leave large bags, food and anything sharp at the hotel. Smarter restaurants in Georgetown and downtown lean smart casual in the evening.

Packing list

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
• Light, breathable clothes and a hat for summer
• A light jumper or cardigan for air-conditioned museums
• A packable rain jacket or small umbrella
• A warm coat, hat and gloves from December to February
• A refillable water bottle
• A small bag that passes security checks easily
• A US plug adapter

For the weather month by month, see our best time to visit guide, and for how far you'll walk, our National Mall guide.